With the breakneck pace of advancement in generative AI and the rapid proliferation of AI agent use cases, it's no wonder that automation anxiety is running high.
But before you worry yourself sick, here’s a counterintuitive insight from Harvard economist James Bessen: of the 271 detailed occupations listed in the 1950 Census, only one — the elevator operator — saw its decline primarily due to automation.
It makes sense. Most jobs are made up of many different tasks — and only some of those can be easily automated with today’s technology.
Take the example of an Accounts Payable Executive: while tasks like invoice matching, data entry, and payment scheduling can now be automated, the role still demands human intervention in areas such as liaising with suppliers to resolve discrepancies, investigating unusual or duplicate charges, negotiating payment terms, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and tax regulations. These are tasks that require human judgement, communication skills, context awareness, and critical thinking — things AI still struggles to replicate.
In fact, Bessen's paper, “How Computer Automation Affects Occupations: Technology, Jobs, and Skills,” found that occupations that make greater use of computers actually see faster employment growth, averaging 1.7% per year. It’s a reassuring sign that embracing new tools — rather than resisting them — might be the key to staying relevant.
However, there’s a catch: computer use is also linked to widening wage inequality within occupations. As repetitive tasks get automated, the premium shifts to those who can adapt, upskill, and work alongside the machines.
The bottom line? AI might not take your job — but someone using AI might.
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Will AI Take Your Job? Not Quite — But Here's What You Should Know