One of the most common questions that I keep hearing is “Will AI steal my job?”. There are already numerous articles available about how AI has replaced workers who now struggle to make ends meet. Of course, such stories are concerning, and they raise more and more insecurities…What's next? Especially when we consider the fact that AI is still relatively new, the future remains a big question mark.A few years ago, I watched a movie called “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” by Steven Spielberg. It’s a good one and I highly recommend it. Although, back then it was too mind-blowing for me. It still gives me goosebumps. You’d think it’s simply science-fiction but… what if we’re truly getting closer to an AI-driven future?

Humans vs. machines

We, as human beings differ from other creatures thanks to an intelligent mind. As a species, we’re generally not faster or stronger than animals. We’re rational so we’re simply smarter. This is how we’ve reached the top of the trophic pyramid on Earth. Now, when we look at machines then we can easily observe that it’s human beings who have actually invented them and who operate them thanks to creativity, imagination and the capability of understanding.

It’s 2023 and when we look at current AI statistics, we find out that it can make decisions very quickly as it processes information billions of times faster than human beings. AI can produce responses in nanoseconds. At the same time, people need five minutes on average to answer a math problem. How can we possibly compete with this? Think about 6-year old children who learn the basics of counting at school. AI already knows it all. It's faster by default. In other words, when we talk about speed, we are already massively failing. This should be an eye-opener for today's education systems.But let’s focus on the significant differences. Human intelligence and artificial intelligence aren’t the same (at least today). The essence of our intellect comes from learning and experiences. We are also able to adapt to different circumstances and make decisions based on emotional intelligence. That’s also because we are social creatures. In other words, the depth and context of processing information is something that we still excel at. AI hasn’t mastered these skills at this stage.

The impact of AI on the future of work

According to data, the most impacted jobs will include data entry, bookkeeping, admin assistant, data analysis, entry-level programming, writing, and proofreading, translation, paralegal or beginner graphic design. Of course, all these professions require skills but what they all have in common is the fact that most tasks are repetitive. Due to speed and efficiency, they could be performed by a machine and if we look at it from a ROI perspective, it’s just so much better. McKinsey claims that from 60 to 70 percent of employees' work time can be automated by generative AI.But let’s look at the bright side. The World Economic Forum anticipates that AI will create around 97 million new jobs. Interesting, huh? Of course, you may want to know what exactly these will be, right? So scroll back up and think how human intelligence differs from artificial intelligence, and you’ll have the answer. It’s all about specialized skills and knowledge as well as understanding how AI can help with complex work. Don’t forget roles that require empathy and human interaction.

Getting ready for the future of work is all about developing skills that can’t be easily automated. As I mentioned above, consider factors such as emotional intelligence, critical thinking or the ability to solve problems. Focus on embracing technology and new tools wisely. It’s not about asking ChatGPT to write an essay for you but helping with the research or structure.

I hate to say it but if some of you use AI to give your brains a break from thinking, you’re on the wrong path.

AI and remote work?

You may be wondering what an article about AI is doing on a remote work blog? Well, here’s the background. In some areas, AI is overtaking human beings with the speed of sound. Yet, numerous companies argue that employees should work from the office. You see, AI doesn’t need an office. It’s smarter before we’re even born. If we want to get ready for the future of work, the physical location won’t be the essence of it. It’s about approaching the notion of work with more innovation in every aspect. The industrial era is gone. Today's businesses are in the middle of a work revolution. We need to upskill and reskill our workforce to remain competitive while ensuring a good quality of life. The “work from the office or outside of it” debate is already outdated.