Will AI Replace Jobs, Meaning the So-Called Corporate ‘Bullshit Jobs’ Should Disappear First?

Will AI Eliminate “Bullshit Jobs” Before Replacing Routine Roles? Exploring the Future of Employment

As artificial intelligence continues to advance at a rapid pace, a compelling question arises: if AI is poised to transform the workplace, why haven’t certain roles—particularly what some refer to as “bullshit jobs”—already vanished? These are positions often characterized by routine tasks such as preparing PowerPoint presentations, managing endless email correspondence, and attending numerous meetings that contribute little perceived value. Many see these roles as primarily administrative or managerial and wonder if they are the first to be replaced by automation.

The Paradox of “Meaningless” Corporate Roles

It is intuitive to assume that jobs centered around repetitive, non-essential activities would be the first casualties of AI innovation. Positions like project managers, consultants, and administrative staff often involve activities that could be streamlined or fully automated. The expectation is that, as AI becomes more sophisticated, these roles will diminish, possibly freeing up human resources for more meaningful pursuits.

Why Have These Jobs Persisted?

Despite this logical projection, these roles have persisted longer than anticipated. Several factors contribute to this inertia:

• Organizational Complexity: Companies often rely on hierarchy and bureaucracy that maintain traditional roles, making change slow.
• Human Oversight: Even with automation, human judgment is still valued in managerial decision-making, client relations, and strategic planning.
• Economic and Cultural Factors: The shift away from traditional corporate roles may involve complex societal adjustments, economic implications, and resistance to change.

The Puzzle of Degree Risk: Why Some Fields Are More Vulnerable Than Others

Another intriguing aspect is the differential impact of AI across various educational backgrounds. Why do disciplines like humanities, languages, design, or computer science seem more vulnerable than degrees in economics, finance, or administrative fields?

• Skill Transferability: Fields such as economics and finance often involve complex analysis and decision-making that are harder to automate without significant advancements.
• Automation of Routine Tasks: Administrative and bureaucratic roles are more prone to automation due to their repetitive nature.
• Evolving Job Definitions: The skill sets associated with certain fields—like critical thinking for humanities or creative design—are less easily replaced by AI, which currently excels at pattern recognition rather than original thought.

Looking Ahead

While AI promises to reshape many facets of the workforce, its impact on different job types will likely unfold over time. Roles that depend heavily on routine, administrative tasks may be the first to