Stop Freaking Out About AI Taking Your Job and Start Upskilling Now
Everyday it seems like there's a new AI-based tool that makes headlines as the next job killer for (insert your industry of choice). You keep hearing about your white-collar job becoming obsolete, maybe as soon as tomorrow. If the thought of AI stealing your job keeps you awake at night, you're not alone. A report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warns that 40% of jobs worldwide could be impacted by AI over the next decade, with many facing direct disruption or significant change due to automation (euronews.com). Another alarming forecast from PwC, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum predicts that up to 60% of jobs could be significantly impacted—or disappear entirely—by 2050 (World Economic Forum). It’s understandable why panic is setting in. But I also hear about some many people just sitting around, not trying to grow their skills. It seems like the opposite of what you should be doing when a powerful new technology shows-up.
On my daily trek to keep up with everything AI, I came across an excellent resource that can help guide you through this uncertainty: the article "Skills AI Makes Valuable" by Benjamin Todd. The piece is outstanding, and even includes an accompanying audio file so you can listen on the go. While the entire article is well worth your time, four specific skill sets that Todd recommends you grow stood out because they highlighted areas I hadn't previously considered would become highly in-demand.
Upskill with AI: Your New Secret Weapon
Instead of panicking, it’s time to pivot. Upskilling in AI-related areas can position you as an indispensable professional. Todd, writing for 80,000 Hours, lays out several crucial skills to focus on:
AI Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding the potential and limitations of AI is crucial. Todd emphasizes focusing on "what" problems AI can solve and the "why" behind AI solutions. This means becoming proficient not only in creating AI workflows and crafting effective prompts but also in identifying AI’s failure modes. Thoughtful integration of AI solutions into your existing processes is essential. It might sound like you need extensive technical expertise, but simply using AI tools can enhance your problem-solving approach. Something to try: login to your LLM, type out a work-related issue, and let AI guide the interaction to observe how it tackles problem-solving. Then do it again with a second work problem. Let the LLM guide the problem solving and pay attention to how it reasons.
Personal Effectiveness
Your ability to thrive in an AI-driven world heavily depends on personal effectiveness. Todd highlights mastering skills related to "what" makes you personally productive, emotionally intelligent, and adaptable, alongside understanding "why" these traits foster professional growth. By enhancing your productivity systems and emotional resilience, you can handle complex, evolving scenarios. Consider a data analyst who proactively leverages AI for handling vast datasets but relies on their judgment to interpret and act upon critical insights. Relying in your expertise in your field while AI does the heavy lifting can help you grow this skill set immensly.
Leadership and Strategic Thinking
Guiding teams effectively and making strategic decisions remains a uniquely human skill set. Leadership involves understanding "what" drives team success and organizational growth, and "why" human oversight is irreplaceable. Skills such as motivating teams, resolving conflicts, and strategic planning require human intuition and empathy. Imagine a project manager incorporating AI analytics but still responsible for aligning team goals and ensuring these choices genuinely benefit organizational objectives.
Communications and Creativity
Effective communication and creativity remain firmly within human expertise. It’s crucial to grasp "what" constitutes impactful communication and "why" human creativity is irreplaceable, even in an age dominated by AI. Storytelling, emotional resonance, narrative crafting, and maintaining a strong brand identity are aspects where human insight excels. A UX designer may use AI to prototype quickly, but understanding what truly connects with users and why certain designs evoke stronger emotional responses relies on human discernment.
Embrace the Future
This all makes it seem like anyone can just change how they work and grow any skill set. Rather than succumbing to anxiety about AI-driven job loss, use this pivotal moment as an opportunity to upgrade your professional skill set. By investing in these AI-enhanced skills, you're not only safeguarding your job but actively shaping your future career. AI is here to stay, and it's up to you to decide whether it becomes a threat or a powerful ally. Embrace these changes, keep learning, and become irreplaceable.
