In today's video, we're going to take a look at the complaints I've been receiving from people who are concerned that AI will take their jobs. Lately, I've been inundated with emails, primarily from programmers and Access developers, as teaching Access is my forte. They're worried that AI will render their jobs unnecessary in the near future. It brings to mind that South Park episode where they exclaimed, "They took our jobs!"

My advice to everyone is simple: don't worry, be happy, and if you can't beat them, join them. Let's delve into what I mean. The cycle of new technology reshaping the way things are done has been ongoing since the dawn of civilization. The unceasing march of progress has led to the demise of certain industries while simultaneously giving birth to new ones. Automation in manufacturing reduced the demand for manual labor jobs in agriculture and artisan crafts but paved the way for jobs in factories, urbanized cities, and eventually spawned new professions in engineering and management, among others. The verdict on whether this was beneficial remains a subject of debate.

The invention of the automobile diminished the need for horse-drawn transport, impacting blacksmiths, stable hands, and carriage makers, but it birthed a colossal automotive industry with opportunities in manufacturing, maintenance, road construction, and suburban development. Growing up in the suburbs, I witnessed firsthand how the automobile transformed our lives.

Ironically, the people who are now expressing concern about AI owe their jobs to the invention of the computer. The computer reduced the need for manual bookkeeping, typists, and some aspects of secretarial work while ushering in the IT industry, computer science jobs, digital marketing, programming, and Access development, among many others.

The advent of the Internet disrupted traditional retail, print media, and postal services but gave rise to jobs in web development, digital content creation, e-commerce, online education (like what I do), and remote work opportunities.

Allow me to share a personal story: In the '90s, I embarked on my journey as a contract Microsoft Access developer. A company approached me to create a database that could replace their paper-based system, which they had used since their inception in the '40s or '50s. Within a week, I learned their business processes and crafted a database that could efficiently run their entire company. What was once a 40-hour-per-week task with paper bookkeeping now only required a couple of hours with the automated database I built. Some employees were understandably upset because they knew their roles would be significantly reduced. However, the company's efficiency skyrocketed, allowing them to ship more products and expand, creating numerous new jobs in the process.

Specifically concerning AI, it's essential to recognize that AI is a tool designed to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Similar to past technologies, AI can simplify jobs, improve efficiency, and open up new avenues for creative and strategic thinking. AI is likely to give birth to entirely new job categories, much like the internet did. If you had told someone in 1980 that you were a web developer, they might have wondered if you worked with spiders. The key to success lies in adopting a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. Staying updated with new skills and technologies can turn AI into an opportunity rather than a threat.

Drawing from my personal experience, I began programming as a young enthusiast on my TRS-80 in the early '80s. After high school, I decided to start my computer business, primarily focused on building custom PCs, selling hardware, fixing computers, and running networking cables. However, my customers soon expressed a need for custom software to run their businesses, which led me to pivot and learn Microsoft Access, despite having a programming background but no prior experience with databases. Over the years, I adapted to changing work environments. In my 20s, my hair was even more fabulous than you see in the video!

After a few years of building software, my customers asked if I could teach them and their employees how to use computers effectively. This led to the establishment of a computer classroom, where I taught various courses, including Word, Excel, and even Access development for those interested in customizing databases. Eventually, I transitioned to recording videos. In the early days, I burned them onto CDs and shipped them out because high-speed internet access wasn't prevalent. As technology evolved, I shifted to online teaching, a journey I continue to this day.

The bottom line is that throughout my career, I've had to adapt and pivot, often completely changing my business model. Adaptation is key to success.

Regarding AI, while it can assist in the creative process, human creativity in arts, literature, music, and even computer programming remains unparalleled. AI can write code, but it often lacks a deep understanding of the overall program's purpose. It can provide code snippets, but assembling the entire project is a uniquely human endeavor. AI excels at data analysis but falls short when it comes to solving complex, unstructured problems requiring critical thinking and innovative approaches. Humans are superior at grasping context in communication, including nuances, sarcasm, and cultural references'areas where AI frequently misinterprets or overlooks subtleties. Strategic planning involving abstract thinking, long-term considerations, and understanding broader implications is another domain where humans shine, especially in programming and database jobs.

Humans possess a remarkable capacity to learn and adapt to diverse situations and environments, applying knowledge across various contexts'a flexibility AI has yet to achieve. And I emphasize "yet"; it will take some time. So, relax. AI isn't on the verge of world domination. Just kidding, of course.

As you can see, I'm using AI to generate the cool graphics for these slides, but it's still a work in progress, as evidenced by the occasional spelling errors. Graphic artists, your jobs are safe for now.

In conclusion, while AI is a powerful tool, it won't take over your job tomorrow. You have ample time to learn about AI, how to use it to enhance your work, and how to adapt and overcome. Embrace change; don't be stuck in outdated ways of doing things. Keep learning. Personally, I consider it a good day if I've learned something new. Yes, I teach for a living, but I'm also constantly striving to expand my own knowledge. So, stay tuned to my channel, and I'll continue teaching you a wide range of topics. But for now, that wraps up your tech help video for today. Live long and prosper, and I'll see you next time.