With the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), we are witnessing the emergence of a new industry that will have a significant impact on many job categories.
Many roles, particularly ‘entry-level’ ones, are disappearing, leaving those not specialised in specific areas in the field at risk of losing their jobs.
This transition is likely to hit my generation in particular hard, straddling the pre-internet and internet era.
Some have embraced the change, immersing themselves in the new digital world, while others have remained in the analogue era.
As a result, many workers lack the necessary skills to cope with this impending change.
From November 2022 to May 2023, the innovation brought by AI has already fundamentally changed the way we approach work in many industries.
When I talk about change, I am not talking about a change that will happen in 10-20 years, but rather in a timeframe of only 3-5 years.
If your job involves the intensive use of a computer and human language, then you are potentially at risk.
Lawyers, accountants, legal and accounting assistants, insurance agents, translators and clerks, in general, could be particularly affected.
However, there are some exceptions.
If you do manual work, your skills are safer.
Also, if you possess very specialised knowledge, particularly in a scientific field, or if your work requires critical thinking, AI will not easily overtake you.
Despite the gloomy image that may emerge, there is a silver lining. While some jobs will disappear, many others will be created.
New professions will emerge in all industries, offering opportunities to those who are ready to adapt and innovate.
The best way to prepare for this job revolution is through education and continuous training.
Individuals and organisations must focus on soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, continuous learning and the ability to adapt to change.
The advent of AI is not a reason to despair, but an opportunity.
This requires a change of mindset, from a view of work as something static and immutable, to a view of work as a dynamic and constantly evolving process.
It is essential to be proactive in reacting to these changes.
This might mean investing in new skills or learning new technologies.
At the same time, it is crucial to value and cultivate human skills that AI cannot easily replicate – such as creativity, empathy and moral judgement.
Ultimately, the age of AI may not be the end of work as we know it, but the beginning of a new chapter, as some jobs disappear, many others will be born, bringing with them new opportunities for those who are ready to embrace change.
