Forward to the Post
How the turn tables. I mean, how I quickly give into using technology as a crutch. I've decided to go against my first instinct. My first instinct is to not use AI for this blog. But I figure I can get more content if I let LLMs take over some of the writing since this blog is about being informed. I need more content to tailor the algorithms for better SEO. The ideas and content will be curated by me, but doesn't need to come directly from me to be meaningful. I think we can all find the things we want around us and can use the tools to make sound decisions about navigating the world before us. I think I can double my output by writing my own thing in the morning when I wake up, then maybe doing a thought exercise with one of the many LLMs I've been playing with in the evening. This gives me more content to add to this site, and gives me a better chance of having SEO algorithms find my messaging.
I should have included the transcript of me and Qwen which would've padded more content to this post, but I was having some mild hardware issues and rebooted my computer as I was writing this post. I wasn't using a fancy web ui like OpenWeb UI, just vanilla Ollama. It can be downloaded and run on any computer OS (Linux, Mac Windows) and you interact with it like a terminal prompt. It just takes 1 command after installing ollama! I've included the instructions below, then you can start talking to a privacy first AI LLM running on your computer for free.
Windows users simple 5 step guide to running AI locally
- Download Ollama
- Install Ollama by double clicking on the install in your downloads directory
- Open the Start menu (Windows icon) and type "run", you should see something similar like the image below. Click on the run application on the left:
- Type:
cmdto bring up command prompt.
- Type:
ollama run llama3.2 - Ask AI anything you want! You now have a locally running AI that does not feed your data back to their algorithms
- If you want history and other fancy things just layer on LLM Studio for free.
To set the scene, I was trying to get Qwen to give me an exhaustive list of jobs and then to try and get it to peg degrees to which automation using AI could impact the general workforce by numbers. I think having a rough back of the napkin calculation could underscore what it means to be a labourer in modern society. Give each of us some small foresight to keep our homes warmer when it's cold. It gave me 96 jobs spanning about a dozen industries and wouldn't expand further. I didn't prompt too much as well, I believe I had 5 prompts and I asked it to sum up the convo as stated below.
So without further ado, find what Qwen2.5 32B has to discuss on AI and employment.
"The AI Paradox: How Technology Will Create New Jobs, but Also Displace Others" (title by llama3.2)
Isaac: If you were construct an approximately 100 sentence blog post summarizing this discussion, what would you write?
Qwen2.5:32B:
The Impact of AI on Employment: Job Displacement and Creation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the job market in profound ways, leading to both displacement and creation of jobs. While some roles are at risk due to automation, new opportunities are emerging that require advanced skills and expertise.
Low-Skill Jobs at Risk
Low-skill jobs, particularly those involving repetitive or routine tasks, are among the most vulnerable to AI-driven automation. Examples include data entry clerks, basic customer service representatives, and certain manufacturing roles where tasks can be easily codified and performed by machines. According to various studies, up to 375 million workers globally may need to switch occupational categories by 2030 due to automation.
Middle-Skill Jobs Also at Risk
Beyond low-skill jobs, some middle-skill positions are also susceptible to AI-driven changes. These include roles that involve predictable physical work or simple cognitive tasks. For instance, administrative assistants and certain types of accounting functions may see significant shifts as AI becomes more integrated into these sectors.
New Roles Emerging
While job displacement is a concern, the advent of AI is also creating new roles that require specialized skills. Data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI specialists are just some of the high-skilled positions emerging in response to technological advancements. These jobs demand advanced technical knowledge and often involve developing, implementing, and managing AI systems.
Job Augmentation
Many existing jobs will be augmented rather than replaced by AI. This means that workers will need to adapt their skills to work alongside AI systems, leading to more efficient processes and higher productivity. For example, customer service representatives may use AI chatbots to handle routine queries, allowing them to focus on more complex issues that require human interaction.
Skill Requirements
The job market is likely to demand a significant shift in skill sets. Jobs that require high levels of creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving will become even more valuable. As industries evolve, the ability to work effectively with AI technologies will be crucial for maintaining relevance in the workforce.
Historical Precedents
Previous technological revolutions, such as the industrial revolution, have shown that while some jobs are lost, many new ones emerge over time. The current trend suggests a similar pattern: while certain roles may disappear, new industries and opportunities will arise to absorb displaced workers.
Current Trends and Projections
According to McKinsey & Company, up to 375 million workers globally may need to switch occupational categories by 2030 due to automation. This underscores the importance of proactive measures to help workers transition into new roles. The key lies in education and training programs that can equip individuals with the necessary skills for high-skilled positions.
Reskilling and Upskilling Programs
Governments and businesses must invest heavily in reskilling and upskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for these shifts. Education systems should adapt curricula to include courses on AI, data science, and other relevant technologies. Additionally, continuous learning programs can help current workers upgrade their skills and remain competitive in the job market.
Social Safety Nets
Implementing robust social safety nets is crucial during periods of transition. This includes providing unemployment benefits, retraining grants, and job placement services to support individuals who are displaced by automation. These measures can help mitigate the negative impacts of job displacement and ensure a smoother transition for affected workers.
Examples of New Opportunities
While some roles may be lost, new opportunities abound in emerging fields such as renewable energy, healthcare technology, and digital marketing. For instance, AI is transforming healthcare by enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, creating jobs for medical professionals who can work with advanced diagnostic tools.
Conclusion
The impact of AI on employment is complex but not solely negative. While low-skill and some middle-skill jobs are at risk, new high-skilled positions are being created that require advanced technical skills. Effective policies and proactive measures, including education and training programs, social safety nets, and supportive government initiatives, can help mitigate the negative impacts of job displacement and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI.
In summary, while AI will lead to significant changes in the job market, it is essential to focus on preparing workers for these shifts through comprehensive reskilling and upskilling programs. By doing so, we can ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
This blog post aims to provide a balanced view of how AI affects employment, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in the job market.