Currently in 2025, writers are using ChatGPT, designers are using MidJourney, and coders already have AI integrated into their IDEs or even tools like Devin. So, will these jobs even be needed in the future or will AI do everything that you are doing now?
Types of Jobs
Basically there are three types of Jobs currently in market
- Physical manual labor jobs
- Intelligent-based jobs
- Managerial jobs
Ever since the rise of technology, we have been told that tech would primarily replace physical manual labor. A 1983 New York Times article stated that “the factory of the future may be literally dehumanized,” and that if factories become computerized, many workers will be laid off.
1. Lessons from the History
To understand the current scenario we should go back to the early 1800s. At that time, the textile workers in England, known as the Luddites, relied on hand looms for a job. The Industrial Revolution introduced automated looms, which threatened the livelihoods of many skilled craftsmen. Initially they rebelled by destroying the machines in protest.
But despite losing their original roles, the Luddites eventually found new opportunities. Many adapted by working in the operation of new machines, while others shifted to industries like transportation, coal mining, and steel production, which grew with the rise of factories. This phenomenon is known as the Luddite fallacy, which has repeated throughout history. For example, in the 1980s, the introduction of spreadsheets and computers meant that some accounting jobs became obsolete. But these same workers found new opportunities in the expanding tech landscape. Similarly, ATMs replaced bank tellers, but the increase in ATMs led to a rise in the number of bank branches—and, in turn, new job opportunities
2. White-Collar Jobs at Risk
Today’s white-collar jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI. Right now AI excels at solving complex problems and performing repetitive cognitive tasks. It can analyze massive datasets, detect patterns, and solve problems more efficiently than humans. Tasks like document review or portfolio management are also done much faster by AI.
My own job as a Manager is at risk. I’m responsible for problem-solving, decision-making, and setting frameworks for the team to achieve goals. I once thought these are uniquely human tasks but now AI is also capable of doing those jobs.
A Real Example
A Chinese gaming company named NetDragon Websoft recently appointed an AI bot as its CEO. This might be a marketing trick. But if we look at where AI is headed, we could soon see AI taking on more leadership roles. It could potentially plan for teams, evaluate team strengths, decide hiring strategies, and more, all based on data analysis.
The thought of AI handling these tasks is a bit worrisome, but we have to face the reality.
3. Should You Switch Jobs? or Is AI Replacing Your Job? Is It the End?
Does this mean you should abandon your current job and pursue a blue-collar career instead? Well, yes and no. The answer actually lies in history.
Today, many companies are replacing employees with AI, even tech giants like Google and Facebook. So, how can you be sure your job won’t be replaced by AI?
Let’s Talk About AI and Job Security Around the World
Currently, around 40% of global jobs are exposed to the risk of being replaced by AI. However, in countries like India, only about 26% of jobs are at risk. Why is that?
In developed economies with smaller populations, automation is often a necessity due to a labor shortage. But in countries like India, Vietnam, and China, the focus has been on leveraging the labor force effectively, as these nations have large populations.
A study by Microsoft found that 45% of employees globally fear AI could replace their jobs. But employers, on the other hand, worry about the lack of talent to fill new roles created by AI advancements.
So What Is The Real Issue? – Skill Gap
The problem isn’t a lack of jobs
– it’s a lack of skilled workers. Mark Zuckerberg, for instance, has been actively trying to hire AI researchers. Companies are increasingly looking for talent in AI, machine learning, and related fields.
A job listing for a content writer on LinkedIn, for example, specifically requested that candidates refrain from using AI in a negative light, acknowledging that AI is here to stay. Ignoring this reality could make you a “Luddite.”
For example
An interesting story: an entire company recently fired 60 people and retained just one employee – the one who validated AI-generated work.
4. Conclusion: Jobs That Are Safe.
For many industries, AI will complement, rather than replace, human workers. Take lawyers, for example. While AI can assist with legal research and documentation, the lawyer’s role involves nuanced tasks like storytelling, emotional intelligence (EQ), and client relations; skills which AI cannot replicate.
In this case, AI will enhance a lawyer’s work, not replace them.
Creating, thinking critically, and being creative-these are distinctly human traits. No other animal can do it, not even computers but we were wrong.
Repetitive, blue-collar jobs are definitely being replaced, but take jobs like a barber, electrician, or carpenter. These roles require artistry and skills that computers can’t replicate. These jobs, which are deeply human, will stay for long time
Jobs that require trust, such as those involving client relationships or storytelling – are likely to remain relevant, at least for the foreseeable future. So, even with the rise of AI, some human-driven jobs will endure.
