Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly progressed in the past few years. Everyone from factory workers to business leaders is left wondering what implications this technology will have on their careers.
Although AI will never fully replace humans in the workforce, this is a valid concern for workers who want to ensure job security to provide for themselves and their families. This has created a sense of FOBO, the fear of becoming obsolete. People are worried that AI will replace them, leaving them without a job.
Luckily, there are a few strategies you can put in place to help you cope with these technological changes on a personal and professional level. In this guide, we discuss some practical strategies to overcome the fear of becoming obsolete in the age of AI.
WHAT IS THE FEAR OF BECOMING OBSOLETE (FOBO)?
The fear of becoming obsolete, or FOBO for short, is a feeling many employees experience as technology advances and AI becomes more prevalent. FOBO is a perceived risk to job security as AI automates more tasks.
In some industries, AI could take over most day-to-day tasks associated with some roles. In these cases, the FOBO has some validity, and the affected professionals should pivot accordingly.
However, this is not a given across the board. Although job security in some industries will be compromised at the hands of AI, many sectors will flourish with its support. In most industries, AI will likely cause a shift in how human skills, time, and talent are used, but it will not replace them entirely.
Understanding both sides of this situation, you may still have some concerns about the future of your career in light of the developments in AI.
8 WAYS TO NAVIGATE AI-INDUCED FOBO
Now that you know more about FOBO, let’s dive into some strategies you can use to address FOBO in the age of AI.
take inventory of your feelings
The first step to overcoming your FOBO is to take inventory of your feelings. You may feel stressed, overwhelmed, desperate, and scared. These feelings are valid. However, dwelling on the stress and giving into fear will not serve you in the long run.
Start by taking some time to make a list of your visceral reaction to the thought of AI in action in your workplace. Do you feel fear that this technology will be used to take over your day-to-day tasks? Do you worry AI will be better at your job than you are? Are you nervous that AI might compromise your job security?
The goal of this exercise isn’t to push these emotions away but to understand what you feel and why you feel. With this awareness, start thinking about each concern from a practical standpoint.
From a logical perspective, how valid are your fears? Is your organisation discussing layoffs? How many of your day-to-day tasks can be streamlined with AI? Is it possible to leverage AI to help you? You should help you decide how to move forward by answering these questions.
UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS OF AI IN YOUR INDUSTRY
AI has touched every industry in some way or another. However, it’s become more prevalent in some sectors than others.
Although AI does not necessarily power toll booths, newer toll technology has replaced many jobs. Since many tolls are now account-based and tracked with photo technology or radio frequencies, toll workers are obsolete. In jobs like this, there is some validity to the fear of becoming obsolete. The same goes for data entry professionals, telemarketers, and some clerical jobs.
Medical procedures, on the other hand, have been greatly improved with related technology. The chances of AI replacing doctors and other medical professionals are practically nonexistent. The same goes for lawyers, educators, and other professional fields that require advanced schooling.
Even in industries where AI helps streamline tasks, it’s unlikely to make workers obsolete. For example, generative AI can be helpful in marketing, but assets created by AI copywriters and designers lack a human touch. Organisations that take pride in their brand image will continue to use real human marketers, even if they want these human marketers to lean into AI for a little bit of help.
determine your “human” SUPERPOWERS
There are some things that AI simply cannot replace since it computes and generates information based on a vast collection of pre-existing information.
Take content writing, for example. Many AI content writing tools create decent content, but they lack a human touch. This issue is especially true for technical fields where writers are tasked with breaking down complex concepts in a way that’s easy for readers to digest.
Generative AI simply cannot understand nuanced subjects. A skilled technical writer can add shades of gray to an article to make it more accessible to your audience. This skill set is an excellent example of a “human” superpower.
Some other examples of human superpowers include:
- Unique perspectives from unique life experiences
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Empathy and compassion
- Creative thinking
- Leadership skills
Understanding your unique value to your organisation or industry can help overcome FOBO.
HONE YOUR SOFT SKILLS
Although AI can replace many technical functions and workflows based on digital skills, it cannot replace soft skills. For example, AI cannot serve as a leader to your team or offer the care and compassion required to navigate delicate situations within HR. In these instances, the tech will not triumph.
Sharpening your soft skills will help make you a stronger leader on your team, thus making you a better candidate for career-advancing opportunities. Some ways to improve your soft skills include:
- Seek feedback on where you can improve from co-workers
- Listening to professional development podcasts
- Reading professional development books
- Attending seminars or workshops
- Work with a mentor
Implementing the information you learn in these training sessions into your day-to-day in your current role will help you hone your soft skills.
take a step back
It can be challenging to understand the growth of AI, even though we know it isn’t here to replace jobs. The key is to shift focus from fear to opportunity.
Instead of stressing, take a break, clear your mind, and strategise. A short sabbatical or vacation is a great way to step back and decide how to proceed. A staycation, especially in nature, is excellent, too.
For example, a road trip to some local forests in an RV rental from San Francisco could be the perfect escape, time to reflect, recharge, and rethink how to adapt and thrive in the evolving job market. If you live within a few hours of the coast, some time at the beach would be nice.
The mental clarity that comes with a break like this is great for deciding how to move forward.
LEAN INTO AI
You’ve likely heard the adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Embracing AI to help you get better at your job is a great way to overcome your FOBO.
AI can automate tasks, analyse data, and even make decisions—so where does that leave us? The truth is that AI isn’t here to replace people but to change how we work. Those who adapt and learn to use AI as a tool will stay ahead, while those who resist risk falling behind.
For example, marketing AI agents can predict trends, personalise content, and handle repetitive tasks. While this might seem like a threat, it frees up strategists and writers to focus on creativity, storytelling, and ideas AI can’t replicate. The same applies everywhere—those who integrate AI into their work will not just keep up; they will lead the way.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Although it may seem impossible to keep an open mind when faced with FOBO, it is essential to do so. If you’ve taken inventory of your feelings and broken down but don’t have a clear idea of your future, don’t immediately give into fear.
Keeping an open mind will help you stay open to new opportunities for growth in your current role or in a future one. Resisting AI can hold you back.
PIVOT IF NECESSARY
If the infiltration of AI in your industry is too much of a stressor for you, there’s always the option to pivot in your career.
Start thinking about other industries that use AI in a lesser capacity or in a capacity that feels more comfortable. As we mentioned, AI plays a significant role in many industries, so you probably won’t escape it entirely, but you may find it more manageable in a different role.
Of course, this isn’t practical for everyone. For example, switching industries may put you in a bind if you support a family on your current income or you’ve paid a lot of money for education specific to your field. You have to do what makes the most sense in your unique situation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Although it may feel like AI is taking over, fear not. AI may change the workforce but should not eliminate the need for a human touch in most industries.
Navigating these technological shifts may feel trying. However, pausing to assess the situation and understand your feelings will give you the clarity to move forward with a successful career.
Author: Guillaume Deschamps – Content Manager, Wordable.io & PR Manager, uSERP
Photo credit: Steve Johnson on Unsplash
