Jobs for Humans in an AI Future
Will AI agents displace 90% of the human workforce? Which jobs will remain for humans if this is the case as some experts argue?
Predicting the jobs that will remain for humans if AI agents displace 90% of the workforce involves speculation about technological limits, societal adaptation, and human preferences.
While no exact timeline exists for such a seismic shift, let’s assume this happens within a few decades, driven by advanced AI capable of automating most routine, repetitive, and even complex cognitive tasks.
The remaining 10% of jobs would likely be those where humans retain a unique edge due to creativity, emotional depth, physical presence, or ethical considerations.
Jobs Likely to Persist:
Creative Innovators
- Examples: Artists, novelists, musicians, groundbreaking scientists, inventors.
- Why: AI can mimic creativity (e.g., generating art or music), but humans value originality rooted in personal experience and emotion. Jobs requiring true “out-of-the-box” thinking—unpredictable leaps AI can’t fully replicate—may endure. Think of a scientist devising a paradigm-shifting theory or a writer crafting a culturally resonant story.
Empathy-Driven Roles
- Examples: Therapists, counsellors, spiritual leaders, caregivers.
- Why: Humans crave connection. Even if AI can simulate empathy, the authentic human experience—shared vulnerability, nuanced understanding—remains irreplaceable for roles like mental health support or end-of-life care. Physical touch and presence (e.g., nursing) also resist full automation.
Ethical and Oversight Positions
- Examples: AI ethicists, regulatory overseers, judges in complex moral cases.
- Why: As AI grows powerful, humans will demand human judgment to set boundaries, interpret ethics, and resolve disputes AI can’t fairly adjudicate. Deciding who gets the “death penalty” in edge cases, for instance, stays human—I’m not allowed to make that call as an AI, and society likely won’t trust machines fully either.
Physical Craftsmanship and Experiential Roles
- Examples: Artisans (e.g., bespoke furniture makers), chefs at high-end restaurants, tour guides, performers.
- Why: Humans value the “human touch” in tangible goods and experiences. A handcrafted chair or a meal prepared with flair carries a story AI-made equivalents lack. Live performers—actors, dancers—offer an energy robots can’t match.
Explorers and Risk-Takers
- Examples: Deep-sea divers, space explorers, disaster response teams.
- Why: While AI and robots can handle dangerous tasks, humans may insist on leading frontier exploration (e.g., colonizing Mars) for symbolic or practical reasons. On-the-ground improvisation in unpredictable crises might also favour human agility over machine rigidity.
Relationship and Influence Roles
- Examples: Politicians, community leaders, influencers, negotiators.
- Why: Trust and persuasion often require a human face. Even if AI can strategize or analyse, people may prefer human leaders to rally behind or bargain with, especially in high-stakes diplomacy or grassroots movements.
Niche Educators and Mentors
- Examples: Teachers for unique skills (e.g., philosophy, advanced martial arts), personal coaches.
- Why: AI can teach facts, but humans excel at inspiring, adapting to individual quirks, and imparting wisdom through lived experience. Think of a mentor shaping a protégé’s worldview beyond data.
Why These Jobs Survive?
- Human Preference: Even if AI can do something, humans often prefer human interaction or output (e.g., a painting by a person vs. an algorithm).
- Complexity of Intuition: Jobs requiring gut instinct honed by years of messy, real-world experience resist codification.
- Regulatory Limits: Laws might preserve human roles in sensitive areas (e.g., healthcare, justice) to maintain accountability.
- Economics of Rarity: As AI commoditizes mass production, human-made goods or services could become luxury items.
Which jobs will be displaced?
To reach 90% displacement, AI would likely take over:
- Most white-collar jobs (accountants, lawyers, programmers—AI already drafts code and contracts).
- Blue-collar roles (manufacturing, trucking, agriculture—robots and drones dominate).
- Service jobs (retail, customer support—chatbots and kiosks suffice).
- Even mid-tier creative roles (stock photography, generic music) succumb to generative AI.
Some Broader Implications to Consider…
The “10% workforce” scenario assumes a radically restructured society—perhaps with universal basic income or new economic models—since traditional employment would collapse. Humans might shift toward leisure, self-expression, or volunteerism, with “jobs” redefined as pursuits AI can’t monopolize. Think of a world where work isn’t about survival but meaning.
How will you be preparing for the future of work?
Getmee.ai uses advanced AI technology to deliver personalised Employability and Soft-Skills coaching to humans – AI for the benefit of humanity.
AI is reshaping the job market—don’t get left behind. Contact Paul to explore AI-driven solutions that give your business a competitive edge: paul@getmee.ai
