Will AI take my job? This is a question I get asked all the time when people find out I work with and write about AI. To help them figure it out, I usually ask a few questions in return. The first one is pretty simple: How much do you know about AI?
How Much Do You Know About AI?
AI is advancing fast, and people are debating whether it’s good or bad for jobs. The truth is, if you don’t know much about AI, it’s easy to believe that it might replace all our jobs. While AI does make some jobs easier, and sometimes even replaces them, it also creates new opportunities. Knowing more about AI could make a big difference in whether or not you keep your job in the future.
What is AI’s Impact on Employment?
AI is already being used by big businesses, and you probably hear a lot about downsizing on the news. Yes, AI has replaced some jobs, but it has also created new ones. AI is especially common in areas like transportation, retail, and even the military. For example, AI helps soldiers work remotely, which reduces their risk of getting hurt. A 2024 study showed that AI is very good at handling routine and repetitive tasks, which puts some jobs, like those in manufacturing and office work, at risk.
Author Dave Bond says that AI is changing how we work with machines. As AI continues to grow, it will be a bigger part of our lives. Some jobs might go away, but others will be created to handle new opportunities.
What Jobs Are at Risk?
Is your job at risk? Some jobs are more likely to be replaced by AI because they are repetitive and follow a predictable pattern. The World Economic Forum reports that about 26 million jobs could disappear in the next three years. Jobs in fields like education, health services, business services, and hospitality might be at risk. Specifically, roles like secretaries, librarians, dietitians, speech therapists, customer service representatives, fast-food workers, hotel concierges, and travel agents could be vulnerable.
But here’s a surprise: even doctors could be replaced by AI. You might be wondering why. Being a doctor seems like a job we’d always need, right? Well, it depends. Since the pandemic, many people have chosen telehealth over visiting the doctor in person. What if an AI doctor is offered as another option? It might be cheaper, more accessible, and could even provide a very personalized plan for care. AI can learn a lot about someone’s life quickly and create a custom care solution, something that can be hard for busy doctors to do. Some people will still prefer human doctors, but others may choose AI doctors, which could lead to fewer jobs in the medical field.
How is AI a Productivity Enhancer?
The main question isn’t whether AI can replace jobs, but rather if it should. In some cases, like for patients who prefer speed and accuracy over empathy, AI could be the better choice. Many companies see AI as a way to boost productivity, not necessarily as a job replacement. A study by Index Ventures found that most European tech startups think AI will help them grow, rather than cause them to cut jobs. In fact, half of the companies surveyed expect to hire more people as they use AI.
AI is making growth possible in areas like software engineering and product development. While some jobs, like marketing and customer service roles, may be reduced, AI is helping people focus on more complex tasks that need a human touch. Companies like DataSnipper are using AI to make jobs like auditing more attractive by getting rid of boring, repetitive tasks. This perspective shows that AI can help workers and make jobs more rewarding.
How Comfortable Are You with Adapting to AI?
The real question is: how willing are you to adapt to AI? If you don’t want anything to do with it, your job could be at risk. But if you are open to learning, we could be heading into a much more productive future. A recent poll found that 88% of Gen Z employees use AI for their jobs, which helps them avoid “task paralysis” and work more efficiently. This study, done by Google Workspace, asked over 1,000 young leaders (ages 22 to 39) about their work habits. Both Gen Z and Millennials are using AI every day for tasks like drafting emails and taking notes. This not only makes them more productive but also helps them focus on bigger, more strategic projects.
Using AI also allows young professionals to grow in their careers faster. This doesn’t have to be just for younger generations. We all have the ability to learn about AI and how it can help us in both our personal and work lives. AI is transforming how we work, making collaboration easier, and helping leaders work more effectively.
Conclusion
AI is likely to automate some jobs, which could mean fewer roles for certain people. But it also creates new opportunities and boosts productivity. The impact of AI on jobs will depend on how willing businesses and workers are to adapt. Reskilling and using AI as a helpful tool is key to reducing job losses and making the most of AI in the workplace.
So, are you willing to learn how AI can help you become a better worker and keep your job?
