Are Robots Coming After Your Job?
If you were stuck for a couple of pounds in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s, one way you could earn a few bob was as a 'knocker-up' – essentially a human alarm clock. You would go from house to house with a big stick or long pole and tap on clients’ bedroom windows to wake them up. This occupation died out in the 1940’s as the job was rendered obsolete by actual alarm clocks.
Yes, technology has been eliminating jobs for centuries. For example, the manufacturing industry has been dominated by technology for most of the 20th century. In supermarkets, self-service tills remove the need for employees to operate the tills. Automated phone systems remove the need for secretaries and chatbots pose a threat to customer service agents.
The rapid development and uptake of AI, since its launch of Chat GPT in November 2022, has caused alarm in industries such as finance and law. Experts are divided on what AI will mean for the future of jobs. Tech optimists predict a utopian future with AI and robots performing a growing number of tasks, meaning humans can spend less time at work. Pessimists envision a future where AI is used to replace labour, reducing jobs and wages and destroying any sense of achievement.
Historically, automation largely effected blue collar workers doing manual labour such as factory work. However, now, generative AI has a greater impact on skilled and highly educated white collar workers. About 95% of people with a doctorate work in occupations that are now highly exposed to AI, compared to 26% of people with primary or secondary level education.
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What careers are least likely to be fully replaced by technology and AI developments?
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1.????? Trades and Construction
Physical labour jobs and working outdoors will likely have your job less at risk from AI. For example: plumbers, electricians, carpenters and roofers. An AI chatbot might be able to tell you how to install a roof, fix a broken pipe or fit a lightbulb, but it can’t actually build the house, renovate, maintain or repair.
Even if an AI driven robot could – it would be a while before insurers and regulators embrace it.
2.????? Doctors and Nurses
Healthcare and social care are industries that require empathy, hands on care, human interaction and compassionate care.
Whilst AI can help diagnose an illness, it can’t insert an IV like a nurse, or treat a mental disorder like a psychologist or relieve muscle pain like a physiotherapist.
3.????? Police, Firefighters and Paramedics
These jobs require close interaction with the community. Responding to emergencies requires physical ability, emotional intelligence and split-second decision making to navigate unpredictable situations.
4.????? Chiefs and Senior Executives
AI software helps businesses be innovative, but it can’t replace the nuanced leadership and emotional intelligence and experience brought to the table by chief executives, HR managers and business strategists.
5.????? Farmers
AI chat bots might be able to help farmers monitor their crops, analyse yields and manage livestock but it can’t replace the hands-on work carried out by farmers.
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6.???? Hairstylists
Hairdressers, make-up artists and tattooists often use AI to help plan schedules and create marketing content. However, all these jobs require face to face interaction and experience.
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Would you want a robot to cut your hair?
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?Reference:
Ulster Business (August 2024)
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