Are your days at work numbered? With AI advancing rapidly, many workers fear their jobs will soon be automated away.

In fact, according to recent studies, up to 300 million jobs globally could be impacted by AI by 2030. This is not just a trend—it’s a transformation that is reshaping how we view work and our roles within it.

But here’s the truth: job evolution is not new. Throughout history, technology has always transformed how we work. From the invention of steam engines to the rise of personal computers, the nature of work has consistently changed.

Even the most fundamental aspects of life—how we eat, travel, and learn—evolve over time. As AI pioneer Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and former Chief Scientist at Baidu, often said, “AI is the new electricity.” It’s driving change across all sectors, just as electricity revolutionized the 20th century.

Jobs are no different. Shouldn’t we evolve with the times too?

And to give us a better context of the impact of job replacements, let’s look at The 2024 United States Port Strike.

What does the recent Longshoremen Strike suggest?

The Longshoremen Strike—A Reflection of Fear and Change

A few weeks back (September 2024), longshoremen across multiple ports went on strike, bringing attention to a pressing fear: job loss due to automation. Longshoremen, responsible for loading and unloading cargo, face a future where automated cranes and AI-powered logistics systems could render their roles redundant.

Their strike is a reminder of a familiar fear: that automation will make human labour obsolete. This resistance to technological change is not new—it’s been happening for centuries.

Consider the story of Carlos, a longshoreman in Los Angeles, who has been working at the port for over 20 years. He recalls the first time he saw automated cranes being tested and the immediate anxiety that spread among his colleagues. For Carlos, the strike wasn’t just about wages—it was about fighting to protect the community of workers who have built their lives around this job. His story captures the human side of this broader struggle, highlighting the deep fears that come with such transitions.

The textile industry offers a historical parallel. During the Industrial Revolution, workers rioted against mechanized looms that threatened to replace manual weaving jobs. Today’s longshoremen are echoing this same anxiety. But as history shows, technological change doesn’t always mean the end of human work. Instead, it shifts how we contribute, often pushing us toward more skilled, meaningful activities.

Vintage Technology – Remember the days of typewriters and rotary dial phones?

Jobs That No Longer Exist (and What Replaced Them)

In the previous article, we discussed how the answers to the uncertain future can be found from the pages of the past.

And if we look at the last 100 years, we’d notice that job evolution is not new.

Human Computers:

Before the rise of electronic computers, people known as “human computers” performed complex calculations manually. NASA and similar organizations relied on these individuals, but with the advent of electronic computing, their roles were replaced by machines—and eventually, today’s data scientists. As economist James Bessen has pointed out, while automation often replaces specific tasks, it also creates new opportunities and demands for skills in emerging fields.

Pin Boys and Elevator Operators:

Bowling alleys once employed pin boys who manually reset pins, and buildings had elevator operators who ensured people reached their desired floors. Both roles disappeared when automated systems took over. These repetitive tasks were perfect candidates for machines to handle, allowing workers to move on to higher-value opportunities.

Typists and Secretaries:

Typists, who were once integral to every office, lost relevance with the advent of personal computers and word processing software. Many secretarial roles transformed, shifting to become administrative assistants managing broader office tasks.

These examples show that job disappearance is often about evolution. People didn’t become obsolete; instead, they transitioned into new roles that utilized different skills. People didn’t become obsolete; instead, they transitioned into new roles that utilized different skills.

Innovative technology is displacing workers to new jobs rather than replacing them entirely – James Bessen

Work evolves. So should we?

The Continuous Evolution of Work

Change is a constant in the job market, and technological advances bring new opportunities along with challenges:

Bank Tellers to Fintech Specialists:

When ATMs were introduced, many feared that bank tellers would become obsolete. But instead, banking jobs evolved. ATMs took over routine transactions, allowing bank employees to focus on customer service and advisory roles.

Take, for example, Lynn, who started her career as a bank teller in the 1990s. As ATMs and online banking became more common, she adapted by learning about digital banking solutions and eventually transitioned into a role as a digital banking specialist at a major fintech company. Her journey reflects how adaptability and continuous learning can lead to new opportunities even in changing times.

The rise of fintech has also created demand for new positions like digital banking specialists.

Factory Workers to Automation Managers:

In manufacturing, factory jobs have undergone massive changes. Where workers once stood on assembly lines, robots now handle repetitive tasks. Instead of displacing people entirely, this shift has led to the rise of roles like automation managers, who oversee these sophisticated systems and ensure quality control.

Here’s the story of Kamal, who began his career as an assembly line worker in an automotive plant. As automation was introduced, Kamal took courses in robotics and automation management, eventually transitioning to a role as an automation manager. His journey highlights how adapting to technological advancements can lead to new, fulfilling opportunities in the industry.

Travel Agents to Online Travel Experts:

Travel agents used to be the go-to experts for booking holidays and business trips. With online booking platforms now in every household, traditional agents faced decline, but specialized travel consultants still thrive by offering expertise for luxury and complex travel needs.

Rani started as a traditional travel agent in the 1980s but saw her role shrinking with the rise of online booking. Instead of leaving the industry, she specialized in planning bespoke luxury trips, using her deep knowledge and connections to craft unique travel experiences that online platforms couldn’t match. Her adaptability allowed her to find success even as the industry changed.

The Future of Work is here.

Preparing for the AI Future

The key to staying relevant is adaptability—embracing lifelong learning and reskilling. Jobs of the future will blend human creativity, empathy, and decision-making with AI’s efficiency.

To thrive in this new landscape, workers must focus on the traits that make them uniquely human: creativity, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Employers must also play a role by offering training opportunities that help employees transition smoothly into these evolving roles.

Action Steps for Thriving in an AI Future:

1. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Identify new skills relevant to your industry and commit to learning them. This could include taking online courses, attending workshops, or gaining certifications in emerging technologies.
2. Develop Digital Literacy: Understanding and leveraging digital tools will be critical. Spend time learning the basics of AI, data analytics, or other technologies that are impacting your field.
3. Focus on Human-Centric Skills: AI may be efficient, but it lacks human empathy and creativity. Strengthen your abilities in areas like leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving—skills that machines struggle to replicate.
4. Embrace Change and Be Flexible: Change can be intimidating, but adaptability is key. Stay open to new roles or shifts in job responsibilities, and view them as opportunities for growth rather than threats.
5. Leverage AI as a Tool, Not a Threat: Understand how AI can assist in your current job. By learning how to use AI tools, you can improve efficiency and focus on higher-level tasks that add more value.
6. Engage in Networking and Community Learning: Building a network of professionals within your field can be highly beneficial as roles evolve. Join communities—either online or in-person—where you can learn from peers, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends. Being part of professional groups or attending relevant events can also provide learning opportunities that are not available in online courses. Collaboration and learning from others make adapting to change much smoother.

Adaptability and lifelong learning are not just about survival—they are pathways to thriving in a rapidly changing economy. Workers who continuously upgrade their skills are better equipped to pivot into new opportunities as they emerge.

In fact, a recent study by the World Economic Forum indicated that nearly 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 to keep pace with technological advancements. This is why a mindset focused on lifelong learning is so crucial in today’s workforce—it ensures that you not only remain relevant but also have the potential to lead in emerging industries.

Humans + AI = Future

The Future of Jobs

The fear of job loss is understandable, but history teaches us that jobs evolve, not disappear. Just as milkmen, elevator operators, and human computers adapted—or transitioned to new roles—so must we. AI will undoubtedly change the way we work, but it’s not the end. Instead, it’s a new beginning—one that promises more meaningful and engaging opportunities for those ready to embrace change.

As futurist Alvin Toffler once said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

When I was a novice Buddhist Monk, my Master often told me this:

“Every day when you wake up, you have two choices – you can let the world change you, or you can change the world. Regardless of your choice, the world will have changed by the end of each day. It’s just a matter of you contributing to it.”

So… how would you change your world today?