There’s a lot of talk recently about AI replacing people in the workforce. And it’s causing many people to worry about the future of not only their own jobs, but about the prospect of future opportunities and the future of the overall workforce. I know this feeling all too well. When I was a member of the New York Stock Exchange, I remember when computers did in fact replace the majority of the jobs of my colleagues and friends. I remember the stress that so many were under, and I remember their fear that if they lost their jobs, they “wouldn’t be qualified for anything else.” In fact, that mentality was, in part, what inspired me to become a career coach.
In truth, it’s a choice to get caught up in that way of thinking, and there is a better way to overcome the threat of technology replacing people. That is, The Occupreneur® Approach. The Occupreneur® Approach puts professionals in the mindset of owning their careers like entrepreneurs own their businesses. And because they think of themselves as a business, Occupreneurs know how to overcome the threat of technology by doing these 5 things:
They figure out what AI can’t do that they can do well and then they make sure they’re really good at those things. AI can’t do everything, and it can’t do everything well. One of the main principles of The Occupreneur® Approach is to know what you’re good at and/or constantly learning to develop current and new skills.
They know how to set themselves apart from the competition. AI is no different than a colleague or another candidate. Sure, AI can do some things at the push of a button that might take a human longer to do, but, just like people, AI has its limitations. Focusing on what you’re good at and making sure you market yourself through interactions with others and through your work will make you a “go to” person for the things AI can’t do.
They’re not afraid of pivoting. Most employees get attached to the job they are used to doing and when it’s time to shift gears, either by evolving their current job or knowing when it’s time to find a new one, they have a hard time letting go. Occupreneurs see each job as a stop on their journey, and they’re always willing to learn something new or segue for the benefit of their clients and careers. (Side note: Occupreneurs treat every employer, manager and colleague as a client.) They ebb and flow with change, and, as a result, they are open to opportunities that others might turn away from.
They do the basics as well as AI. AI shows up on time, does the job it’s asked to do, and is generally reliable. AI also doesn’t complain when asked to do more. One of the cases for replacing people with technology is the productivity boost or the ROI. So, show up for work, be on time and look presentable. And always be ready to roll up your sleeves and do what’s needed to get the job done!
They drown out the noise. It’s so easy to get caught up in the story of the week, month or year, especially with social media making information consumption, at times, overwhelming. And it can be very hard to drown out all the noise, some of which is designed to instill fear in you. I’m here to tell you that, for your own well-being, it is imperative that you focus on what you can control and not think too much about what you can’t. There are ways in which technology, specifically AI, will replace human workers. Yet, one thing I’ve learned is that when technology takes over in one area, there leaves opportunity for humans to focus on other areas. In fact, doing so often takes the level of product to the next level because the menial work is being handled. So, before you panic or feel defeated by AI, remember that Occupreneurs see its value as an opportunity, and so can you!
