“AI is here!! The world is ending!! Humans are under attack!! Run for the hills!!”
That’s often the reaction people have when they think about AI and its impact. In this regard, Hollywood hasn’t helped—decades of doomsday robots and apocalyptic storylines have shaped how we imagine this technology.
For those who don’t know… Skynet is the fictional artificial intelligence (AI) and primary antagonist of the Terminator franchise. Originally designed for U.S. military defense, it gained sentience and perceived humanity as an existential threat. This led to a nuclear holocaust known as Judgment Day, after which Skynet wages a relentless war against the human survivors. (this summary was created by AI)
Are YOU worried about AI? I wasn’t—at least not at first. I assumed AI would follow the same trajectory as every other major tech shift: cell phones, the internet, social media. Each time, there’s a wave of panic about how the new technology might be abused. And each time, once it becomes mainstream and woven into daily life, the worst fears mostly fade away, with only a few isolated issues actually emerging.
I thought AI was just a more advanced calculator—something to make tasks quicker and more convenient. But recently, I’ve started to reconsider.
Paycom, the largest tech employer in Oklahoma City, just laid off 500 employees because AI took over their roles. That was a wake-up call. I’ve since read articles, listened to podcasts, and watched videos from both sides (though let’s be honest—fear sells, so most lean negative). The more I learn, the clearer it becomes: AI’s impact is real, and it’s happening now.
So, are you worried? Could your career be next in line?
The general consensus is that roles requiring high touch, creativity, emotional intelligence, or complex strategic thinking are relatively safe—at least for now. Routine, administrative, number-crunching, and many forms of manual labor (like warehouse work and trucking) are far more vulnerable.
This isn’t about fearmongering. It’s about being realistic. Over the years, I’ve learned that those who thrive through change are the ones who prepare for it—through retraining, retooling, and reimagining their future.
Do your future self a favor: research how “AI-proof” your career is. Explore new skills or alternative paths. And yes, you can even use ChatGPT to help you figure it out.
Don’t be Chicken Little, but don’t bury your head in the sand either. AI is here. Those who adapt will be the ones who benefit most from this futuristic world that we are now entering.
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