Will “Bullshit Jobs” Vanish First if AI Takes Over Employment?

Will AI Remove Corporate ‘Bullshit Jobs’ Before Replacing Essential Roles?

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and reshape the workforce, a compelling question arises: if AI is poised to replace many jobs, shouldn’t the so-called “corporate bullshit jobs” — roles often viewed as unnecessary or inefficient — be the first to go?

Much attention is given to positions like project managers, consultants, or administrative staff, which some critics argue involve a lot of superficial tasks such as creating presentations, responding to endless emails, and attending unproductive meetings. These roles are frequently labeled as “pointless” or “overhead,” leading to the assumption that they are prime candidates for automation or elimination in an AI-driven future.

But this logic seems to suggest a paradox: if AI is going to displace jobs, why are these corporate or administrative roles not the first to disappear? Wouldn’t the AI systems targeting efficiency and productivity make these positions redundant before more tangible roles—like housekeepers or factory workers—are affected?

Furthermore, an intriguing aspect of this discussion revolves around the varying vulnerability of different academic degrees. Fields such as humanities, languages, design, and computer science are often considered more susceptible to automation and job displacement. Conversely, degrees in economics, finance, or administrative sciences tend to be viewed as more resilient.

What accounts for this disparity? Is it industry perception, the nature of the skills involved, or perhaps the demand for nuanced human judgment and creativity? Understanding these dynamics can shed light on how technological disruptions may impact various educational backgrounds and career paths.

As we look toward an AI-infused future, rethinking our perspectives on what constitutes essential work becomes increasingly important. Recognizing which roles are truly critical versus those that are merely perceived as operational or supportive can help navigate the evolving landscape of employment in the digital age.