Last month, my friend Amy, a mid-level marketing manager at a Fortune 500 company, had her entire junior analyst team 'restructured.' Officially, it was due to 'strategic realignment,' but the reality was stark: AI tools now handle what used to be three full-time positions.
Amy's story is not unique. AI has eliminated 76,440 jobs in 2025 alone, and 41% of global employers plan to reduce their workforce in the next five years due to AI automation. This shift isn't just about losing current jobs; it's about the disappearance of the corporate ladder, the relationships, and the personal career brands that were built for promotions and growth.
The Career Ladder is Breaking (and No One’s Talking About It)
We're witnessing unprecedented changes in the job market, especially in Big Tech. Big Tech reduced hiring new graduates by 25% in 2024 compared to 2023, while increasing hiring of professionals with 2–5 years of experience by 27%. This creates a paradox: companies want experienced employees, but there are fewer entry-level positions to gain that experience.
Speed and Efficiency Now, Devastation Later
The entry-level roles that once filled offices with energy and diversity are being phased out. AI performs these tasks faster, without sick days or health insurance needs. Even professions like law, where new lawyers learned through document review, are now automated. A study from the World Economic Forum found that 49% of US Gen Z job hunters believe AI has reduced the value of their college education.
Companies Currently Solving the Problem
Some organizations are reimagining work with AI, not just cutting costs. For example:
- British Columbia Investment Management Corporation increased productivity by 10% to 20% for 84% of their Microsoft Copilot users, saving over 2,300 person-hours with automation.
- Daiichi Sankyo saw over 80% of employees report improved productivity and accuracy within a month of implementing their internal AI system.
People Ahead of the Curve
Professionals thriving in this era share common strategies:
- They orchestrate with AI, positioning themselves as conductors of an AI orchestra.
- They focus on uniquely human skills like creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
- They position themselves at the intersection of human creativity and AI efficiency.
The World We Know is on Death’s Door
2025–2026 will mark a generational shift in how we work with AI, disrupting nearly every industry and rewriting org charts. The choice isn't whether to embrace AI but how to leverage it for advancement. Those who adapt will shape the future of work.
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