Research shows that technology is moving so fast that automation and AI will replace around 30% of people’s jobs by the year 2030. That’s roughly a billion people worldwide. To compare how much a billion people are, that’s like every employed person in North, Central, and South America becoming jobless by the end of the decade.
Good thing about this is that, as the downsizing in many industries happens due to tech advancements and automation implementation, new jobs will become available. The only issue is that people will need to requalify and learn new skills to be competitive and qualified for these jobs.
How do automation and Artificial Intelligence actually take people’s jobs, anyway? Are there robots lurking behind office corners? Is there software not responding to make us feel bad? No, we’re still not living inside a Hollywood Sci-Fi movie, and what is happening to you with your work’s computer is merely a coincidence. There’s no evil plot or a conspiracy against you.
The process is happening actively
Although we may not realize it, the replacement process is happening as we speak. The little things around us are what the baby steps of this automation revolution look like. You know how front office doors now have a code to enter? That’s one guard from the security team being downsized.
You feel safer at the office knowing that not everyone’s allowed inside, and the guards actually have a much easier job now, even though possible thieves are outnumbering them. The machine is doing all the work for them.
Most sophisticated monitoring machines and security cameras are now made with AI that has the capacity to recognize potential threats. Some companies already implement complex smart systems inside homes and offices that can neutralize burglars and criminals without any human assistance. All this is robotizing and taking away people’s jobs.
We are all using the benefits of automation daily
Although it may sound scary for some, we’re all using these systems daily. Our lives are better because of them, and companies make more revenue allowing them to pay us higher paychecks. Think about what you’re using on your smartphone and computer actively.
Your company is surely using a timesheet reporting software that tracks what everyone’s working on, perfectly schedules meetings, and allows seamless communication between colleagues. You also surely use apps like Uber, Amazon, and others daily. These apps use complex AI software and automation to provide the services and goods we need.
Why is AI so useful?
Think about how fast you can find information in the Encyclopedia you had on the shelf in your room when you were a child and how fast Google can do it. We’re talking about thousands of times faster in favor of artificial intelligence.
There’s no chance for humans to compete with robots. Artificial intelligence is being implemented everywhere around us. AI is slowly replacing all jobs. We’re talking everyone – from accountants to content writers to lawyers.
AI software and automated robots ask for no paychecks every month, they are reliable and obedient, they don’t need paid leave, they don’t ask for a raise, and they never complain about the tasks they receive. Robots execute orders instantly. It’s only normal that companies are looking forward to implementing these tech advancements.
How to keep your job?
Some of the first jobs to entirely disappear from the job role map are support, bookkeepers, receptionists, couriers, proofreaders, market research analysts, etc. The good thing is that technology is still not advanced enough to do this immediately.
That gives you a couple of years to reshape your portfolio. Check out some online courses about jobs that will grow in popularity in the future. Aim for jobs that computers can’t do. Think math, computer science, programming, data engineering, etc. Those are the jobs of the future.
Conclusion
Although predictions say AI will destroy the workforce as we know it, it will create even more jobs. The only difference is they will be different from what job roles are today. Simultaneously, tech advancements will create a more exciting future and allow businesses to be more efficient. Not only should we not stop AI, but we need to incentivize its growth, of course, in a controlled environment.
