The AI future is already here

🎯 Impact Sentiment: Concerning

📋 Summary

• Companies like Shopify and Duolingo are actively reducing headcount in roles that can be performed by AI, with an explicit mandate to replace employees with automation where possible.
• Data from Revelio Labs reveals a sharp drop in job postings for positions with high exposure to AI, especially tech-centric and knowledge worker jobs, since ChatGPT’s release.
• While some companies, like Klarna, initially cut staff aggressively for AI efficiency, they have started rehiring after finding AI replacements led to lower service quality.
• Despite some pullback, CEOs remain highly motivated to cut white-collar jobs as AI tools improve, suggesting continued pressure on roles susceptible to automation.

💡 JR Insights

• 💼 Implication: If your role involves repetitive tech tasks or knowledge work, especially remotely, your job security is already at direct risk from AI adoption—even before most people expected it.
• 🚨 Risk: Companies lean heavily on AI until service or product quality is compromised; some will not hesitate to cut more jobs as AI gets better, which could mean fewer openings and stiffer competition for those that remain.
• ✨ Takeaway: Don’t expect employers to “wait and see” with AI—start upgrading your skills now, focus on roles requiring in-person work or uniquely human strengths, and be prepared for a much leaner job market in traditional white-collar fields.