The Rise of AI: The Good, The Bad, and the Really Ugly
As we wander through a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, it might feel like weâre one âIâll be backâ away from a workplace populated by Terminators. But before we start constructing our bunker full of tinfoil hats, letâs take a good look at whatâs really going on with careers in the age of AI. Spoiler alert: it's a mixed bag.
A recent study by McKinsey suggests that up to 375 million workers may need to switch occupational categories as a result of automation in the upcoming years. However, before you update your LinkedIn profile to "professional safecracker," remember that along with job losses come new opportunities. As AI continues to permeate industries, experts predict that about 69 million new jobs could be created by 2030. Itâs like a weird shuffle dance: slide to the right for job cuts, and step to the left for new roles.
Are You Productive Enough to Survive?
You might be thinking, âMy job wonât be affected; itâs safe.â Well, consider this: according to a Gartner report, nearly 70% of small businesses have already integrated some form of AI in their operations. People in fields like accounting, customer service, and even journalism are feeling the pressure to adapt or⊠enjoy leisurely mornings drinking matcha lattes while scrolling through job openings.
Now, if you thought AI's only role was to make our lives easier (or eerily predictive), think again. On one side, AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data to assist decision-making, automate repetitive tasks, and truly reflect the height of efficiency. On the flip side, it can also render certain tasks obsolete, leading to job displacements. Not great news for those of us still figuring out how to avoid "Reply All" emails.
Whatâs working in your favor is that a recent survey indicated that 80% of employees believe they would be more productive if they let AI take over mundane tasks. Imagine a day sans the headache of figuring out if that "quarterly report" is in Word or PDF format. Sounds wonderful, right?
Skills for the Future: Are You Ready?
As the AI revolution unfolds, experts agree that the key to survival in the job market is âadaptability.â So, dust off those learning materials and get ready to dive into upskilling. Online platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning are already hopping on this bandwagon, offering courses to get those skills up to speed
Think about it: recent data from the World Economic Forum shows that up to 54% of all employees will require significant reskilling by 2022. This isnât just about adding another line to your resumĂ©, but about transforming your skill set to remain competitive.
Curated skills in creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are set to be in high demand as we learn to coexist with our AI counterparts. Jobs that prioritize uniquely human skills will continue to exist. Plus, if you can master the art of navigating around your AI colleague's occasional technical malfunctions, youâll be golden.