AI probably won’t replace your job by 2030

But it will change the rules of staying valuable and likely replace large parts of your role.

Over the last year, in almost every program I ran, clients landed on the same question:

“Is AI going to replace my job?”

It’s a reasonable concern.

In the last two years alone, generative AI systems have demonstrated capabilities that previously required trained professionals - writing reports, analysing data, coding software, drafting marketing material, and summarising research. But analysts suggest the real story is more complicated than simple job replacement.

Across Australia, major companies are already experimenting with AI systems that change how work gets done.

Atlassian has embedded AI assistants into tools used by millions of knowledge workers to automate documentation, summarisation, and project updates.

Canva has introduced AI features that generate marketing copy, presentations, and visual content in seconds.

Banks like Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank are deploying AI systems to analyse data, assist decision-making, and handle customer interactions.

And companies such as Telstra are increasingly using AI to manage customer service at scale.

These developments don’t necessarily remove entire professions overnight. But they do change something important.

They change the amount of work one person can produce.

Technological shifts rarely eliminate work overnight. They change how work is organised.

Tasks change first. > Roles evolve second. > Entire professions reshape over time.

And that process is already underway.

According to research from McKinsey & Company, generative AI could add $2.6–$4.4 trillion annually to the global economy, primarily by increasing productivity in knowledge work. Meanwhile the International Monetary Fund estimates that around 40% of jobs globally will be affected by AI in some form. That doesn’t mean 40% of jobs disappear. It means the structure of work is changing.

The first phase: AI as a productivity layer

Right now, AI is mostly functioning as a productivity layer on top of existing work.

Across industries, professionals are already using AI tools to:

• draft reports
• summarise research
• analyse data
• generate presentations
• write or review code
• automate administrative work
• assist with customer communication

The result is simple but powerful.

People can produce more work in less time.

In a controlled study by researchers at Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, customer support agents using generative AI were 14% more productive overall, with the largest improvements among less experienced workers.

Another study from PwC found professionals using AI tools can complete certain tasks up to 40% faster.

At first glance, that sounds like good news. But productivity improvements create a second-order effect inside organisations. If the same work can be done faster, companies eventually realise they may need fewer people to do it. And that shift rarely happens dramatically.

It usually shows up gradually through:

• hiring freezes
• slower replacement of departing staff
• smaller teams responsible for similar workloads

These early signals are subtle, but they point to something larger. Organisations are starting to rethink how work is structured.

How technological shifts actually unfold

Most large technological transitions follow a similar pattern. Understanding that pattern makes the current moment easier to interpret.

Phase 1: Augmentation

Technology helps professionals perform tasks more efficiently. We saw this with spreadsheets replacing manual accounting and email replacing physical letters. AI is currently operating in this stage across many industries. Research from McKinsey & Company suggests 60–70% of tasks across many occupations could be partially automated by generative AI.

Notice the wording. Not entire jobs. Tasks.

Phase 2: Task automation

Once technology becomes reliable, certain tasks gradually disappear.

For example:

Administrative work
• scheduling
• meeting notes
• report formatting

Professional support work
• routine legal drafting
• structured research summaries
• standard financial modelling

Customer support
• answering common enquiries

Software development
• assisting with coding and debugging

Research from the OECD suggests around 27% of jobs involve tasks that could be highly automatable.

This rarely eliminates a profession overnight.

Instead, it changes what people spend their time doing.

Phase 3: Organisational redesign

This is where disruption becomes visible.

When automation becomes reliable, organisations redesign around it. Traditional knowledge teams often look like this:

• Manager

• Analysts

• Coordinators

• Assistants

In an AI-enabled organisation, the structure may look more like this:

• Strategist

• Specialist

• AI-supported systems executing many tasks

The work still happens but fewer people may be required to produce the same output.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs estimates generative AI could expose around 300 million full-time jobs globally to some degree of automation.

Exposure does not mean elimination. But it does mean roles will evolve.

The emerging challenge: entry-level work

One of the least discussed consequences of AI adoption may involve early-career pathways.

Historically, many entry-level professional roles existed to perform routine tasks such as:

• preparing research
• compiling reports
• managing documentation
• supporting senior staff

These tasks are increasingly automated.

The World Economic Forum has warned that automation could disproportionately affect junior knowledge workers, raising questions about how people gain experience early in their careers. Traditionally, careers progressed like this:

junior → mid-level → senior

But if organisations require fewer junior roles, that pathway becomes harder to access. This may become one of the defining workforce challenges of the next decade. Not simply job displacement. But how professionals build experience when many learning tasks are automated?

Which roles face the most change

AI systems perform best at work that is:

• structured
• repeatable
• digital
• text-heavy or analytical

Roles heavily dependent on these tasks face the most disruption.

Higher exposure roles

Administrative support
Customer service
Basic accounting
Paralegal work
Research assistants
Data entry
Junior marketing roles
Routine software development

Medium exposure roles

Financial analysts
HR advisors
Business analysts
Consultants
Journalists
Project managers

These roles are unlikely to disappear, but fewer people may be required to perform the work.

Lower exposure roles

Roles that depend heavily on judgement, relationships, and accountability remain harder to automate.

Examples include:

Senior leadership
Strategic advisory work
Negotiation-based roles
Relationship-driven sales
Creative direction
Complex engineering leadership

As Satya Nadella put it:

“AI will not replace humans, but humans who use AI will replace humans who don’t.”

The skills that become more valuable

In an AI-enabled economy, value shifts away from pure execution. Execution becomes easier to automate. What becomes more valuable are capabilities around judgement, direction, and interpretation.

Several skill areas are likely to matter more.

AI literacy

Understanding how AI tools work, where they are useful, and where they fail. Over time this may become as essential as digital literacy.

Problem framing

AI is good at solving defined problems. Humans remain essential in deciding which problems should be solved.

Critical thinking

AI can produce convincing but incorrect outputs. Professionals must be able to evaluate information and challenge assumptions.

Communication and influence

Work involving persuasion, leadership, and stakeholder management remains difficult to automate.

Strategic thinking

AI can assist analysis, but long-term direction still requires human judgement.

Adaptability

Job descriptions are likely to evolve more frequently. Professionals who can learn new tools and reconfigure their work will remain more resilient.

What this means for your career

The most useful way to think about AI is not as a threat or a miracle technology. It is a force that changes leverage.

A professional who understands how to use AI effectively can produce more output, analyse more information, and experiment with ideas faster. That changes what organisations value. Over time, three patterns are likely to become clearer. First, AI capability becomes a baseline expectation.

Second, key human strengths become more valuable such as judgement, creativity, leadership, and relationship building.

Third, careers become less linear. Rather than climbing a fixed ladder inside one profession, professionals may need to evolve their value repeatedly as technology reshapes industries.

The reason why I’m sharing this is simple. Many people are trying to predict which jobs will disappear. That question is less useful than another one:

How do you remain valuable in a world where execution is increasingly automated?

Professionals who stay curious about technology, develop strong judgement, and learn how to combine human capability with intelligent systems will be in a far stronger position. There is a practical way forward but it starts with understanding how work is actually changing.

Give yourself permission to be different

Growing up, being weird or different probably didn't feel good. A lot of energy was spent trying to fit in and be normal. Being Taiwanese and already looking different, all I wanted was to have the same lunches as everyone else, not my egg fried rice in a thermos! 

As children, fitting in makes makes sense for reasons of safety. When you're at school, being different can expose us to ridicule, losing friends, or facing bullies when our social circles are limited. And we're shorter of skill and confidence to represent ourselves and our own interests. 

With time passing, as adults we can see that being a little weird is actually pretty normal.🙃 We all have desires, interests, and oddities that make us distinctly different. If you're fortunate, you have people around you who accept and embrace those unique aspects of yourself. Yet, to avoid scrutiny, there are still many things most of us feel uncomfortable exploring or sharing with others. This is sad when these things might contribute to our hopes and dreams. 

The conversation today is about questioning this instinct and challenging ourselves to seek the things that light us up despite our concerns. 

Here are some examples of things you might be holding yourself back from pursuing: 

🎨An artistic pursuit, like dancing, acting, painting, or singing, even though you think you’re the wrong shape, or you’ll be terrible at it, and that feels embarrassing.

💼Investing in a skill set or qualification, or pursuing a job or dream business, that doesn't fit with your current public persona.

👥Sharing a new identity or personal history with people, so they can properly acknowledge the true you.

👗Dressing exactly the way you want, when you want. 

🌟Diving into an unusual hobby that’s daggy/uncool/super weird.

🌍Seeking out new people and experiences that excite you.

💖Owning your sexual preferences and finding pleasure in different places.

To find these unique sweet spots kept in the shadows, it might take some deeper questioning, exploration, and potentially professional support. But for your efforts, it's worth it. If we can take a step back from societal expectations, there are infinite possibilities for our lives. Writing this, I'm also challenging my own inclinations, thinking about what I might be shying away from because of the context around me.

Does it feel like something is missing in your life that you’re not honoring? It's your story, and you have the power to write it. Be the original, baby!

What to do when networking falls flat

Networking has been hailed as a golden gateway to professional success, opening doors to exciting career prospects, collaboration opportunities, and meaningful connections. But let's face it — sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves wondering why our style of networking falls flat, and what we’re doing wrong.

How about transforming missed opportunities into thriving connections for your healthy career ecosystem? Below we look at common pitfalls and practical strategies to overcome them. 

You’re going too hard too early with an agenda

You walk into a networking event armed with your business cards and a laser-focused agenda. You're on a mission to conquer the room and reap all the benefits for yourself. Pause. Does this feel like someone you would want to network with? When networking, it's crucial to be genuine, show a sincere interest in others, and build relationships based on trust, generosity and respect. With this intention, watch the connections you make flourish organically, and the rewards will follow suit. 

You’re not navigating in the right networking circles

Don’t just network with everyone and anyone. If you find yourself trapped in networking circles that don't align with your goals or interests, it's time to plot a new course. Seek out communities, events, and platforms where like-minded professionals gather both online and offline. Seek out people who share your values and aspirations, or people who have wisdom and experience in areas you’re interested in. By strategically selecting the right networking opportunities, you'll find meaningful connections and opportunities that align with your vision.

You’re not continuing to build and nurture the relationship

Networking isn't a one-and-done deal. It's an ongoing journey of building and nurturing relationships. It's not just about exchanging business cards and hoping for the best—it's about investing time and effort into maintaining connections. When preparing to network either online or in person, do your research ahead of time on the person you’re reaching out to, ask interesting and informed questions, always follow up with the people you meet, engage in conversations that matter, and be a source of support whenever possible. By tending to these relationships, you'll witness the transformation of flat networking experiences into flourishing connections that fuel your professional growth.

Your fear is getting in the way of real connections

Ah, the fear of rejection — these fears can send our networking efforts crashing. To conquer these barriers, you must shift your mindset. Networking is an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and sharing expertise. Embrace the value you bring to the table and approach networking with a genuine desire to connect and help others. When you let go of fear and embrace the true essence of networking, remarkable things can happen.

Despite our best intentions, networking may not always go according to plan, but don't let that discourage you. Armed with these insights, you can approach networking with authenticity, great intentions, relationship skills, and courage. Connect with impactful people on your wavelength who have ideas, experiences, opportunities and words of wisdom to share with you.

Fear During Career Change

When embarking on career change, two significant hurdles stand in our path: uncertainty and fear. These invisible barriers appear elsewhere in our lives, but they are given when seeking a career change. When I was personally exploring a change in career 10+ years ago, it turned my world upside down and I found it incredibly uncomfortable. Transitioning from one career path to another presents risk, self-doubt, and a fear of the unknown. Speaking to your inner circle about it can sometimes give you comfort, perhaps that they've experienced a similar thing. On the other hand, it can also bring up more questions and stir up even more tension. Let’s explore the complexities and difficulties associated with making a career change.

The role of fear: fear is a natural and primal emotion that has evolved to protect us from potential harm. However, in the context of a career change, fear often takes on a different form. Fear of failure, financial instability, social judgment, and the loss of identity can create significant barriers to pursuing a new career path. 

The fear of stepping into the unknown can paralyse individuals, trapping them in unfulfilling careers despite their desire for change. Breaking free from this fear requires courage, self-belief, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

Why Career Change is Difficult:

1. Identity Crisis: Our careers often become deeply intertwined with our identities. Shifting gears and embarking on a new professional journey can challenge our sense of self, leaving us grappling with questions about who we are and what we truly want.

2. Financial Considerations: Career changes often come with financial implications. The prospect of starting from scratch or taking a pay cut can be daunting, especially when we have financial responsibilities and obligations.

3. Lack of Experience: Transitioning to a new field often means entering unfamiliar territory. The lack of relevant experience can make it challenging to convince potential employers of our capabilities, leading to feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

4. Social Pressure: Society often places great emphasis on career success and stability. The fear of judgment or disapproval from family, friends, or colleagues can add an extra layer of difficulty to the already challenging process of making a career change.

Overcoming the challenges: while navigating the complexities of fear and career change is undeniably difficult, it is not insurmountable. 

Here are a few strategies that might help you:

1. Self-Reflection: Take the time to explore your values, interests, and personal pursuits. Understanding your true desires will give you clarity and help you make informed decisions about your career path.

2. Planning and Research: Thoroughly investigate your desired field, network with professionals, and acquire the necessary skills or qualifications. A well-thought-out plan will instill confidence and mitigate some of the fear associated with the unknown.

3. Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, mentors, or career coaches who can provide guidance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective. Sharing your fears and concerns with others can lighten the burden and offer valuable insights.

4. Embrace Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset, recognising that failures and setbacks are stepping stones to success. Embracing a mindset focused on learning and improvement will help you navigate challenges and stay resilient.

The crux of it: Making a career change is seriously courageous. I’m right behind all of you considering this big adventure. Shout out if you need a hand.

7 signs it's time to break up with your job

"Welcome to Dumpsville. Population you."

Those are words aren't going to come from your boss. She thinks you're an angel. You're well liked at work. You belong to one of the friendliest teams in the world and you’re on first name basis with the cafe barista next door to the office. Life is easy. You live a convenient 15 minutes walk from work and while weekdays are slow, Friday nights are a blast. Despite these small victories, you can feel it. Something is out of sync. Is it time to change jobs? 

Here are 7 ways to tell:

1. You daydream about ways to get out of work.

“Dear boss, I sprained my ankle, my dog is sick and my car has broken down.” It’s Sunday afternoon and you’re wishing Monday’s didn’t exist. You draft excuses in your head and contemplate which one is the most believable. By Monday morning, guilt stops you from dialling into your manager with white lies, and you drag yourself to work.

2. You’ve stopped learning new things.

When you first started out in this role it was exciting. The first couple of years you were like Daniel- san from the karate kid, you waxed on, you waxed off, and you gained great lessons and skills. Now your learning curve has flatlined. Mr Miyagi’s no where to be seen and your opponent feels like a fat kid with no upper body strength.

3. You don’t want to learn the things that are now part of your job.

In this scenario, you are being challenged, but in all the wrong ways. The problem isn’t the learning curve, but the experience and skills you’re adding to your toolbox don’t seem relevant to what you want to be doing in the future. You ask for opportunities that are more aligned to your interests and are told that’s not part of your role.

4. You don’t respect the leadership in your team.

In meetings, you cringe when you hear your bosses talk about “giving 110%” and thinking “outside the box” when they do nothing of the sort. They’re not as bad as the boss from The Office, but they don’t inspire you to strive for greatness either. A research poll published by Gallup in 2011 showed that 80% of people leave their jobs because they can’t manage the relationship with their boss and not the demands of their job. If you don’t respect the leadership in your team, your motivation is going to take a dive.

5. You aren’t proud of the work you do.

The question “What do you do for work?” almost always comes up at Friday night drinks when you’re introduced to any new person. Outside of the office, you hate talking about work because you’re not particularly proud of the fruits of your labour or the company you work for. In fact, you’re sometimes embarrassed by it. You quickly change the subject, make a smart ass remark or shift the attention back to the person you’re talking to hoping that’ll fly.

6. You spend way too much time on Facebook and Linkedin.

Let’s be honest, compared to what you know you’re capable of, your productivity sucks. You regularly escape your office cubicle by scrolling through Facebook and Linkedin. You justify looking at social media as “keeping on top of trends” and distract yourself from any real work. When someone makes a post about how much they love their job, you feel waves of jealousy and secretly wish they’d put a lid on it. You click on another cat video.

7. You feel drained.

You used to go to work engaged, full of life and ready to smash it. These days nothing happens before you’ve had a coffee and your will to work drops off dramatically after lunch. You look forward to afternoon tea way more than any of your work meetings but get depressed at the thought of what that’s doing to your waistline. You walk out of work feeling drained and don’t really feel you achieved anything meaningful with your day. Sad face.

These are seven signs it’s time for a change. Sometimes it’s possible to shift the dynamics within your job and re-engage but that requires focused cooperation from both you and your boss. Falling out of love with your work is normal. It’s happened to all of us at some point, and the important thing is to know when it’s time to break up.