Job security has become a pressing issue as artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to disrupt traditional industries. One question looms large for many: are robots going to take my job? If you’re employed in certain professions, it may be worthwhile to prepare yourself for a potential career shift as more jobs are automated.
The front lines for automated jobs
First on the list are cashiers. With the increasing prevalence of self-checkout systems, the need for human cashiers is diminishing. No longer confined to just grocery stores, these self-checkout systems are gradually spreading across the retail sector, transforming customer shopping experiences. According to a study by Grand View Research, the global self-checkout systems market is expected to reach $7.85 billion by 2027, signifying the inevitable transition to automation.
Along similar lines, fast-food cooks are another set of workers who may need to brace for automation’s impact. Chains like McDonald’s have already begun testing “smart” kitchens, using robots for tasks typically carried out by human cooks. The benefits? Precision, speed, and efficiency that humans can’t rival. Wendy’s is also running tests on using AI to take customers’ orders at drive-thru windows.
Administrative jobs are also at risk
Bookkeeping is another profession at risk. As software becomes increasingly sophisticated, mundane tasks such as data entry and report generation can be automated. Accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, equipped with machine learning capabilities, can process and analyze large volumes of data with minimal human intervention. And there is a new wave of AI seeking to take over bookkeeping duties beyond established players.
Retail supervisors, secretaries, and assistants are also on the potential chopping block, as these roles often involve repetitive tasks prime for automation. AI is evolving to handle administrative tasks, like scheduling meetings or managing inventory, with greater ease and efficiency.
Customer service representatives are facing a similar situation. With the rise of AI chatbots and voice assistants, the need for human interaction in addressing customer queries is dwindling. Not only can these digital tools handle multiple queries at once, but they also offer round-the-clock service, something that’s not feasible with human operators. Unfortunately, this might also negatively impact customer experience since it’s much easier to deal with a person than an automated menu.
Will we be able to adjust in time?
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2027, machines will perform more tasks than humans in the workplace. In the short run, this may result in a loss of employment for many as more jobs are automated. However, it’s important to note that this is not the first time we’ve seen such a transition. Remember the Industrial Revolution? It brought about job losses in certain sectors, but it also created new opportunities.
So, what’s the takeaway? It’s true that jobs in certain industries are predicted to shrink rapidly in the next decade. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily spell doom and gloom. Consider it as a nudge to retrain or reskill in growth sectors that leverage new technologies. Health care, renewable energy, data science, and AI development are just a few fields forecasted to boom in the coming years.
As automation reshapes the labor market, adaptability becomes key. Instead of fearing the robots, embrace the change they bring. Equip yourself with new skills, stay flexible, and you may just find that this era of rapid technological advancement offers more opportunities than threats. After all, change is the only constant in life, and those who adapt will surely thrive.
