A.I. Might Take Your Job. Here Are 22 New Ones It Could Give You.
First, a confession: I tried writing this essay with A.I.
I started with ChatGPT's 'deep research' mode, asking it to compile a report on what new jobs for humans might be created by the rise of A.I. It asked a few follow-up questions and then set off, returning with a 6,000-word report, broken down by industry. I fed that report into ChatGPT 4o — along with the original assignment memo from my editor and a few other recent industry reports on the future of work — and asked for an article in the style of The New York Times Magazine.
It was done within 90 minutes. The article was lively and informative, and while some of its imagined future careers were a bit fanciful (a 'synthetic relationship counselor' apparently will be someone who can step in when you're in love with your A.I.), it also covered an interesting spectrum of plausible jobs and featured some delightful turns of phrase. To the average reader, it likely would have come across as a breezy Sunday read with just enough interesting points to warrant a bit of reflection.
So why aren't you reading that version? Well, for starters, it would have gotten me fired: Almost all quotes and experts in the article were entirely made up. But I had a deeper, more philosophical concern. Even if the A.I.-written version of this piece was entirely factual, submitting it to my editors would have represented a fundamental misunderstanding of why they hired me. In freelance journalism, as in many fields where the work product is written text, you aren't just being paid for the words you submit. You're being paid to be responsible for them: the facts, the concepts, the fairness, the phrasing. This article is running with my byline, which means that I personally stand behind what you're reading; by the same token, my editor is responsible for hiring me, and so on, a type of responsibility that inherently can't be delegated to a machine.
Commentators have become increasingly bleak about the future of human work in an A.I. world. The venture-capitalist investor Chris Sacca recently went on Tim Ferriss's podcast and declared that 'we are super [expletive].' He suggested that computer programmers, lawyers, accountants, marketing copywriters and most other white-collar workers were all doomed. In an email to his staff, Fiverr's chief executive, Micha Kaufman, added designers and salespeople to the list of the soon-to-be-damned.
Such laments about A.I. have become common, but rarely do they explore how A.I. gets over the responsibility hurdle I'm describing. It's already clear that A.I. is more than capable of handling many human tasks. But in the real world, our jobs are about much more than the sum of our tasks: They're about contributing our labor to a group of other humans — our bosses and colleagues — who can understand us, interact with us and hold us accountable in ways that don't easily transfer to algorithms.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
SoftBank founder proposes $1trn AI and robotics hub in US
SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son is pursuing a plan to establish a $1trn industrial complex in Arizona, the US, to create a major hub for AI and robotics manufacturing, reported Bloomberg. The Japanese investment firm has approached Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) to play a key role in the project, though the specifics of TSMC's potential involvement remain unclear. The proposed complex, dubbed 'Project Crystal Land,' envisions a high-tech manufacturing hub akin to China's Shenzhen, individuals familiar with the plan told the publication. The park could include production lines for AI-powered industrial robots, they said, though the discussions remain private. SoftBank has also engaged with Samsung Electronics executives to gauge interest, alongside a range of other technology companies, the report added. SoftBank officials have held discussions with US federal and state government officials, including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to explore potential tax incentives for companies investing in the industrial park. Son has compiled a list of SoftBank Vision Fund portfolio companies, such as robotics firm Agile Robots SE, that could establish production facilities at the site. The project's feasibility depends on support from the Trump administration and state authorities. While the envisioned cost could reach $1trn, as previously reported by the Nikkei, the actual scale will hinge on participation from major technology firms, Bloomberg's report said. If successful, Son has suggested the possibility of developing additional advanced industrial parks across the US. TSMC, which has already begun mass production at its first Arizona factory as part of a $165bn US investment, indicated that SoftBank's project does not impact its existing plans in Phoenix. Representatives from SoftBank, TSMC, and Samsung declined to comment, and the US Commerce Department did not immediately respond to Bloomberg's inquiries. In March 2025, SoftBank agreed to acquire Ampere Computing, a US-based semiconductor design company, for $6.5bn. As per the deal, Ampere Computing will be acquired by SBG through its subsidiary Silver Bands 6 (US) Corp. Ampere Computing is engaged in developing high-performance, energy-efficient processors tailored for cloud computing and AI workloads. The company currently employs approximately 1000 engineers. "SoftBank founder proposes $1trn AI and robotics hub in US" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to ask for a raise: 6 mistakes that can hurt your chances — and what to do instead
Only 13% of full-time employees requested a raise in 2023, but 66% of those who did received one, according to a May 2024 Federal Reserve survey. It goes to prove the old saying right: Ask, and you shall receive. Still, asking for a raise at work can be a stressful conversation for many employees. If you ask at the wrong time or in the wrong way, you could hurt your chances. From asking too soon to giving ultimatums, even minor missteps can work against you. In many ways, it's a skill of its own. Here are six mistakes to avoid, along with practical tips to approach salary discussions with confidence and increase your odds of success. Before asking for a raise, it's essential to establish a strong relationship with your manager. Otherwise, the conversation won't go far. 'Before giving a raise, I would want to know what my employee is doing and have a regular cadence where we're meeting consistently,' says Patrice Williams-Lindo, a career coach and manager of five. 'If it's the first time we're meeting, it's impractical to ask for a raise then and there. It's like asking someone to marry you on the first date,' she explains. Set up regular one-on-one meetings with your manager if you haven't already done so. Use that time to keep them updated on your progress, share your wins and make sure you're aligned on goals, including earning a salary increase. It will also give your manager a clear understanding of how you and your work contribute to the team. Do you work for a great organization? Nominate it as one of America's Top Workplaces. Even after you've established a relationship with your manager, avoid requesting a raise in an arbitrary one-on-one meeting, via email or during a casual conversation. Your manager should know the conversation is coming. 'It shouldn't be an ambush,' Williams-Lindo says. 'When you book the meeting, say, 'I'd like to talk about compensation and share the results I've driven,'' she advises. Schedule a dedicated meeting and clearly state its purpose. That way, your manager has time to prepare and come to the conversation with the right mindset. Timing can significantly impact whether your raise request is granted. If you're unsure when your company typically handles raises or promotions, bring it up during your one-on-ones, then use the intervening time to work toward that raise. 'If I'm setting myself up for mid-year, then I need to start at the beginning of the year — if not before — building that case,' Williams-Lindo says. Map out what you want to achieve for the year ahead and start gathering proof points early, so by the time you discuss a raise or promotion with your manager, your case will already be well established. Avoid asking for a raise out of fear or personal financial pressure. Instead, keep the focus on your performance and value. Williams-Lindo suggested saying something like, ''It's been X months — here's what I've done, the caliber of my work and the outcomes I've delivered. That's why I believe I'm qualified for X, Y or Z.' That gives off a different energy than, 'Hey, I don't know how I'm going to pay my rent, and I need a raise.'' Center the conversation on your professional achievements and value. Know what the market is paying for your role and what peers in similar roles (even at other organizations) are making. If you can demonstrate the gap, you're more likely to have a productive outcome. Giving an ultimatum when asking for a raise is a major mistake. Even if you do get the raise, this type of communication can antagonize your manager, damage your professional reputation and ultimately undermine your value. 'This might sound like, 'I need a raise, or I'm quitting.' I appreciate that bravado, but for me, it's a bit of a turn-off, because how did we get here?' Williams-Lindo says. Rehearse your talking points. Calm, professional conversations are far more effective than explosive ones. Be open to negotiation and prepared to compromise on the final amount. Even if you've thoroughly prepared and presented your case well, your raise request could still be denied. If you're told "not right now," ask your manager for specific feedback. There may be outside factors influencing the decision or specific goals you'll need to meet to be considered for a raise in the future. A good manager will explain the reason — whether it's because the company is facing a downturn or because there are performance gaps to work on — and then help you to fix them. Set up a follow-up time — in three to six months — to revisit the conversation. This will indicate that you are engaged and goal-oriented. If your manager is dismissive and doesn't provide clear, achievable paths to advancement, it may be time to reassess if this is still the right place for your growth. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: how-to-ask-for-raise
Android Authority
27 minutes ago
- Android Authority
Can we trust Google Maps to get us anywhere anymore?
Andy Walker / Android Authority 🗣️ This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below — your take might be featured in a future roundup. This past weekend, I was driving home from a wonderful break in the country. I usually use Google Maps to guide me home on longer drives, even if I have driven that route before. It's more of a comfort than a necessity. However, it tried its level best to take me on an unwanted adventure. To get home from the tiny town I visited, I had a choice between a faster toll route or the longer scenic mountain pass that runs alongside it. I selected the 'Avoid tolls' toggle before I left, thinking that the app would suggest I use the pass. After all, it was the best alternative available. That wasn't the case at all. Maps instead suggested two hugely divergent routes that would've taken me two hours north or 90 minutes south of the best route. Absentmindedly, I came so close to taking the suggested deviations. And if I hadn't curiously glanced at my Android Auto display, I would've ended up further from home. This incident opened my eyes to the larger problem affecting Google Maps' navigation reliability, especially on the open road. Having read countless takes online about Maps guiding drivers on obtuse routes, I'd say it's a fairly wide-reaching issue. So, if you have a story to tell, I'd love to hear it. I'm sure other readers would too. Here are the questions: Has Google Maps ever gotten you lost? If so, tell us about the experience. What's the worst place Google Maps has ever taken you? Do you feel that Maps has grown more inaccurate and less reliable over time? What is your preferred navigation app on Android, and why do you pick it? Would you pay a premium for a Google Maps that offers smarter navigation and more contextually aware features? Be sure to vote in the poll below, too! Has Google Maps ever gotten you lost while driving? 0 votes Yes. Google Maps consistently gets me lost. NaN % Yes. Once or twice, but not very often. NaN % No, Google Maps has always been a reliable guide for me. NaN % I don't use Google Maps while driving. NaN % 👇Sound off in the comments with your Google Maps adventure anecdotes and opinions.
