Will AI Take Over Our Jobs?

I asked AI whether it will take over jobs and this was it’s answer:

The impact of AI on jobs is a complex and debated topic. While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and change the nature of work, the overall effect on jobs is not necessarily negative. Let’s examine the different perspectives.

1. Job Automation: AI can automate repetitive, mundane, or predictable tasks, which may lead to the displacement of some jobs. For example, tasks like data entry, assembly line work, or customer support can be automated to some extent. However, it’s important to note that automation doesn’t always mean complete job replacement. In many cases, it can augment human workers and improve productivity.
2. Job Creation: AI also has the potential to create new jobs. As AI technology advances, new roles are emerging in fields such as AI development, data science, machine learning, and robotics. Additionally, the deployment and maintenance of AI systems require human expertise, leading to job opportunities in those areas.
3. Job Transformation: Rather than completely replacing jobs, AI often transforms them. By automating repetitive tasks, AI can free up human workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs. For example, AI can assist doctors in diagnosing diseases, but it cannot replace their expertise and empathy in patient care.
4. New Industries and Opportunities: AI has the potential to spur the creation of entirely new industries and opportunities. As AI technology evolves, it can lead to the development of innovative products and services, creating demand for new job roles that we may not even anticipate today.

While AI may impact certain job sectors, historical trends show that technology has generally led to increased productivity, economic growth, and the creation of new jobs. However, it’s crucial to address potential job displacements through proactive measures like education and reskilling programs, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the changing demands of the job market. Overall, the effects of AI on jobs are complex and depend on various factors such as the specific industry, job type, and the readiness of the workforce to adapt to technological advancements.

Ok, so whilst this does seem reassuring, I am still not 100% eased with the answer. Nor does it ease the minds of many job seekers out there.

For individuals who are looking at starting a career or considering a career change, they would consider industries that are recession proof…and now, they may need to start considering industries that are AI proof too.

I would like to discuss the roles AI mentioned it may take over.  

Let’s start with Data Entry. This is a predominately female held position where women makeup 83% of the workforce. Why does this matter? Because today we have yet to find balance between men and women in the workplace, and removing a role which is mainly female orientated is creating one more hurdle for this gender.

The average age for this role is 40. Whilst 40 is still considered young, it is not as attractive as someone in their 20s, limiting employment opportunities even further for these individuals.

This is also a role which does not require any qualifications, it is very sedentary work too. Why does that matter? If AI takes over these “mundane tasks” as it says, it will leave a larger population of individuals who are not educated (50.66% of the Australian population), may have physical problems to do labour intensive work, and struggle to find a role that will not discriminated against age.

The Milk Man can easily transition to becoming a Post Man. But what is the transition from Data Entry? Any transferable skill from that role to another, will be at risk of being replaced by AI as well, such as Customer Service. Logically speaking, a customer service based role could be an alternative position for anyone in Data Entry. However, AI has informed Customer Service is on its radar too. AI can answer the phone, it can send a letter, it can generate a script, it can write a blog, create a Instagram post – let us not be fooled by the extent of what AI can truly do.

78.81% of the Australian population work in customer service based roles. That is a massive number of the population who may be having a face-off with AI to fight for their jobs. Even if AI does not take over every single position, it will reduce the amount of staff required. Meaning, more will become unemployed.

I can understand from a companies perspective – it will be cutting costs. However, let us look at the bigger picture – if the majority of the population is struggling to find employment, then they will be struggling to pay for products and services, leaving many organisations falling short in sales.

Additionally, with the idea of AI creating new jobs to support it, is not something to get overly excited about. Not everyone is technically able and capable to work in an IT based role. It may open jobs, however, very limiting positions indeed. The main industry in which Australians work in is at risk of being taken over. So whilst we all think “hey, it is only mundane tasks”, we need to consider how many of us are actually in such roles and how many will be impacted.

Today, I would be taking a critical and serious look at the industry I am working in and see how AI can and will impact it. Will you be working together or will it be stabbing you in the back one day and take over your job?

If you need help in identifying the right career path for you, then reach out to us. We have a comprehensive Career Coaching Service. 

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