Will the Rise of AI Lead to the Disappearance of “Bullshit Jobs” in Corporations First?

Will AI Revolutionize the Job Market by Eliminating “Bullshit Jobs” First? Analyzing the Impact Across Industries

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and reshape the global workforce, many are questioning how these technological leaps will influence employment distinctions—particularly the so-called “bullshit jobs.” These roles, often characterized as administrative, managerial, or bureaucratic, are frequently criticized for their perceived lack of tangible productivity.

The Paradox of “Bullshit Jobs” in the Age of AI

A common argument suggests that if AI has the potential to replace human labor, roles centered around tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations, managing endless email chains, and attending unproductive meetings would be among the first to go. These tasks are often associated with managerial or administrative positions that many consider superfluous.

In theory, then, positions such as project managers, consultants, or office clerks could be displaced rapidly, perhaps even before roles traditionally viewed as essential—such as housekeepers or manufacturing workers—are affected. This raises an intriguing question: Why does it seem that certain administrative or corporate roles are more vulnerable to automation than the core labor roles?

Education and the Perceived Risk

Another layer of this discussion involves examining why specific academic disciplines appear more susceptible to disruption. For example, degrees in humanities, languages, design, or computer science often face heightened scrutiny regarding job security, especially in an AI-driven future. Conversely, fields like economics, finance, or general administration seem somewhat shielded from immediate obsolescence.

This disparity could be rooted in the nature of the work associated with these degrees. Creative and language-based roles might rely heavily on nuanced human skills, empathy, and cultural understanding, making them less automatable. Meanwhile, financial analysis or administrative functions—despite involving complex data processing—are often rule-based and repetitive, thus more easily handled by AI systems.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing integration of AI prompts us to reassess job design and the value of various roles within organizations. While automation may indeed make certain tasks—and perhaps entire roles—obsolete, it also sparks a broader conversation about the future of work, the importance of human-centric skills, and the potential restructuring of career paths.

Understanding which jobs are most at risk—and why—can help professionals, educators, and policymakers prepare for a rapidly changing employment landscape. Ultimately, the question isn’t just about how AI will replace jobs but also about how we redefine meaningful work in the age of intelligent automation.