The anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence are no longer confined to theoretical debates about the distant future of work. They are actively reshaping career decisions, prompting students to abandon established paths and experienced professionals to reassess their industries. While the full extent of AI’s impact remains uncertain, the immediate effect is a palpable shift in the labor market, as individuals attempt to preempt potential disruption.
Matthew Ramirez, a 20-year-old who began studying computer science at Western Governors University in , exemplifies this trend. Initially drawn by the promise of a lucrative and flexible career in programming, Ramirez grew increasingly concerned by reports of tech layoffs and the potential for AI to automate entry-level coding positions. After an unsuccessful job interview for a datacenter technician role, he decided to change course, switching his major to nursing in . He cited the perceived stability and relative difficulty of automating healthcare as key factors in his decision.
“Even though AI might not be at the point where it will overtake all these entry-level jobs now, by the time I graduate, it likely will,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez’s experience is not isolated. A growing number of students are reconsidering their majors, while established workers are grappling with the implications of AI in their current roles. Some are actively avoiding AI-driven positions, while others are attempting to adapt and leverage the technology.
The World Economic Forum projects that AI could displace 92 million roles globally by , including a significant number of white-collar positions. In the United States, employers cited AI as a contributing factor in approximately 55,000 job cuts in , according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. ADP, the largest payroll company in the US, reported a collective loss of 41,000 jobs in December across professional and business services, as well as information services roles – sectors particularly vulnerable to automation.
The roles most immediately threatened are those involving tasks that generative AI tools are increasingly capable of performing, such as writing, data analysis and coding. Conversely, jobs requiring hands-on skills and interpersonal interaction appear less susceptible to displacement.
This shift in perception is driving young people towards careers emphasizing “human skills,” according to Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a career development expert at Zety. Research from Zety indicates that 43% of Gen Z workers anxious about AI are moving away from entry-level corporate and administrative roles and towards careers that rely on creativity, interpersonal connection, and practical expertise. A significant 53% of young respondents are seriously considering blue-collar or skilled trade work, a trend recently highlighted by the Wall Street Journal.
However, this pivot often comes with financial trade-offs. Many white-collar roles, such as software development and financial analysis, offer median salaries exceeding $75,000 annually, with software developers earning approximately $133,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Skilled trades, like electricians and plumbers, typically earn closer to $60,000 per year. These positions also frequently require in-person work, physical labor, and less predictable schedules.
The aversion to AI-centric roles is extending to the job search process itself. Roman Callaghan, a 30-year-old medical coder, deliberately avoided applying for positions that mentioned AI-related keywords – “integrating AI,” “AI-first,” or “developing AI” – after being laid off in . He ultimately secured a data entry position after nine months of searching and taking on temporary work at a fish store and a call center.
“Avoiding AI-centric jobs felt like it narrowed the amount of companies I could work for,” Callaghan said. “Even though my options were limited, sticking to my convictions felt worth it.”
Recruiters are observing a similar trend. Marshall Scabet, CEO of Precision Sales Recruiting, noted that roughly a quarter of sales candidates he spoke with over the past six months were attempting to transition away from software-as-a-service (SaaS) roles, believing that selling industrial equipment offered greater job security.
“In their opinion, there was less likelihood of that job being taken by AI,” Scabet said. “AI isn’t just going to walk into a factory and give a pitch about a machine.”
For more experienced professionals, direct encounters with AI in the workplace are prompting reassessments of entire career paths. Liam Robinson, a 45-year-old animation artist, is actively avoiding the mobile gaming industry after witnessing a decline in animation quality following his employer’s encouragement to use generative AI. Laid off in after disclosing his refusal to use AI, Robinson is now focusing on creating webtoon comics and is prepared to consider alternative work, such as driving for Uber or working in waste management, if necessary.
“As long as I’m useful and making a little money, that’s enough,” Robinson said.
Arianny Mercedes, founder of the career strategy firm Revamped, observes that clients are increasingly prioritizing roles within regulated or essential sectors, such as healthcare administration, education, and compliance, rather than chasing prestige or high salaries. The goal, she says, is to secure positions where AI augments work without undermining authority or decision-making.
However, some professionals are choosing to embrace AI and adapt their skill sets accordingly. Dmitry Zozulya, a former web designer, transitioned to offering AI-driven automation services, recognizing the need to evolve with the changing landscape. “I believe it’s very important to adapt,” Zozulya said. “Even when it’s uncomfortable.”
the anxieties surrounding AI are forcing individuals to re-evaluate their career trajectories and redefine what constitutes a stable future. For Ramirez, the decision to switch from computer science to nursing represents a calculated bet on a profession less likely to be disrupted by automation in the near term. “When you throw AI into the picture, the likelihood of healthcare jobs disappearing is slim as of right now,” he said. “I can’t speak for the future, but in the next few years, they’re still going to be there.”
