Over the past few months there has been an increasing discussion on Artificial Intelligence or AI as people like to call it. Last summer a story surfaced where a judge sanctioned an attorney for submitting a legal brief, generated by AI, which mentioned court cases and legal precedents that do not exist.
Is your job soon to end…??? Over time a number of jobs have disappeared, almost entirely. Yes, there are a few “Buggy Whip” makers out there, with even a few “Buggy” makers, but very few.
Perhaps, the question is how do you protect your job? Or, maybe how do you transfer your skills to a new job? Military veterans face this question when they transition back to civilian life. We recently had a plumber at our home and his transition was easy. When he went into the Marine Corps, he was a “plumbers helper.” The Marines too, occasionally need a plumber. After six years of service, that Marine transitioned back to civilian life as a plumber, but a more disciplined, strategic thinking plumber. As I have often written, most small business owners, “never regret hiring a Vet.”
More forward-thinking articles have emerged about how AI will take over manufacturing because automated machines are better than human beings, and they never need lunch or a bathroom break. When I thought about the most recent job actions by automobile employees, I could not help but think, whether you agree, or not, that manufacturers are going to fully automate these jobs within the next ten years. Car builders…, manufactures will make them by automation. Maybe a few scattered employees, but not many. No 32-hour work week. More on that later…
Grocery store clerks, check-out clerks – automation. At Safeway, Whole Foods, Fry’s, Sprouts, even CVS, after they get us trained, the fun will really begin because there will be no one in the store to assist or help you. Theft in pharmacies and supermarkets has become an issue… It is also an issue in other retail businesses. Recently, I spoke with a lady at a major “home improvement store” who told me that they “could no longer stop shoplifters.”
Maybe it is cheaper to deal with theft than employee grievance or injury? I don’t know, but I do know that if you deal with and pay your employees fairly, they will deal with you fairly.
Another business that may need to think about AI is accounting. AI will ensure the data is collected, stored, and analyzed. An accountant may then need to review the analysis, but more than likely the AI will take care of it because computers now talk and they can speak to each other.
Other, jobs such as a Bank teller… all I can say is “teller” it to the computer… Artificial Intelligence will take over, but it needs to be controlled. Maybe becoming an artificial intelligence engineer is the only safe job for the years ahead.
Regarding other jobs, like UBER and LYFT. Tell that one to WAYMO…
On the other hand, SBA District Directors…??? OMG…. No…!?!?
Best wishes on creating or finding your next “gig.”
Robert Blaney has served as the district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration for the State of Arizona since 1998. His varied experience includes work as a federal agent, police officer, vice-president of an insurance brokerage and district director for the late Congressman Jack Kemp. He is a native of western New York and a graduate of the State University of New York Buffalo State University.
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