Will AI Replace Jobs? Should “Corporate Bullshit Jobs” Disappear First?

Will AI Eliminate ‘Bullshit Jobs’ First? Rethinking the Future of Work

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and reshape industries, a compelling question arises: if AI is poised to replace many human roles, should we not expect the so-called “bullshit jobs”—those perceived as unnecessary or overly bureaucratic—to vanish first?

Many critics argue that positions such as project managers, consultants, or corporate administrators often focus on activities like crafting PowerPoint presentations, responding to endless emails, and attending non-essential meetings. These roles are frequently labeled as redundant, leading to the assumption that they are prime candidates for automation or elimination.

But if that’s the case, why do we often see these administrative or managerial positions persist, especially in comparison to roles like housekeepers or factory workers? The discrepancy prompts us to question which jobs are truly vulnerable in an AI-driven future.

Furthermore, an intriguing pattern emerges when examining educational backgrounds and their relation to job security. Degrees in humanities, languages, design, or even certain areas of computer science might seem more susceptible to automation, yet paradoxically, fields such as economics, finance, or business administration tend to seem more “resilient.” What factors influence this disparity? Is it the nature of the work, societal perceptions, or the adaptability of certain skills in a changing technological landscape?

As we contemplate these questions, it’s clear that the future of employment is complex and multifaceted. Understanding which roles are truly at risk—and why—requires a nuanced perspective that considers not only technological capabilities but also economic structures, societal values, and the evolving nature of work itself.