Will Artificial Intelligence Eliminate Jobs First, or Will ‘Bullshit’ Corporate Roles Disappear Beforehand? (Variation 142)

Will AI Eliminate ‘Bullshit Jobs’ Before Routine Work? A Closer Look at the Future of Employment

As artificial intelligence continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, a compelling question arises: if AI has the potential to replace human labor across various sectors, why do certain roles—often labeled as ‘corporate’ or ‘administrative’—seem poised to vanish first?

Many critics have pointed out that numerous jobs within organizations, such as project managers, consultants, or roles primarily focused on preparing presentations, answering endless emails, and attending unproductive meetings—sometimes called “bullshit jobs”—may be the first casualties of automation. These positions often involve tasks that are repetitive, administrative, or lack tangible value beyond the corporate hierarchy.

In contrast, roles rooted in manual labor—like housekeepers or factory workers—appear less susceptible to automation in the immediate future. This raises an intriguing dilemma: what factors determine which jobs AI will automate first? Why are certain academic disciplines—such as humanities, linguistics, design, or computer science—more vulnerable than traditional fields like economics, finance, or administrative secretarial work?

Understanding the Disparity

The distinction often lies in the nature of the tasks involved. Jobs heavy in routine, predictable activities—such as data entry, scheduling, or some aspects of managerial coordination—are easier to simulate with AI algorithms. These are usually associated with roles that don’t require nuanced judgment, emotional intelligence, or complex problem-solving skills.

On the other hand, professions that demand creative thinking, emotional awareness, or nuanced understanding—such as teaching, counseling, or certain manual trades—are more resistant to immediate automation.

Why Are Certain Degrees More at Risk?

Regarding educational backgrounds, degrees in humanities, languages, design, or computer science often prepare individuals for roles that require critical thinking, interpretation, and innovation. However, these fields also include skills that are increasingly automatable—like language translation with AI, multimedia design, or coding.

Meanwhile, degrees in economics, finance, or administrative studies tend to focus on specialized knowledge, analytical skills, and procedures—areas that can be more readily codified and replicated by machines. As a result, jobs grounded in these disciplines may face disruption, but often in different ways or over different timelines.

Looking Ahead

The evolving landscape suggests that the nature of work is shifting—not just in terms of the jobs themselves but also regarding which skills and knowledge bases remain most resilient. It prompts us to rethink