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

Will AI Revolutionize the Job Market by Eliminating “Bureaucratic” Roles First?

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and reshape industries, many are pondering its impact on employment. A thought-provoking question emerges: if AI has the potential to replace numerous roles, shouldn’t the so-called “corporate bullshit jobs” be the first to go?

By “bullshit jobs,” we typically refer to roles like project managers, consultants, or administrative staff—positions often criticized for involving tasks such as preparing endless PowerPoint presentations, replying to emails, and participating in non-essential meetings. These roles are frequently seen as administratively heavy and lacking direct value to the core business operations.

Given this perspective, it seems logical that these administrative or managerial roles would be the initial casualties of automation, rather than occupations like housekeepers or factory workers—roles that involve tangible, manual work or essential services. If AI is eliminating tasks that are administrative or managerial in nature, it raises the question: why are certain academic disciplines and degrees—such as humanities, languages, design, or even computer science—perceived as more vulnerable than fields like economics, finance, or bureaucracy?

Understanding this dynamic is crucial as we navigate a rapidly evolving employment landscape. Will automation truly prioritize stripping away administrative redundancy first? And what does this imply for the future of education and the professional world? These questions are essential as we prepare for a new era of work, where the nature of jobs and the skills required are likely to undergo significant transformation.