I’ve written this post on top 10 strategies to mitigate AI job loss because as a Graphic Designer myself, the possibility of career loss due to AI isn’t just a real possibility, it’s highly likely. As AI systems exponentially increase in their power and abilities, many industries from web developers, copywriters and photographers, all the way through to call centre workers, consultants and accountants are also increasingly feeling the pressure. Many creative and process-driven jobs are at the forefront for disappearing into the history books, much like that of switchboard operators, camera film developers and video store employees whose existence was wiped out due to technological advances. Whilst this has happened through all modern human history, the potential speed and scale brought about by AI-driven job loss has the potential to be on a scale we have never experienced before.
This is why I’m now personally looking at strategies to help mitigate the possibility of my career disruption and loss and whilst we’re all in differing positions, this list is meant as a kickstarter to help you to start thinking about how you can also mitigate your own AI-driven job loss.
1. Become AI-augmented, not AI-resistant
This may not be a long-term strategy depending on your industry but learning to co-create with AI so that you’re not outcompeted by those who do may be important if not essential. AI is not going away so adapting within your industry may be the key to surviving. Start exploring how AI can help in your workflow and potentially make you more efficient.
2. Evolve toward strategic thinking and decision-making
AI is predicted to wipe out many process-driven jobs, so pivoting towards roles involving strategy, ethics or leadership could be a way for you to mitigate the effects of AI. For example, Graphic Designer to Brand Strategist or Creative Director over content generator. This may involve significant learning, so getting ahead of the pack now could be an essential career move.
3. Build a career portfolio
Being reliant on your single job position may not be enough. A smart move may be to explore any complimentary skills you have. If you’re freelancing, there may be opportunities to teach, produce digital products or move into consulting. Look at potential secondary revenue streams, perhaps outside your current job role, within your hobbies and interests.
4. Adopt a learning-first approach
We can all fall into the trap of feeling comfortable in a job but in an AI-driven world, now is the time more than ever to adopt a lifelong learning mindset. Whether this is within your current field or outside interests, investing is skills that AI will find hard to replace could provide dividends in the long-term.
5. Align or retrain in human-centric, ethical or cultural value work
Now could be the time to explore if there are niche opportunities within your current job which prioritise work requiring trust, empathy, culture or ethics, all of which AI currently struggles to compete with.
6. Build your personal brand
If you have the ability to communicate, teach or share your knowledge on what will outlast specific functions within your job or field, now could be the time to build an audience through the likes of podcasting, article writing, launching new products, building courses or offering new services.
7. Position yourself around potential long-term trends
If AI has the potential to take away your career, now could be the time to explore opportunities in potential long-term trends driven by AI such as within the green economy & climate transition, elderly & care work, digital infrastructure & governance, mental health & wellbeing or education & reskilling.
8. Become financially adaptive
Now could be the time to start planning for potential financial instability driven by AI-career disruption. Start or improve upon your savings, maintain a strong credit rating, keep your overheads low and limit taking out credit.
9. Redefine your value in terms of outcomes and not tasks
AI is predicted to automate tasks, not outcomes. Now could be the time reframe your identity. For example, from “I design logos” to “I help brands build trust and clarity”. Focus on the results rather than tasks.
10. Become entrepreneurial with a new business idea
There’s no doubt that AI offers huge potential and combined with your knowledge from within your industry, you may see opportunities where AI could simplify and improve processes. Now could be the time to explore and maximise this potential opportunity.
Finally….
There’s no quick answer for any of us facing AI-driven job loss, but by starting to plan and adapt now by using some of the suggestions from this list of top 10 strategies to mitigate AI job loss, you can help mitigate the potential disruption. With the current speed of AI development, time is of the essence and it’s only those who prepare now who have the best chance to thrive in an AI-driven world.
This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, so if you have any additional mitigation strategies, I’d love to hear about it below. Finally, don’t forget to checkout our forum area for further discussions.