The Future of Work: Survival of the Fittest?
A recent Big Think article warns that 45% of U.S. jobs could be at risk of automation in the next 10–15 years. Whilst it’s a staggering statistic—it's not a death sentence. It simply means the mechanics of work are changing, and those who adapt will thrive.
The shift happening right now reminds me of Hidden Figures, where Octavia Spencer’s character, Dorothy Vaughan, saw that IBM machines were replacing human computation. Instead of resisting, she learned to program them, ensuring she and her team stayed relevant. That’s the mindset we need today.
Ownership Over Employment
Codie Sanchez often talks about how 80% of Americans once owned a business, compared to just 7% today. The middle class is shrinking, and if we want to thrive, we must take ownership—of our skills, our careers, and even our income streams—rather than depending on companies to hire us.
Not every job will be automated, of course. My sister, for instance, works as a boarding school house parent—an irreplaceable role built on human connection. But even in fields where technology won’t take over, AI can already enhance performance. Tools like ChatGPT can offer guidance on excelling in various professions, but it won’t replace the emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership required in roles like hers.
The Upside of Change
The evolution of work isn’t all bad. Automation and AI can eliminate fraud, reduce misdiagnoses, and improve efficiency. Take MoleSafe, for example—a technology that scans your body for dangerous moles, potentially catching skin cancer early. That’s a win.
But what if the world moves toward universal basic income, giving people the space to pursue passions rather than simply working to survive? It feels foreign because it’s so different from the system we grew up in. However, it could also unlock a new wave of creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The Human Element Still Matters
Personally, I hope restaurants never fully automate. Removing human interaction from dining would strip away the experience. If we lean too far into automation, we risk deepening the loneliness pandemic. That’s why I believe we’ll eventually swing back toward human experiences over digital ones—we’re already seeing early signs of this shift.
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The Solution: Adaptability
So, how do we prepare for this new world?
1. Rewire your brain to embrace change. The ability to pivot will be the most valuable skill of the future.
2. Develop a robust mindset. See opportunity, not scarcity. Those who can spot and capitalize on new trends will thrive.
3. Learn to love learning. Retrain or repurpose yourself before the world forces you to—or worse, leaves you behind.
The Sorting Hat Problem in Hiring
In recruitment, we still have what I call a sorting hat problem—we focus too much on traditional credentials rather than real potential. But technology can help. Tools like TestGorilla already exist to assess candidates based on skills, not just resumes. We need more solutions like this to match people with work that maximizes their talents.
The Future of Work: Who Will Survive?
The study from Oxford University, sited in the Work Nation article, suggests that roles requiring perception and manipulation, creative intelligence, and social intelligence will be the least susceptible to automation. CEOs, stand-up comedians, creative engineers, and top-tier lawyers aren’t going anywhere.
Even in sales, automation won’t eliminate jobs—but it will separate the best from the rest. Low performers may fall by the wayside, while high performers will be supercharged by AI.
So, if you love what you do and want to keep doing it, ask yourself: How do I ensure I’m world-class at this? Because in the future of work, average won’t be enough.
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