Is AI Actually Going to Take Your Job Someday?

The Elephant in the Room

"Will AI take my job?" This question, along with "Will AI end humanity?", is one of the top concerns many people have today.

If you're asking, "Will I still have a job in two years? Will it be the same job? What can I do to keep my job safe? Should I be worried?" you are not alone. These questions are echoed in news outlets, workplaces, and boardrooms everywhere.

A common narrative on social media over the past two years has been, "AI won't take your job. Someone who knows how to use AI will." CNBC reiterated this recently. While this holds true in the near term, it's crucial to zoom out and consider the bigger picture. Not having this honest conversation is detrimental.

The Reality of AI and Job Displacement

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has expressed frustration about the reluctance to acknowledge AI's potential impact on jobs. In a discussion with Sally Kornbluth, President of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he stated:

I’ve been reminding myself of this daily, since last year. Every monumental new technology brings change. The Inudstrial Resolution saw the shift from manual labor and artisanal craftsmanship to mechanized manufacturing. Technologies like the steam engine and the power loom revolutionized industries such as textiles and manufacturing. While it did displace traditional jobs, it also led to the creation of new roles in factories and significantly increased production capabilities.

So, why is there an alternative narrative suggesting AI won't take any jobs? The reasons vary:

1. Sheer Optimism: Some believe automation will create new opportunities without significant replacement.

2. Strict Legal Guidelines: They work for entities with specific communication strategies.

3. Honest Survival: They want to protect their jobs.

4. Hopefulness: They hope AI will push us towards more creative, strategic roles.

5. Limited Data: They repeat what trusted sources have said.

6. Desire to Sound “Cool”: Following trends without deep understanding.

The Scale and Timeline of AI's Impact

The phrase "AI won’t replace you, a person using AI will" needs scrutiny regarding scale and timeline. Does this belief hold for all roles, regions, experience levels, and pay grades? The pace of AI innovation is unpredictable.

It's better to assume bigger shifts and plan for change than to rely on stability. Here are my predictions for AI's impact:

1. Increase in Some Roles: More AI and ML roles, like data scientists and AI ethicists, will be needed to develop, refine, and govern these systems.

2. Augmentation of Roles: Many roles will become AI-first versions, utilizing AI for various tasks like content creation, campaign optimization, and document review.

3. Decrease in Routine Roles: Jobs with highly predictable tasks, like junior-level data entry, might diminish. This raises questions about career growth and the transition from education to employment.

4. Creation of New Roles: Expect new positions like AI Operations Manager. The world is changing fast, and new job families will be created.

5. Human Elements in the Spotlight: As AI reshapes the workplace, anticipate a surge in interest in the humanities, philosophy, and other studies of the human condition. This growing demand highlights the uniquely human elements that AI cannot replicate—critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly valuable as technology advances.

6. Impact on Hundreds of Millions: Predictions vary, but the scale could affect 10-25% of the global employed population. For example, a 2020 World Economic Forum report predicted a net gain of 12 million jobs by 2035. However, more recent estimates suggest that up to 300 million jobs could be lost or diminished by 2030.

7. Timeline of Decades: We might face 20-50 years of job market instability before reaching a new equilibrium.

Preparing for an AI-Driven Workforce

To prepare for the AI-driven workforce, you need both a near-term and long-term strategy.

Near-Term Strategy

1. Familiarize Yourself with AI Tools: Start integrating AI into your daily work. Explore tools like ChatGPT, AI content creation, and campaign optimization. Understanding these tools will keep you competitive.

2. Continuous Learning: Read AI feeds, explore new tools, and stay updated on the latest developments. Treat this as a scheduled task.

3. Hands-On Practice: Experiment with AI in a dedicated virtual environment. This helps you understand AI’s capabilities and limitations.

4. Share Knowledge: Collaborate with your team and share AI learnings. Use platforms like Slack for discussion and resource sharing.

Long-Term Strategy

1. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Maintain an open mind, leverage available resources, stay curious, and be willing to pivot. Understand that the productivity equation is changing, and focus on creating value beyond routine tasks.

2. Cultivate Resilience: Embrace failure as part of the learning process. Building resilience will help you navigate the uncertainties and challenges brought about by AI advancements.

Final Thoughts

The AI age is here, rapidly advancing, and it's not slowing down. Waiting for someone else to guide you is risky. By starting now and honing your skills, you’ll be ready to thrive in the AI-powered world of work.

The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: AI will reshape the job market profoundly. Let's build our AI muscles, one smart move at a time.