The Jobs AI Will Eliminate in 2024 (And How to Prepare)

The Rise of AI-Powered Security

The security industry is one of the first to feel the impact of AI advancements. Robotic security guards, equipped with advanced facial recognition and ID badge scanning capabilities, are already patrolling some facilities. These security robots, which can cost up to $180,000 each, may not be feasible for widespread adoption just yet. However, as the technology becomes more affordable, we can expect to see a significant shift in the security job market.

The implementation of AI-powered surveillance systems that can detect and fine individuals for littering or other minor infractions is another concerning development. These "AI overlord" systems have the potential to monitor and analyze every aspect of public behavior, posing a threat to privacy and personal freedoms. As these technologies become more prevalent, many government-related jobs, such as law enforcement and regulatory roles, could be at risk of automation.

The Future of Transportation: Driverless Vehicles

The transportation sector is another industry that is poised for a major transformation due to advancements in autonomous driving technology. While fully self-driving, or "level 5" autonomy, remains a significant challenge, the current state of the technology is mostly at "level 2," which still requires a human driver to be present in the vehicle at all times.

However, the next stage of this technology will not require any human presence, which could lead to the displacement of millions of jobs in the ride-hailing and trucking industries. The UK government, for example, predicts that by 2035, 40% of new cars in the country could have full self-driving capabilities. This shift towards driverless vehicles will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the job market, leaving many individuals who rely on driving-related professions out of work.

AI-Powered Customer Service

The customer service industry is another area that is being heavily impacted by AI. ChatGPT, a highly advanced language model, has already demonstrated its ability to provide better customer service responses than human agents. In one case, a CEO even decided to fire his entire customer service team and replace them with ChatBots, citing the AI's superior performance.

As the capabilities of language models like ChatGPT continue to evolve, the demand for human customer service representatives is likely to decline. Businesses may increasingly turn to AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to handle a wide range of customer inquiries and support tasks, leading to job losses in this sector.

Automated Coding and Accounting

The software development and accounting industries are also facing the threat of AI-driven automation. Google's AlphaCode has demonstrated its ability to outperform human coders in competitive coding challenges, solving 1.7 times more problems than its human counterparts. This suggests that in the next 5-10 years, AI-powered tools could potentially automate a significant portion of coding tasks, putting millions of entry-level software engineers at risk of job displacement.

Similarly, the accounting industry is being transformed by AI-powered tools that can handle tasks such as tax preparation and financial analysis. OpenAI's GPT-4-based accounting LLM has shown impressive capabilities in handling complex financial tasks, raising the possibility of AI systems replacing the need for human accountants in the near future.

Preparing for the AI-Driven Future

As AI continues to advance and automate an increasing number of jobs, it's crucial for individuals to take proactive steps to ensure their long-term career prospects. Some key strategies to consider include:

• Developing in-demand skills: Focus on acquiring skills that are less likely to be automated, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
• Embracing lifelong learning: Continuously upskill and adapt to the changing job market, as AI-driven disruptions are likely to accelerate.
• Exploring entrepreneurship: Consider starting your own business or freelancing, as these roles may be less susceptible to automation.
• Advocating for responsible AI development: Engage with policymakers and industry leaders to ensure AI is deployed in a way that prioritizes human welfare and job security.

The rise of AI-powered technologies is undoubtedly disruptive, but by proactively preparing for these changes, individuals can position themselves for success in the AI-driven future.