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Aloha,

Welcome to this week’s edition, where we tackle the question on everyone’s mind: “Is AI coming for my job?”

Short answer: not really—but it’s definitely switching the game up.

I’ve pulled juicy new data from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 to show how this isn’t just a story of machines outpacing humans; it’s about people and tech creating bigger, better opportunities together.

In today’s essay, you’ll find out what’s really declining, what’s booming, and—most importantly—how you can stay on the winning side of history. So take a breather, dig in, and let’s figure out this “AI revolution” with a healthy dose of optimism.

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🔮 2025 FUTURE OF WORK PREDICTIONS

In a sea of hype, my partner-in-crime Eryn read 30+ expert reports—Forrester, PWC, Forbes, and more—so you don’t have to.

It’s your front-row seat to the real trends, all in one spot.

Get Eryn’s curated take for $50 and make 2025 work for you.

HOW AI IS RESHAPING—NOT RUINING—THE FUTURE OF JOBS

AI isn’t wiping out jobs; it’s reshuffling them—and that’s straight from the data. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects a net +78 million new jobs by 2030, even as older roles vanish. That’s the story we shouldn’t ignore.

Yes, repetitive tasks are under fire from AI and automation. Yet new and more fulfilling opportunities are emerging—especially in technology, the green transition, and frontline roles like construction, food processing, and care. Our real advantage comes down to skill agility, not panic.

This isn’t our first technological revolution. The difference this time is speed. According to the report’s latest findings, 170 million new jobs will likely appear by 2030, offset by 92 million disappearing—leaving a net of +78 million. Meanwhile, slower global growth alone could cost 1.6 million jobs, but that number’s outweighed by breakthroughs in AI, robotics, and green industries. It’s a far cry from the “doom and gloom” headlines: there’s upheaval, yes, but also recalibration.

Keep in mind that 39% of workers’ existing skills are set to be disrupted by 2030—slightly less volatile than during the pandemic’s height but still massive enough to demand rapid reskilling and upskilling. It’s also striking that among a hypothetical set of 100 employees worldwide, 59 need further training by 2030, with 29 able to be upskilled in their current roles and 19 reskilled and redeployed to new positions.

The Rise of Automation—What’s Really Happening

By 2030, robots and autonomous systems will displace around 5 million positions, especially in routine or manual roles (e.g., data entry clerks, certain warehouse tasks). Meanwhile, front-facing roles—like Delivery Drivers and Construction Workers—are expected to surge the most in absolute numbers: the WEF highlights Farmworkers alone could see +35 million net new jobs, fueled by digital access and green-economic transitions.

But this “vanishing act” of certain roles frees up space for creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking—things machines can’t master. In other words, automating repetitive tasks can expand an industry’s overall output, often generating more human-centric positions.

Data-Backed Net Job Gains

When we zoom out, the data shows that trends like AI, climate-change mitigation, and demographic shifts drive more growth than decline. Broadening digital access is the single biggest factor—19 million new jobs are linked to it, even while it displaces 9 million others. And while slower growth may shed 1.6 million roles, green policies could add another 8 million globally between adaptation and mitigation efforts, net positive.

Don’t let the hype around layoffs distract you: the net math points up. Jobs such as Big Data Specialists, Renewable Energy Engineers, and AI & Machine Learning Specialists land on the fastest-growing list.

Skills, Skills, Skills

Skill gaps remain the #1 barrier to business transformation worldwide, underscored by 63% of employers. And those “safe” old skills? They’re losing relevance. Nearly two-fifths of current skills need an overhaul.8 The fastest-rising categories? AI & Big Data, Networks & Cybersecurity, and Technological Literacy, along with creative thinking, resilience, and curiosity.9 If that sounds daunting, think of it as an opportunity: companies are eager to train and hire for these new competencies.

Also, 59% of the global workforce—if reduced to a crowd of 100 employees—will need upskilling or reskilling, yet employers fear 11 of those 100 will likely miss out. That’s a wake-up call for both policy-makers and business leaders: ignoring re-training is how you let an entire sub-section of talent go to waste.

Humans Are Still the X-Factor

Machines can’t replicate empathy, leadership, or the capacity for big creative leaps. According to the same WEF data, “resilience, flexibility, and agility” is a top differentiator between growing and declining roles. AI can do formulas; we do nuance. That’s not changing anytime soon.

So when the alarm bells ring about AI wiping out entire professions, remember: everything from counseling to advanced sales to environmental stewardship demands very human qualities. Master a combination of technical basics and empathy, and you’ll be tough to replace.

Remember - map out the skills at risk in your sector. Take advantage of free or subsidized programs if your employer—or government—offers them. Employers: it’s on you to plug skill gaps by funding robust upskilling, as 85% of companies plan to do. Governments: if you want to keep your talent pool competitive, heed the data that funding for reskilling is the top policy request from employers globally.

Ignore the panic. AI is an accelerant of change, not a bulldozer. True, some tasks will vanish, but that space makes room for fresh opportunities. Ultimately, the path forward depends on continuous learning at every level—individual, corporate, government. The real losers won’t be replaced by AI; they’ll be replaced by other humans who learned to harness AI faster.

We can shape the outcome by reskilling aggressively, championing what humans do best, and recognizing that disruption is also a gateway to progress.

What’s your take on this? Just hit “Reply” 😎 

Until next time,

Iwo

PS. Are we already friends on LinkedIn?