Yes, AI Will Replace Jobs: Here’s How to Prepare
By Beren Goguen (human)
I auto-delete about 96% of email newsletters that hit my inbox (because unsubscribing is arduous and I’m lazy).
And those are written by humans.
Pretty soon, when half of all emails are composed by AI, that number will likely jump to 99%.
Thankfully, I still get to read emails from Ann Handley, a steadfast content marketing and copywriting authority known for her witty, upbeat humor and no-BS style (and someone who will surely never rely on a chatbot ghostwriter).
Ann’s most recent letter addressed the coming AI revolution, which has a lot of professional writers justifiably nervous.
She started by sharing a tweet:
“AI is going to nuke the bottom third of performers in jobs done on computers — even creative ones — in the next 24 months.”
The tweet went on to say that salaries will plummet as organizations get drastically smaller.
“Old, slow” people will get replaced by “half-priced young folks.”
Hmm. Doesn’t that happen anyway?
Ann lightens the mood by poking fun at the alarmist language and hyperbole, but then drops some genuine advice:
Staying nimble and learning new skills will be critical in the coming months and years.
↑ This advice cannot be emphasized enough. ↑
Keep Learning or Become Obsolete
Your education shouldn’t stop (or slow down to a tiny trickle) after you finish school.
Becoming a lifelong learner isn’t just good advice when computer algorithms are gunning for your job. It’s solid advice for your entire lifespan, regardless of your industry or profession.
People that continuously evolve and learn new skills are essential in the modern workforce.
Meanwhile, stagnant people become obsolete.
Technology has put millions of people out of jobs over the last century, and that trend will continue – and likely on a shorter timeline.
AI and related technologies will eliminate jobs. It’s a guarantee.
We just don’t know how fast it will happen.
Step 1: Learn, Learn, and Learn Some More
I hire people as part of my job, and I look for fellow learners.
All hiring managers seek candidates with the capacity to be molded and developed by training. And what’s the best way to show you’re willing to learn?
Never stop!
Learn about AI and related technologies. Stay up with the most cutting-edge scientific and tech developments in your industry. Follow progressive leaders and innovators in your vertical. Be the most informed, forward-looking person in your workplace, and you will weather the coming storm much better than that guy who just keeps his head down, does his job, and doesn’t grow or push himself.
If you’re a programmer, learn project management (useful in every industry) or cybersecurity or machine learning.
If you’re a copywriter, learn about marketing automation software or CRM or UX.
If you’re a 2D artist or designer, start learning about 3D modeling or 3D printing or animation or videography.
Become a better writer and all-around communicator. Take a public speaking or leadership course.
Learn a new organizational tool.
Read more (and explore new genres and topics).
I highly recommend this incredible primer on human history.
Diversify your brain assets.
Step 2: Don’t Skip the Soft Skills
All the business and tech knowledge in the world won’t help if you completely lack “people skills,” a.k.a. soft skills.
Learn about how people collaborate and communicate effectively. Build your charisma skillset to become more influential without being overbearing. Read up on mindfulness and stoic philosophy. Get better at managing your finances (and your stress). Get healthier, both mentally and physically.
Professional and personal development overlap, and will both translate into making you a more well-rounded and employable human being.
Is AI Good or Bad?
Artificial intelligence won’t just kill jobs. It will also create new ones (although likely not as many as it displaces). However, AI will also empower people to work faster and more efficiently, freeing us from having to perform menial tasks at work, which hopefully results in putting energy toward work that creates a bigger impact.
To quote Ann Handley: “Asking if AI writing tools are good or bad is like asking if the Gutenberg press is good or bad or asking if the internet itself is good or bad.”
Few people could have predicted how massively the internet would forever change our economy, workforce, and society. The world wide web killed a lot of jobs, especially in sectors like retail. But it also created a lot more jobs. (And brick-and-mortar retail still exists).
AI may not create as many new jobs as it destroys, but it could fundamentally change the ways we use technology on a level that offsets its negative impact – if it’s regulated to mitigate shady business practices.
Ultimately, AI is only as good or bad as we design it to be (at least until the singularity, but that’s several decades away – or is it?)
Don’t Get Stuck Coasting
ChatGPT stands for “Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer.”
AI is great at transforming and iterating data that already exists.
It’s not as great at originating (although it will likely get better at that in the coming years).
So, work on becoming an amazing originator and innovator. Work on continually building new skills/knowledge that will make you more valuable in your current job and the next one.
Ultimately, never stop learning and growing into a diverse, well-rounded jack of many trades. Because even if your job does get eliminated, your diverse skills/knowledge can only help you in the future.
Good luck.
