1 answer
Ibrahim
Student
Badagry
2
Questions
Asked
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Why do careers get wipedout by a newer technology or advancement in civilisation?
Why do careers get wiped out by a newer technology and advancement in civilisation? Is it really to be considered a wipe out or more of a transition? Why does it feel pain to see a career shift or total annihilation of certain workforce especially does at their time being which seem totally untouchable and are considered the pinnacle of a job career one can attain?
Lastly if you've experienced such in the past, how does it feel like? Is your experience helping you now that this new career shift is happening with AI?
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1 answer
ANTHONY SYLVESTER
School counselor
21
Answers
Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
ANTHONY’s Answer
This is a very thoughtful question because it touches on one of the biggest realities of career development: change is constant.
Careers are rarely completely "wiped out"; most times, they transform. Throughout history, technology and social changes have replaced certain tasks while creating new roles. For example, computers reduced the need for some manual office tasks but created careers in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and digital services.
The reason it feels painful when a career disappears is because careers are not just sources of income; they are connected to identity, pride, years of training, experience, and personal meaning. Someone who spent decades becoming an expert in a field may feel that their value is being questioned when a new technology emerges.
However, history shows that adaptability is one of the most important career skills. The people who survive major changes are usually those who are willing to learn, update their skills, and combine their experience with new tools. Technology often replaces repetitive tasks, but human abilities such as creativity, empathy, critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving remain valuable.
The rise of AI should be viewed less as the end of work and more as a shift in how work is done. Some jobs will reduce, some will change, and new opportunities will emerge. The important question is not only "Will AI replace my career?" but also "How can I use AI to become better at my career?"
A strong career mindset today is lifelong learning. The future belongs not necessarily to those who compete against technology, but to those who learn how to work alongside it.
Careers are rarely completely "wiped out"; most times, they transform. Throughout history, technology and social changes have replaced certain tasks while creating new roles. For example, computers reduced the need for some manual office tasks but created careers in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, and digital services.
The reason it feels painful when a career disappears is because careers are not just sources of income; they are connected to identity, pride, years of training, experience, and personal meaning. Someone who spent decades becoming an expert in a field may feel that their value is being questioned when a new technology emerges.
However, history shows that adaptability is one of the most important career skills. The people who survive major changes are usually those who are willing to learn, update their skills, and combine their experience with new tools. Technology often replaces repetitive tasks, but human abilities such as creativity, empathy, critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving remain valuable.
The rise of AI should be viewed less as the end of work and more as a shift in how work is done. Some jobs will reduce, some will change, and new opportunities will emerge. The important question is not only "Will AI replace my career?" but also "How can I use AI to become better at my career?"
A strong career mindset today is lifelong learning. The future belongs not necessarily to those who compete against technology, but to those who learn how to work alongside it.