Jun 29, 2025

Like you, the words “AI is coming for jobs” worry me. A great deal!

A few months ago, Duolingo — yes, the cute green owl that guilt-trips you into learning Spanish — announced it was going “AI-first.” Translation: Bye-bye to some beloved human roles, hello to machine learning models. Writers, designers, and contractors were reportedly let go. The internet? Did not take it well.

On Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and everywhere else people aired their professional heartbreak, cries of betrayal rang out: “I thought you were the good guys!” “You built your brand on people!” “Are we next?”

Duolingo isn’t alone. Klarna also replaced 700 customer service agents with ChatGPT. And IBM paused hiring for roles it believes AI can fill. Even Google has merged teams in anticipation of an AI-integrated future.

The sentiment is loud and clear: People are scared. And understandably so. But before you update your CV in a panic, let’s slow down and separate fear from fact. Bear in mind, my words aren’t gospel. I’m trying to make sense of the AI world we have found ourselves in too…

Let’s Talk About What’s Actually Happening

AI is replacing tasks, not necessarily jobs.

Yes, some roles are being phased out. But in many industries, AI is simply taking over the repetitive, mundane, and often soul-sucking parts of work — like sorting spreadsheets, writing templated emails, or handling tier-one customer queries. The point? Humans are being freed to do more valuable, strategic, emotionally intelligent work.

AI isn’t a wrecking ball. It’s more like a very fast assistant who never sleeps (but also doesn’t really understand sarcasm).

Where Are We Already Seeing AI Disruption?

  • Customer Support: AI chatbots are handling up to 80% of basic queries for big brands.
  • Retail and E-commerce: Product recommendations, copywriting, even some image generation are now AI-assisted.
  • Media & Publishing: BuzzFeed, CNET, and even some newsrooms are experimenting with AI-generated articles (with mixed results).
  • Marketing: Social media captions, email sequences, ad testing — AI is now the unpaid intern in most marketing teams.

Some of these sectors are where I have earned a paycheck from so I’m taking this very personally. Maybe I’m being naive but I do think with great automation comes great inaccuracy: we’ve already seen AI make factual blunders, copyright infringements, and content so boring it could put a goat to sleep. So, no AI isn’t pushing out the humans just yet.

Industries That Still Need the Human Touch

  • Healthcare: AI can diagnose, but it can’t hold your hand or explain things with empathy.
  • Education: Personalized tutoring is better with emotional intelligence and adaptability.
  • Legal and Compliance: AI can draft documents, but human judgment is still critical.
  • Creative Work: Great storytelling, humour, nuance — AI is getting better, but it’s still mimicking, not originating.
  • Mental Health & Social Work: Machines don’t do empathy. Yet.
  • Trades & Skilled Labour: Plumbers, electricians, mechanics, construction workers. Try asking ChatGPT to fix a leaking pipe.

So What Can You Do? A Few Things I’ll Advise

1. Become AI-Augmented, Not AI-Replaced

If you can’t beat the machine, learn to partner with it. Learn prompt engineering. Get comfortable using tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, Midjourney, Jasper, etc. Upskill with platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.

Be the person who knows how to use AI — not the one being replaced by it.

2. Double Down on Soft Skills

AI can write, but it can’t negotiate. It can design, but it can’t persuade a room full of stakeholders. Communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and critical thinking will always matter.

Start investing in skills that make you irreplaceable in team settings.

3. Follow the Tech

Pay attention to industries that are growing because of AI:

  • AI ethics & safety
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data annotation & AI auditing
  • Human-centered design
  • Tech policy & regulation

These aren’t just safe zones — they’re thriving ones.

4. Get Comfortable with Change

The most future-proof skill of all? Adaptability.

Stay curious. Learn fast. Don’t get stuck in “but this is how we’ve always done it” energy. Careers will look different. Roles will evolve. That’s not the apocalypse — it’s an opportunity.

Final Word

AI will change the workplace. That part is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to erase your livelihood. In fact, if you play it right, AI could enhance your career, your creativity, and your value.

So don’t panic. Pivot.

Disclaimer:
This content, also shared on Law Bants, is for information and entertainment purposes only. It reflects personal opinions and does not constitute legal advice or create a lawyer-client relationship. If you need professional legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.