Will AI Leading to Job Losses Cause “Bullshit Jobs” in Corporations to Vanish First?

Will AI Shift the Job Landscape? Rethinking the Future of “Bureaucratic” Roles

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and disrupt various industries, many are asking a provocative question: if AI has the potential to automate numerous tasks, shouldn’t the so-called “corporate bullshit jobs” be the first to disappear?

The Myth of “Useless” Corporate Roles

Roles such as project managers, consultants, and other administrative positions are often criticized for focusing primarily on creating PowerPoint presentations, managing endless emails, and participating in meetings that seem to lack tangible outcomes. These tasks are frequently labeled as non-essential or “busywork.” Based on this perspective, one might expect AI to replace these roles sooner rather than later.

Preconceptions About Job Automation

So, why do these administrative or bureaucratic positions appear more vulnerable to automation compared to roles like housekeepers or factory workers? Interestingly, the answer may lie in how society perceives the value and fundamental nature of different jobs. Roles rooted in manual labor—such as cleaning or manufacturing—are seen as more clearly mechanizable and interchangeable, making them prime candidates for automation.

Educational Attitudes and Perceived Risk

Another intriguing aspect is the varying risk levels associated with different educational backgrounds. Fields such as humanities, languages, design, or computer science often seem more susceptible to technological disruption than traditional areas like economics, finance, or administrative management. Why is this the case?

One explanation could be that degrees in the humanities and arts are sometimes viewed as less directly aligned with automation-driven efficiency improvements. Conversely, finance and administration are more data-driven and process-oriented, which could either make them more automatable or, paradoxically, more resistant due to their complexity and regulatory environment.

Rethinking the Future of Work

Ultimately, the ongoing advancement of AI compels us to reevaluate our assumptions about which jobs are most at risk. While automation may indeed transform many roles, the societal and economic context—combined with perceptions about value and complexity—will influence which jobs disappear first. Understanding this nuanced landscape is crucial as we prepare for a future where humans and machines increasingly collaborate in the workplace.