“Kapalit-palit ba ako?” (Am I replaceable?)
Sounds familiar? You might remember this hugot line from Liza Soberano in My Ex and Whys, when her character confronted her ex about the past. We may not be in the same scene, but admit it—we sometimes ask ourselves the same question, in a very different context.
These days, with AI showing up in almost every corner of our lives, it’s easy to feel that anxiety. Am I replaceable? If you’ve asked yourself that, you’re not alone. And here’s the good news—you’re not powerless either.
Facing Our Fears
So, what does research from around the world really tell us?
- According to the IMF, AI could affect about 4 in 10 jobs globally. In wealthier countries, that number could rise to 6 in 10. For some, this means higher productivity and better results. But for others, it may bring less demand, lower pay, or even job loss.
- A new UNCTAD report echoes this: around 4 in 10 jobs worldwide could be affected by AI in the next ten years.
- The World Economic Forum adds another layer. By 2030, about 92 million jobs may disappear, but 133 million new ones could be created. That’s a net gain of 78 million, showing that AI is more about transformation than just loss.
- In Southeast Asia, concerns are very real. In the Philippines, 81% of workers fear AI could replace them, while globally, about 65% of people across 31 countries share the same worry.
So yes—the fear is real, and it’s global. But here’s the flip side: every shift also brings opportunities.
A Quick Reality Check
Here’s a simple self-check you can do over your next coffee break.
- Does your job involve repetitive, rule-based tasks?
Routine roles like admin, data entry, or customer service are more AI-vulnerable.
- Do you bring “human” strengths, like empathy, creativity, or leadership?
These are the qualities AI struggles to replicate.
- Are you upskilling, especially in digital tools, AI literacy, or adaptability?
Reports worldwide show AI-savvy workers are more valuable than ever.
- Does your workplace reward innovation, flexibility, and lifelong learning?
Organizations that invest in people are the ones that thrive through change.
What You Can Do—Starting Now
Here’s the best part: your human touch is your superpower in this AI-driven world.
- Be AI-adjacent, not obsolete. Learn what AI tools can do. Online courses or workshops can help sharpen your digital edge.
- Capitalize on what only you can bring. Creativity, empathy, and strategic insight still outrank what AI delivers.
- Focus on transformation, not resistance. Think of AI as a partner. Let it handle the routine tasks, while you drive results, build relationships, and shape the bigger picture.
- Build resilience through continuous learning. Lifelong learners stay relevant, no matter how fast technology moves.
- Tell your story. Share the impact you create through outcomes, insights, and the ways you connect, innovate, and lead.
You’ve got wisdom, experience, and heart. Skills rooted in human connection, creativity, and emotional intelligence are not going anywhere. AI may change how we work, but it can’t replace who you are.
So let’s stay curious, adaptable, and human—together.
