Is AI a Job Thief or Job Helper? Why Your Attitude Could Decide Your Future

Is AI a Job Thief or Job Helper? Why Your Attitude Could Decide Your Future

AI is everywhere right now; buzzing in boardrooms, sneaking into workshops, and popping up in conversations over cups of coffee. For some, it’s the harbinger of doom, the job thief lurking just around the corner. For others, it’s the ultimate sidekick, ready to take the boring stuff off their plates so they can focus on the parts of their job that really matter. I hear this every day, which is no surprise given my work, but it’s still fascinating. The story of AI in the workplace really boils down to two camps: those who fear AI is coming to take their jobs, and those who see AI as here to empower them (OK three camps: those who are refusing to accept it at all but that's a whole other issue for another time).

Which camp do you find yourself in?

Whether AI feels like a threat or a game-changer often comes down less to your industry and more to your mindset. And spoiler alert: those who embrace AI today are the ones who’ll still be thriving in three years’ time.

The Industries on the Front Line And Those Leading the Charge

Some industries feel like they’re in the firing line more than others. Copywriters worry that AI will steal their voice. Customer service teams wonder if bots will replace them. Accountants question whether automation means fewer roles. Retail workers face AI-driven recommendations and self-checkouts, while manufacturers watch robots taking over repetitive tasks.

It’s true, AI is changing everything at some level, even how we shop. But what’s more interesting is how people in these very industries are reacting. Not everyone is panicking. In fact, many are flipping the script and leaning in.

• Copywriters use AI to overcome writer’s block and generate ideas faster, not just replace themselves.

• Customer service teams deploy AI chatbots to handle the straightforward or out-of-hours enquiries, freeing humans for the tricky, nuanced calls.

• Accountants leverage AI for smarter forecasting and analysis, evolving into trusted advisors instead of mere number crunchers.

• Retailers combine AI insights with personal service, crafting experiences that keep customers coming back.

• Manufacturers harness AI to make workplaces safer and workflows smoother, improving conditions and output.

And then there are the trades and service sectors. Hairdressers, roofers, electricians, window cleaner; where human expertise is absolutely crucial. For them, AI isn’t about replacing the craft; it’s about taking over the admin, the scheduling, the quotes, and the paperwork that eat into valuable time. The goal? Free up more hours to be ‘on the tools’, doing what they do best, or at least not working into the night from the kitchen table on admin tasks.

The Mindset Difference: Fear v's Empowerment

The crucial point is the difference between these camps isn’t just industry-based. It’s mindset-based. Those who resist AI often see it as a job thief, a replacement for their hard-earned skills. The anxiety is understandable, change can be scary, especially when it challenges the way you’ve always worked.

But those who embrace AI see it as a tool for empowerment. It’s about working smarter, not harder. It’s about automating the dull and repetitive, so you can focus on the work that requires human creativity, skill, or empathy. The data backs this up.

A 2024 Deloitte report found that 62% of businesses adopting AI reported increased employee satisfaction and productivity, while those resisting AI risk falling behind in efficiency and market relevance. Similarly, a UK government-backed survey revealed that 45% of SMEs have already adopted at least one AI-based solution, with 56% prioritising operational efficiency and innovation through AI (TechRadar, TechUK).

What Does This Look Like in Practice?

Let’s look at some examples.

Tradespeople like roofers or electricians, rely heavily on their hands-on expertise. No AI robot can safely climb a ladder or install a wiring system the way a skilled human can. But these tradespeople often find themselves buried under admin, chasing quotes, scheduling jobs, tracking payments. AI-powered tools can automate all of that. Imagine your calendar syncing automatically with customer bookings, invoices generating without lifting a finger, and follow-ups sent out on schedule without any manual effort. Suddenly, you’ve freed hours each week, hours better spent on-site or simply enjoying a break.

Hairdressers are another great example. Their value is in the personal touch, the haircut, the style, the conversation, the experience. AI can help behind the scenes by managing appointments, sending reminders, and even analysing customer preferences to suggest products or services. The stylist no longer needs to worry about double bookings or no-shows. They can focus on what they do best, knowing the business admin is covered.

Meanwhile, retail workers might face self-checkouts and recommendation algorithms, but the future of retail is blending AI with human warmth and intuition. The best retailers use AI to understand customer behaviour, personalise experiences and train staff, but the interaction, upselling, and relationship building still require a human touch.

Even manufacturers who deploy robots for repetitive tasks now use AI to monitor safety, optimise workflows, and predict maintenance needs, making workplaces not just more efficient but safer and more satisfying for human workers.

How to Flip the Narrative if You’re in the Fear Camp

If the idea of AI fills you with dread, you’re not alone. But flipping the narrative isn’t just about a positive mindset, it’s about taking action.

• Start small: Use AI tools to automate just one repetitive task, whether it’s invoicing or scheduling.

• Invest in learning: The UK government and many providers offer free or low-cost AI training aimed at SMEs.

• Experiment: Try AI-powered chatbots, email automations, or simple CRM systems that integrate AI to see what works for your business.

• Collaborate: Talk to peers, join online forums, or get consultancy support to explore AI applications tailored to your industry.

By doing this, you can transform AI from a vague threat into a concrete opportunity.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

The world is changing fast. According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by the end of 2025 to keep up with changing job demands due to AI and automation. Small businesses that embrace this change will thrive. Those that resist risk being left behind.

The future isn’t robots versus humans. It’s humans leading robots to do what we do best, freeing up our time and energy to focus on creativity, empathy, and expertise. AI is not the enemy; it’s the assistant we didn’t know we needed.

This is also why AI in education is so important, supporting our next generation to be equipped with the skills and knowledge employers are now demanding. Is our education system suitable to support these skills? I don't think so. We should be encouraging the creativity, prompt engineering, recognising bias in algorithms, vibe coding and so much more, not telling students they can't use AI to complete assignments; this is the complete opposite of what the world of work is like now.

If you want help finding practical ways to integrate AI and automation into your business, My Biz Solution is here for you. We specialise in helping small businesses leverage AI to save time, reduce admin, and grow without overwhelm.

So, which camp are you in? Watching AI with worry, or using it to work smarter?

References:

• Deloitte 2024 Global AI Adoption Survey, deloitte.com

• TechRadar, “Many SMBs say they can’t get to grips with AI, need more training,” 2024, techradar.com

• TechUK, “Major Barriers to AI Adoption Remain for UK Businesses Despite Growing Demand,” 2024, techuk.org

• World Economic Forum, “The Future of Jobs Report,” 2023, weforum.org