The Future of Work: Will Remote Jobs Survive the AI Wave?

The workforce is changing due to artificial intelligence (AI), and not always in a positive way. Many businesses are laying off employees in favor of ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot as they continue to use AI to increase efficiency.

According to Goldman Sachs analysts, AI might replace two-thirds of all jobs. However, the new technology is also creating several new positions, which could make the transition easier for impacted individuals.

However, some industry insiders and experts aren't overly concerned about AI's rise and aren't wowed by the technology. "In many ways, they're quite stupid," said Nick Clegg, the former president of global affairs at Meta, in an interview with the BBC about AI models. Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, thinks the current state of AI technologies is "wildly overhyped."

Not because the machines aren't getting up. The good news for most people who fear AI-powered technology will soon take their jobs is that they are increasing far more slowly than some of the more frenzied media headlines might have you believe.

Jobs That AI Could Replace

1. Customer Service Representative

As technologies like chatbots and virtual assistants manage a wider variety of consumer questions and requests, the customer service position is becoming increasingly automated. There are fewer employment opportunities in the customer service sector as a result of innovations like self-checkouts, which also diminish the value of human workers in environments like supermarkets.

2. Computer Programmer

Whether AI will replace jobs requiring a lot of writing has been raised by generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Programming uses simpler, more regimented language than human language, which demands far more originality and nuance. Because ChatGPT can already write code, there may be a decrease in entry-level programming positions.

3. Research Analyst

AI is capable of doing, at least in part, research-centric jobs like a financial analyst and a market research analyst. Large data sets can be processed using machine learning, which can also identify patterns and arrange its results into easily comprehensible images. Because of this, AI is perfect for rapidly providing teams with industry insights without requiring human involvement.

4. Financial Trader 

Market analysis and investor decision-making are the responsibilities of financial traders, although AI can complete this task far more quickly. In addition to being more precise than human workers, AI trading technology can forecast market movements. Financial trader positions may soon become obsolete due to these two considerations, as well as the fact that AI reduces employment costs.

5. Travel Advisor

For individualized advice and travel advice, travelers no longer have to depend on travel agents. AI can be used by travel platforms to power user searches and provide recommendations based on past queries. Travelers can also obtain the information they need without using a travel agency, thanks to experiences like virtual tours and online educational videos.

6. Data Entry Clerk

Entering, updating, and maintaining data in databases and internal systems is the responsibility of data entry clerks. AI systems, on the other hand, have demonstrated that they can interpret vast volumes of both organized and unstructured data reliably and more quickly than humans. AI may impact 38% of data input and business process occupations, according to consulting firm McKinsey & Co.

Jobs AI Won’t Replace

1. Therapist

By listening to people's issues and helping them process their emotions, thoughts, and feelings, therapists engage in a lot of emotional labor. AI isn't capable of fully understanding this facet of people. Additionally, human-led therapy is more important than ever to help those who feel stuck or alone in light of the growing mental health problem.

2. Lawyer

Even while AI has grown to be a significant component of the legal sector, it is unlikely that lawyers will be replaced by it anytime soon. To provide sound legal advice, attorneys are supposed to have a solid understanding of morals and ethics. Since AI lacks a human sense of "right" and "wrong," providing legal advice by AI presents several ethical issues.

3. HR Specialist

HR professionals are in charge of hiring, interviewing, and onboarding, which are all procedures that call for a great deal of individualized, human contact. AI might help review resumes, but it might not be able to provide the tact and consideration needed to handle situations like employee grievances, confidential inquiries about benefits, and layoffs.

4. Artist 

Although AI art generators are capable of creating excellent masterpieces, they are limited to using pre-existing artwork and styles. The fresh styles and concepts that propel innovation in the artistic environment are created by human artists. AI will continue to have an impact on artists' livelihoods, but human creativity is what makes art.

5. Social Worker

AI is unlikely to replace social workers anytime soon. Their work, which frequently involves members of marginalized or vulnerable groups, calls for human decency and discernment. Humans may be more equipped than artificial intelligence to comprehend people's particular conditions and assist them in navigating stressful situations.

How AI Will Create Jobs

Many humans are needed to train and improve AI algorithms to build AI itself. As a result, roles that did not previously exist are created. While AI ethics experts make sure AI is used properly, machine learning engineers are responsible for designing and managing AI systems.

Chou affirms that human labor is required. According to Chou, "the number of people required to deliver better and better technology grows massively." When it comes to AI, there is a constant need for data, training, maintenance, and handling any exceptions that may arise. How can we keep an eye on AI? How can we train it? How can we ensure that AI isn't acting erratically? All of those will become new positions.

AI is transforming occupations and the nature of professional labor rather than eradicating jobs. It's the same kind of effect that the internet had when it first launched. The CEO of the machine learning startup Skymind.AI, Chris Nicholson, has a similar perspective that dates back even further.

"Everyone uses this analogy, but a particular type of job vanished with the advent of the Industrial Revolution," Nicholson stated. But a lot of jobs were generated, including a lot of new ones. Therefore, if you consider, for example, England before and after the Industrial Revolution, it wasn't a less prosperous country with fewer jobs. Much more effort was involved, but it was different.

Conclusion

AI's effects on employment are a complex and dynamic subject. Although it's possible that some employment could be automated, technology developments have historically created new businesses and possibilities. Education, retraining, and adopting an adaptable mentality are crucial. Instead of worrying about losing their jobs, people and society need to get ready for the future and use AI to build a collaborative future where humans and computers can attain previously unheard-of levels of creativity and productivity.