AI Systems and Agents Are Taking Jobs, Not Your Coworker Using ChatGPT, Here is the Proof.
- Evangel Oputa
- May 31, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 2
“AI won’t take your job, the people using AI will…” Errrr… wrong. They spoke too soon and did not account for AI Systems and Agents. The narrative is old. The real threat to jobs in 2025 is not someone “using AI.” It’s AI agents doing the job outright faster, cheaper, and at scale.
The Reality as of May 2025:
1. The Narrative “AI won’t take your job; someone using AI will”
The narrative that “AI won’t take your job; someone using AI will” no longer holds true. AI itself is directly displacing jobs across various sectors. This shift has significant impacts on both entry-level and white-collar positions.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 40% of companies expect to reduce their workforce due to AI and automation.
2. Direct Job Displacement
AI is automating tasks that humans traditionally performed. For instance, AI systems now handle basic programming functions. This leads to a reduction in entry-level tech positions.
Wall Street Journal reports: Entry-level tech jobs are disappearing as AI tools increasingly take over routine tasks.
3. Hiring Freezes and Layoffs
Major companies across industries, including Meta, UPS, and Morgan Stanley, have implemented layoffs attributed to AI integration and automation.
AI-Driven Layoffs
Microsoft
Employees Laid Off: Approximately 6,000 (about 3% of global workforce)
Reason: Organizational restructuring to align with AI initiatives and streamline operations.
Source: Times of India
IBM
Employees Laid Off: Several hundred in Human Resources
Reason: Automation of HR functions using AI technologies.
Source: Economic Times
Chegg
Employees Laid Off: Approximately 248 (22% of workforce)
Reason: Decline in user base due to competition from AI-powered educational tools.
Source: NYPost
Autodesk
Employees Laid Off: Approximately 1,350 (9% of global workforce)
Reason: Restructuring to focus on AI and platform development.
Source: SF Chronicle
and many more:
Dell
Workday
Meta Platforms
Google
Unity Technologies
These layoffs reflect a broader trend of companies leveraging AI to automate tasks. This leads to workforce reductions across various sectors. The integration of AI technologies is reshaping job roles. It necessitates a shift in workforce skills to adapt to the evolving landscape.
4. AI in HR
Approximately 30% of companies are utilizing AI-driven hiring tools. However, this can inadvertently disadvantage certain groups, such as individuals with employment gaps or non-native English speakers.
As we look to the future, we see immense potential for AI agents in HR. When we recently made the shift to agentic AI with our newest release of AskHR on IBM watsonx Orchestrate, for example, it was an exciting day for our team! There is so much more we can do with the employee experience now that we have agentic AI capabilities. - IBM
In the last four years, we have seen a 40% reduction in the HR operating budget. In 2024 alone, AskHR successfully handled more than 11.5 million interactions and completed over one million transactions. This increased our productivity and saved both managers and employees precious time in their day, time that they now spend on higher-value work. Our HR team is proud that our Client Zero work contributed to the USD 3.5 billion in productivity savings (against a USD 2 billion target) that IBM realized in 2024 - IBM
Klarna's Reversing Its Decision
There have been some mistakes along the way. Swedish fintech company Klarna is reversing its decision to replace human employees with AI. After laying off around 700 workers and heavily investing in AI for customer service and marketing tasks, the company has acknowledged that cost-cutting was prioritized over quality. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski admitted the AI agents failed to meet expectations. This prompted Klarna to begin rehiring human workers, particularly for remote customer support roles.
The Takeaway
This is not a drill. It’s not hypothetical. AI is already doing the job, not just helping someone else do it better. If you are not learning how to design, deploy, or direct AI agents, you are not just behind; you are replaceable.
The question is not:
“Will AI take my job?” It’s: “What must I learn to stay relevant?”
So…
Are we ready to face the reality of AI agents? Or are we still clinging to comforting, outdated narratives?
Embracing the AI Future
As we navigate this changing landscape, it's essential to embrace the potential of AI. By understanding its capabilities, we can better position ourselves in the job market.
Adapting Skills for Tomorrow
To remain relevant, we must adapt our skills. Learning about AI technologies and their applications is crucial. This knowledge will empower us to work alongside AI rather than be replaced by it.
The Role of Continuous Learning
Continuous learning is vital in this fast-paced environment. Engaging in training programs and workshops can help us stay updated. By investing in our education, we can thrive in an AI-driven world.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The future is here, and it’s powered by AI. Let’s take charge of our careers and embrace the changes. By doing so, we can ensure that we are not just surviving but thriving in this new era.
Are you ready to step into the future with confidence?
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