What jobs are safe in the world of AI?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world of?work,?like ever before.

We have gone through several Industrial Revolutions (IR) in the past, starting with the 1st IR in 1784 (Mechanization Steam Power), the 2nd IR in 1870 (Mass Production Assembly Line, Division of Labour), the 3rd IR in 1969 (Automation, Electronics, and Computers) and the 4th IR in 2000 and ongoing [Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), Networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI)].

However, the current IR4.0?is predicted?to be most disruptive?in comparison?to the past three.

Yuval Noah Harari mentions that humans have always had two?abilities;?physical abilities and mental abilities. Machines took over the roles that required physical strength in the Industrial Revolution, but now machines are evolving to be able to take over mental?abilities?as well. So?we as?humans have to learn to adapt to stay relevant in the workplace.

The pace of technological change is?such,?that a working professional may struggle to learn new skills and adapt to these new jobs. No one has a clear view of what future jobs will look like, so our current education system?is unable to?teach?students,?skills that would matter in the future world of work and to navigate life through its unprecedented challenges.

In this context, IR 4.0?is predicted?to be the most disruptive, which has triggered this million-dollar question?What?jobs are safe in?the world of?AI?

I asked this question to AI itself (ChatGPT). Listed below is the reply from ChatGPT, rearranged in alphabetical order:

As AI, machine learning (ML), and robotics?continue to?evolve and integrate into various industries,?certain?jobs are considered more resilient or?"safe"?from automation. These jobs typically involve complex decision-making, creative thinking, interpersonal communication, or highly specialized skills that are difficult for machines to replicate.?Here’s?a look at some of the job categories that are likely to remain secure in the face of increasing automation:

• Artisan and Craft Professions: Craftsmen and artisans who produce handcrafted goods or art, providing a personal touch or unique skills that are difficult to replicate with machines.
• Advanced Healthcare and Biotechnology: While?basic diagnostic tasks may be automated, there will be a growing demand for healthcare professionals in personalized medicine, biotechnology, and complex medical procedures that require a human touch.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering:?While robots are already prevalent in manufacturing, engineers who design these systems and handle complex problem-solving tasks are less likely to be automated.
• AI and Robotics Development and Oversight: Professions involved in the design, programming, and maintenance of AI, ML models, and robotics systems, such as software engineers, robotics engineers, and AI researchers.
• Creative Professions:?Artists, writers, musicians, and designers bring unique creativity and emotional depth to their work, which AI and robots cannot authentically duplicate.
• Creative and Strategic Professions: Roles that require innovation, strategic oversight, and creative problem-solving, such as strategic consultants, creative directors, and innovation managers.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection:?As more systems become automated and connected, the need for cybersecurity professionals to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber threats increases.
• Education and Training:?While?some aspects of education can be automated, teachers and educators who provide personalized learning experiences and foster human interaction in classrooms are less likely to be replaced.
• Education and Training for Advanced Technologies: Educators and trainers who can teach new skills related to AI, ML, and robotics will be in demand, especially those who can bridge the gap between complex technology and practical application.
• Healthcare Professionals:?Doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals require a deep understanding of human health, empathy, and interpersonal skills, which are challenging for AI to replicate fully.
• Human Services:?Jobs involving personal interaction, empathy, care, and dealing with complex human emotions and situations?such?as Social workers, Psychologists, Counselors, Therapists, and Luxury Personal Services, where the human element is irreplaceable.
• Human-Centric Roles in Tech: User experience (UX) designers, human factors engineers, and others who work to make technology interfaces and interactions more human-friendly and accessible are crucial as technology becomes more sophisticated.
• Legal, Policy, and Ethical Fields:?As AI and robotics play more significant roles in society, there will be a heightened need for professionals who specialize in ethical considerations, compliance with regulations, and policy development related to technology use.
• Project Management:?Managing projects across various industries involves coordination, leadership, and problem resolution, which are challenging for robots to perform effectively.
• Public Safety and Emergency Services:?Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians must handle unpredictable situations that require human judgment and physical dexterity.
• Science and Research:?Scientists and researchers in?fields like?biotechnology, environmental science, and physics engage in complex experimental work and theoretical thinking that AI currently cannot emulate.
• Skilled Trades:?Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and mechanics often work in environments?that are?impractical for robots to navigate and require flexible problem-solving skills.
• Technology Integration Specialists: Experts in digital transformation, systems integration, and technology adoption help businesses and organizations incorporate new technologies into existing frameworks, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.

I am?surprised,?that I see jobs related to Sustainability, Conversations, Nature, and Wildlife not featuring in ChatGPT responses.?But, given the climate change threat human beings?are facing, in my mind, these professions?are also going to?be in demand.

The common thread cutting across all these professions?is combining?technical expertise with interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, creativity, highly specialized knowledge, and ethical considerations.?This?makes these jobs more resistant to automation. The key to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market is continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, including understanding how AI and robotics can?be used?as tools rather than seen purely as replacements.

Given the context of future proofing careers in the world of AI, it would be most apt to conclude this article by quoting Yuval Noah?Harari's?advice to?today's?youth.

"One thing you need to learn is?How To?Change,?All The Time.?Previously, life was divided roughly into two parts.?In the first part of life, you learn things, and in?the second part of life, you?make use of?what you learned. You had your profession, your?identity, and you?made use of?that. This?is no longer relevant in the 21st century.?Today, you?don't?have the luxury of a stable profession,?a stable?identity,?and a stable?base for the rest of your life.?You will never be able to stop. You have to learn things?again and again, to reinvent yourself again and again, to reinvent who you are.?what?is your identity??even?when you are?40?50?or?60 years old.?When you are 15 years old, everything you do is?to invent yourself, to?build your identity,?to?understand who you are. By the time you are 50 years old, you?don't?want to do it anymore. But in the 21st century, you?don't?have a choice, you?have to adapt to constant change. So the most important thing for a young person to learn today?is,?How to Cope with Change and How to keep changing all the time. And I?don't?think anybody?knows,?how to do it"?- Yuval Noah Harari.

References:

1. Responses from ChatGPT
2. Differentiation of Industry 4.0 Models. The 4th Industrial Revolution from different Regional Perspectives in the Global North and Global South. - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate.
3. Great Leadership with Jacob Morgan Podcast: Yuval Harari On The Future of Jobs & Technology, Intelligence vs Consciousness & Threats to Humanity.