As a Career Coach, it makes total sense that I should weigh in on existentialism. Right? Well, I have my own concerns about the introduction of AI into the world and what it means for humankind, from an ethical and economic perspective but also for the workforce. The buzzing fears that echo in many online spaces raises these questions: 

• How will AI affect jobs?
• What type of jobs will (and won’t) be affected by AI?
• What type of jobs will AI create?
• What can we do to prepare for the new job market?

Naturally, I spend a lot of time thinking about the journey of finding purpose and meaning in life. I love helping others find their purpose, whether that's within or outside of their careers. The existence of AI invites us to contemplate fundamental questions about purpose, consciousness, agency, relationships, and the search for meaning in this technologically-driven world. Even Elon Musk called emerging AI “our greatest existential threat”. Engaging in these conversations can allow us to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationship with technology, and our values as we continue to navigate the economic, societal (and existential) implications of AI.

However, many people view AI as not just a threat to finding purpose, but also the ability to clearly navigate their careers - as if that wasn’t challenging already. To those same people, the arguments saying we should ‘be allies to artificial intelligence’ rather than adversaries seem like conformist propaganda. Am I right? We shouldn’t dismiss these concerns and fears so easily.

How will AI affect jobs?

IBM states that “Artificial intelligence leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind.” The word Mimic is the operative word here. Imitation is not the same as the real thing. Although AI has a tremendous ability for complex thinking (yes, I said thinking), it has a very limited ability for creative thought. However, we should leave room for our definition of artificial intelligence to change as technology and our understanding of it does. 

No matter how hard they try, AI can never replace humans. There are skills and abilities humans possess that are irreplaceable and priceless. This is where soft skills can shine more than ever.  Jobs that require empathy, complex problem-solving, and human connection are likely to remain in high demand, reinforcing the importance of honing these uniquely-human skills.

AI has and will continue to transform the job market

While certain job roles may be susceptible to automation, it's crucial to distinguish between job displacement and job transformation. AI may eliminate certain tasks within a job, but it often leads to the creation of new roles that complement and support AI systems. Adaptability and upskilling become paramount in navigating this shift, allowing individuals to stay relevant and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The opportunities AI creates

AI isn’t the threat we think it is. While we must acknowledge and address potential ethical concerns and ensure responsible development, painting AI as a destructive force only hinders us from fully embracing the benefits it can bring to society. Imagine a future where AI-driven technologies revolutionize industries, streamline processes, and unleash human creativity. From healthcare to education, transportation to entertainment, AI can open the door to a new era of possibilities. By automating repetitive tasks, AI frees up human potential, allowing us to focus on higher-level thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. It empowers us to tackle some of humanity's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, disease eradication, and resource management. 

When it comes to underserved communities, AI also democratizes access to information and services; which can level the playing field. It can act as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary collaborations, bringing together experts from diverse fields to tackle complex issues collaboratively. The ethical development of AI ensures that it reflects our collective values, fostering a society where fairness, inclusivity, and empathy are paramount. 

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides, transforming many industries and revolutionizing the way we work. As AI continues to advance, it's natural to wonder whether this will eventually replace human workers altogether. Knowing that it can never do that, let’s be proactive in thinking about how we can leverage AI societally, financially and economically. 

So what should we keep in mind as current or future job seekers, or people who are concerned about AI’s impact on their current careers? 

• We can utilize AI as a tool in our current roles or to create new ones.
• It can positively transform the job market.
• We can view AI as an ally rather than a threat so that we can position ourselves for success in this ever-changing technological world. 
• Due to AI, opportunities are emerging every day, which means we still can perhaps more efficiently identify our passions, strengths and careers that fit who we are.
• We can position ourselves for success and unlock new career opportunities in this new era of technology.