Everywhere I go lately, people ask the same question:

“Will AI take my job?”

Sometimes, they even feel anxious or at least honestly worried about it.

The truth is that artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work.

With automation and machine learning becoming more prevalent, it’s understandable to feel apprehensive about the future of work and your career.

However, it’s important to note that AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its impact on employment will differ depending on the industry, specific job and skills.

Here, I will explore the impact of AI on various industries, the jobs most likely to be affected, and the skills you need to survive and thrive in the future job market.

What changes does AI bring?

 

Photo by Markus Winkler / Unsplash

AI is not a new technology. It has been growing continuously in the last decade, and many online apps and tools that we are using are based on it.

But the tremendous rapid growth of ChatGPT, as well as the development of similar AI models in the past few months, has overwhelmed most people.

And the truth is that it can be overwhelming and stressful if you test them and see for yourself the results that they can generate in no time.

Then if you also check a few of the stats published in the field, things could get worse.

For example, a report by the McKinsey Global Institute has stated that automation could displace up to 800 million jobs by 2030. And another study by PwC also reports that AI is estimated to displace up to 40% of jobs by 2030.

However, new opportunities may arise too. As a study by the World Economic Forum predicts, by 2025, AI will create 133 million new jobs while displacing 75 million jobs.

So it’s a matter of perspective in many aspects.

But, indeed, AI is already affecting the job market, and the impact will be even more significant in the coming years.

In particular, AI is already transforming the job market by:

• Automating repetitive tasks
• Producing original ideas and creating written content in seconds
• Enhancing decision-making through advanced data analysis and pattern recognition
• Enabling new ways of communication, collaboration, and problem-solving

So yes, some industries may experience massive changes in the coming years.

Jobs under threat from AI

 

Photo by Levart_Photographer / Unsplash

Not all industries will be affected equally by this AI revolution.

And the truth is that no one knows which ones will be affected first.

Do you know why?

Because, every year, the predictions on which industries AI will affect first are different. No one has the answer to that.

Examples:

• Everyone thought that manufacturing, transportation, and customer service are the ones under the most significant threat. But ChatGPT showed that “digital workers” may be affected first.
• Most people believed that creative jobs, like artists and designers, are safe. But new AI models like DALL-E and Midjourney prove them wrong (check the original photo on the top. I created it on Midjourney by giving it the prompt “AI revolution transforming the world”. Mind-blowing).

So no one really knows which industries will be affected first. We can only make guesses.

However, to clarify things, I asked ChatGPT to do the job, and tell me which jobs and relevant traits will be threatened by AI models like itself in the next 10 years.

This is the result that it gave me:

1. Content writers / Copywriters
2. Customer service agents
3. Translators
4. Proofreaders
5. Social media managers
6. Digital marketing specialists
7. PR specialists
8. Researchers
9. Data entry clerks
10. Online tutors
11. Community managers
12. Developers

These are only some jobs, though. If you don’t see your profession on the list, it doesn’t mean you won’t be affected.

For example, if I ask ChatGPT the same question but change the threat from ChatGPT models to AI in general, this is what it gives me:

• Perform repetitive tasks
• Don’t take creative decisions
• Produce content/results that can be easily substituted
• Produce projects that can be automated
• Get paid for your time

The last one is big, and it needs a whole new post, but consider this:

If there is indeed an AI vs human battle that humans certainly lose, it is this of the time required to complete a particular task.

Start getting paid for your results and not your time.

Skills that you need to stay relevant

 

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We could try to list specific jobs that are relatively safer from AI disruption than others, but I think that’s meaningless.

Instead, mentioning some skills or traits every professional needs in the AI era is essential.

So, to stay relevant in the age of automation, it’s crucial to develop the following skills:

Critical thinking and problem-solving

As AI automates routine tasks, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems will be increasingly important.

Emotional intelligence

Empathy, interpersonal skills, and the ability to understand and manage emotions will be essential in jobs that involve human interaction.

Creativity and innovation

The ability to generate new ideas and think outside the box will be in high demand as businesses seek to adapt and innovate in the face of AI-driven disruption.

Technical AI skills – Prompt engineering

Developing technical skills, such as AI programming, prompt engineering, data analysis, and AI research, can open up new opportunities in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Lifelong learning

Embrace a growth mindset and commit to continuous learning as the job market and required skills will continue to evolve.

Conclusion

 

Photo by Brett Jordan / Unsplash

While AI is undoubtedly changing the job market and posing a threat to specific jobs, it also presents opportunities for growth and innovation.

For example, since ChatGPT came into our lives a few months ago, I jumped right in and tested it.

Since then, I have used it almost daily, and it has helped me be more productive and work faster and smarter.

That doesn’t mean I am not worried about the changes AI technology will bring to my career in the upcoming years (as you saw before, jobs like copywriting and content marketing will be seriously affected by AI in the following years).

But I approach it with curiosity, not fear. I try to upskill myself and learn how to use AI in my favor, without demonizing it.

If you want to not be left behind, I suggest you embrace it as well.

Doing that while also developing the essential skills mentioned above will help you stay relevant in the age of automation.