There's no doubt about it, technology breeds social change. The industrial revolution created the modern world, and it certainly came as a result of technology that made work faster and more efficient. However, in the 21st century, technological advancements are a lot harder to understand, and a lot more strange.
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've probably heard about AI. It might be even causing you to ask the question — how safe is my job?, and even — does this mean the world will be taken over by robots?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is the simulation of human brains by machines. Machines with AI are able to learn, grow, problem solve, and work in capacities normally operated by humans.
This has rightfully caused people to worry about the future of jobs, and robots taking jobs. While currently, businesses are finding ways to make machines do grunt work (filing, sending emails), the rapid advancement of technology might mean they replace humans. By the year 2025, AI is expected to take over some jobs.
This article will walk you through all you need to know to tell if your future job will be replaced by AI.
Future Proof Jobs
Technology just doesn't stop. Since the first early human picked up a bone and smashed his buddy with it in order to steal his lunch, we've defined ourselves as a species by our increasing desire for advancement and comfort. There's no way to stop the tide of rising technology.
However, there are some jobs that are effectively future-proof. While many jobs can be done by robots, some will always be done by humans. Let's look at a few.
Teachers
If you're a teacher, you don't have to worry. While, yes, human beings can learn by researching information themselves in libraries and online, the human species thrive under the tutelage of teachers.
The role of teacher-student is about much more than the curriculum a teacher teaches. Often, teachers operate as secondary parental figures and mentors. That can provide students with access to culture, art, knowledge, and perspectives of thinking that they would never have encountered before.
Even if robots do gain the power to teach students a basic curriculum, the thought of robot teachers would be unthinkable to many. Just imagine that parent-teacher counsellor meeting. Can you imagine the number of purses that would be thrown if Karens everywhere found out their kids were being taught by Mrs. Robotnik?
Nice try robots, but you're not taking over this one.
Artists and Entertainers
If you've found yourself in the wonderful (albeit, sometimes terribly paying) world of show business, you're in luck. There's nothing quite like entertainment. Once again, even if AI could write songs or dance, entertainment and art are about so much more than that; it's also about a personal connection.
This applies to sports players as well, who are also, in a way, entertainers. Robots are still a long way from being able to understand complex rule systems and compete with humans. Even if a robot does find himself on a sports team, you can bet that he'll mostly get beat up in the locker room.
Computer Systems Analyst
If it's your job to control robots... well... your job certainly isn't at risk. In fact, you're probably looking at a boom.
One of the most important aspects of AI is automation. This means not introducing super-awesome robots who the actual physical labour human jobs, but delegating the worst parts of jobs to computer programs.
Someone has to run that system. If that person is you? Well, you're in luck — you're also probably safe from the impending robot apocalypse since you're the only one who knows how to hit the off switch.
Human Resource Management
I mean... duh. If part of your job description is specifically not being a robot, you're pretty safe.
A big part of a human resource job is to sort out human problems and deal with issues with a level of compassion that robots just can't understand.
Writers
People come to writers for ideas. While robots are great at learning systems that currently exist and regurgitating them, they're not great at coming up with new ideas themselves. Another job of the writer is to frame ideas in different ways through language, something that robots aren't great at.
If you're a writer — whether a creative writer, content writer, copywriter, or journalist — your skills are still valued and your job won't be replaced by robots.
Jobs at Risk: Robots Are Coming For You
However, it's not all fun and games. The automation of certain tasks will make certain jobs obsolete.
We don't make the rules, we're just robots who write about them... er... not robots. Real humans. Anyway, here are jobs robots are coming for.
Taxi Drivers
Yes, we're sorry Robert Di Nero. Self-driving cars have already found ways to get themselves around without being crash fests. It's likely that in the not-so-distant future, your taxi driver will be... well... not a driver at all, just a car.
While it's scary to think of a car with no driver, AI works best when it can eliminate human error. If you think humans drive better than animals, just check out our popular article on what to do after you hit an animal.
Receptionists
Receptionists have already started to find themselves edged out. You've probably used a big touch-screen in the place of a receptionist before or talked to a robocall when you called a business.
In addition to this, text messaging, FaceTime, and various forms of AI have just made it extremely easy for someone to take all of their calls themselves.
Healthcare And Medicine. Doctor using a digital tablet
Surgeons
Oof. This one is scary. But at the end of the day, surgeons are known more for their cold demeanour, and robotic perfection than they are for any sort of compassion.
If you have a human doctor to address an issue, human nurses to prepare the patient, and human doctors to oversee the operation, it only makes sense that a more accurate robot surgeon will actually cut the person open.
Customer Service
Have you ever had a problem with a product you bought, called up the company who sold it to you, and had to sit through tens of minutes of listening to a robot speak? Have you ever gone to a website, and rather than being linked to talk to a human, get a message from a chatbot? If yes, then congratulations! — you understand the ways in which AI will dominate this field.
Unfortunately, customer service usually is a matter of filling people in on some information. Robots are able to do this well, with the added benefit of not getting mad and screaming at someone over the phone. If a robot does start screaming over the phone, we're all toast.
Soldiers
Aaaand we are officially terrified. Drones are becoming more and more popular in contemporary warfare, and there's already development in AI-controlled drones. By the end of the 21st century, we're most likely going to see robotic warfare—something that has absolutely no chance of backfiring whatsoever!
What Can I Do If My Job Is At Risk?
If your job was named in the above list, or you suspect that the advances in AI will bleed into other jobs, you don't need to worry. There are things you can do. You still have some time before AI starts taking over jobs in a serious way, so you can gain some education in other fields.
If you have any interest at all in computer system operation, now is the time to check that out. Computer systems operators are going to be raking in the big bucks in the next few decades.
If you do some freelance writing work as a side hustle, it might be time to find ways to go full-time. Don't worry, there are a lot of options out there!
If you're a customer service specialist, it might be time to look to move up in the world and go into human resources. The difference in specificity in the different jobs might just save your employment.
How Safe Is My Job?
The answer to the question how safe is my job? comes down to a couple of factors: Does your job rely on creativity? — or just performance?
Unfortunately, if you're someone whose job is being able to do an easy-to-understand task many times, and extremely well, you're out of work. However, if you're someone who makes use of their human faculties, you're sure to thrive in this brave new world.
At Insurdinary, we speak to folks from all walks of life, from all over this great country, every day. Most commonly of course, people are looking to insure their health, life and travel. Becoming more and more frequent however, are the conversations with those who are concerned about their job security; and for the reasons discussed above. Are you also considering setting yourself and your family up for success in the future? Need to inquire on your insurance policies? Connect with us and get a quote with us today.
