Since the rise of generative AI, especially after the launch of ChatGPT, many predicted a massive wave of job losses. So far, that scenario has not fully materialized. Large-scale layoffs directly caused by AI remain limited, and overall employment trends still reflect broader economic slowdowns rather than pure automation. However, this calm may be temporary. Economists increasingly agree that the real impact of AI on labor markets will become more visible from 2026 onward.
Rather than replacing entire jobs overnight, AI is reshaping how work is done. In many organizations, AI tools handle repetitive or low-value tasks, allowing existing employees to be more productive. This has reduced the need to hire new staff, especially in sectors such as technology, finance, customer support, and professional services where AI adoption is faster. As a result, young graduates and early-career professionals may face fewer entry-level opportunities, even if overall employment remains stable.
The challenge is not only technological but also political and educational. While governments and companies focus on winning the AI innovation race, less attention is paid to preparing workers for this transition. Skills such as critical thinking, domain expertise, and the ability to supervise and validate AI outputs are becoming essential. AI may ultimately complement human work rather than eliminate it—but without proper training and policy support, its benefits risk being unevenly distributed, particularly for the next generation entering the workforce.