In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced, and we can see it transforming various aspects of our lives. One of the most significant areas of impact is the way we work. As AI becomes increasingly capable and sophisticated, it has the potential to take over certain jobs currently performed by humans. At the same time, it can also enhance human capabilities in other domains. Today, I want to explore the types of jobs AI can replace, the jobs it cannot replicate, and how AI can assist humans in performing their roles more efficiently.
Jobs that are Not Safe
First, let’s talk about the bogeyman, the way that AI can take jobs from humans. It’s well known that AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data and learn from it makes it adept at automating repetitive and routine tasks. Jobs that involve predictable patterns and well-defined algorithms are particularly susceptible to being replaced by AI systems. One example we’ve seen for quite some time is manufacturing and assembly line jobs. AI-powered robots can efficiently perform repetitive tasks in manufacturing and assembly processes with greater precision and consistency than humans. They don’t get injured or need bathroom, lunch, or smoke breaks. On the opposite end of the spectrum is data entry and analysis. AI algorithms can quickly process and analyze large datasets, making them proficient in tasks such as data entry, financial analysis, and market research. A third example is customer support. AI chatbots are increasingly being used to handle customer queries and complaints, providing real-time responses and improving overall customer service. This could actually solve problems for customers whose calls are often routed overseas, but it’s a fair bet that the truly difficult problems (and customers) will end up speaking to a real person.
Jobs that are Safe
There are certain jobs that cannot be done by AI. While AI excels at specific tasks, there are crucial human skills that AI lacks. Jobs that require emotional intelligence, creativity, complex decision-making, and empathy are beyond the current capabilities of AI. I’ve read mixed opinions from people working in creative professions. AI may be able to generate art or music, but it lacks the emotional depth and human touch that artists and musicians infuse into their work. AI has provided tools (think Photoshop and Autotune) that add additional creative touches to pieces of work, while the underlying work is still that of the artist. Additionally, therapy and counseling will still require the human touch. The empathetic and understanding nature of human therapists and counselors cannot be replicated by AI, as they build trust and provide emotional support to their clients. Furthermore, strategic leadership, with its complex decision-making requirement in dynamic environments, will be hard to replicate with AI. Business strategy and high-level policymaking requires human intuition and adaptability, which AI currently cannot match.
How AI Can Help Humans Do Some Jobs Better
Rather than being solely a threat to jobs, AI can also be a powerful tool that enhances human capabilities and productivity. By assisting humans in various tasks, AI can enable us to focus on higher-value activities. For example, AI can aid medical professionals in diagnosing diseases more accurately and recommending personalized treatment plans based on extensive patient data. Also, AI-powered language translation tools can facilitate communication between people who speak different languages, breaking down language barriers and fostering global collaboration. (I used this to convey my husband’s instructions to our Hispanic construction foreman recently. The instructions were complex and had to be precisely executed, and I didn’t trust my rudimentary Spanish skills. With my ChatGPT-generated translation of my husband’s instructions, the crew was able to execute the instructions perfectly.) Finally, AI tools can serve as creative aids, providing novel ideas and insights that can inspire human creators to take their work to new heights. I have created a list of blog post ideas I want to explore using AI. The writing is still mine to do, but once I have the ideas, the words flow.
What Do You Need to Know to Survive the AI Incursion?
The advent of AI and automation raises concerns about job displacement and societal disruption. However, history has shown that technological advancements also create new opportunities and job roles. To ensure a smooth transition, focus on the things within your control. One area that will benefit you even absent a Robot Revolution is upskilling and reskilling. Encouraging individuals to acquire new skills and adapt to the changing job landscape will be key to staying relevant in the AI-driven world. You may also find a new career or a new path within your current career. It will also be helpful to consider the possibilities for collaboration between humans and AI. Emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, where AI assists and enhances human work rather than replacing it, will be essential. We also need to ensure that during the transition phase, we have adequate social safety nets. While it is true that new technologies bring new job opportunities, they also sweep the floor of the ones they replace. We may not know today exactly which safety nets will be most effective, but it’s important to put something in place soon, such as universal basic income or other social welfare programs to help ease the transition for those affected by job displacement.
It’s evident that the future of work will be shaped significantly by AI, and AI will lead to job transformations and new opportunities. While certain jobs may be taken over by AI, human skills like creativity, empathy, and complex decision-making will remain invaluable. By embracing AI as a tool for augmentation and making strategic choices, we can harness its potential to create a better and more efficient working world.
I can heartily recommend a book called The Robots are Coming by John Pugliano as a tool to help assess your readiness for this brave new world and understand the adjustments you may need to make. The link goes to Amazon, and I don’t have any affiliation with the author or with Amazon. It’s just a great book that may help you navigate the present and the future.