Is Job Security Still a Thing?

A while ago, I wrote about my company's restructuring. Like many others, it made me stop and think about something much bigger than just one company.

Is job security still a thing?

That question led me to another one.

What does having a "valuable skill set" even mean in today's workforce?

Ten years ago, the answer seemed straightforward. Marketing was booming. If you knew how to create videos, edit content, or run social media campaigns, you had an advantage. Those skills were in demand, and they paid well.

Around the same time, being an influencer became a dream career for many young people. Throw a stone into a crowd, and chances are someone would tell you they wanted to become a content creator. Brands were spending heavily on digital marketing, and authentic personalities became valuable assets.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically.

AI can now generate marketing copy, design graphics, edit videos, and even create virtual influencers. Some AI-generated influencers have reached a level where the quality is surprisingly convincing. While they may still lack the genuine human connection that real creators have, the technology is advancing at an incredible pace.

We're already seeing the impact in the entertainment industry. In China, some actors who once appeared in short-form dramas are reportedly losing opportunities because AI-generated characters are becoming a cheaper alternative.

And it's not just creative industries.

Many analytical and knowledge-based jobs, especially in finance, are beginning to feel the pressure as AI becomes increasingly capable of processing data, producing reports, and supporting decision-making.

Some people argue that STEM careers are safer, and for now, I tend to agree. Engineering and scientific work still require deep technical expertise, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving that AI cannot fully replace.

However, I do wonder about the next generation.

Students today have AI readily available to solve mathematical problems, explain scientific concepts, and even complete assignments. While AI can be an incredible learning tool, there's also the risk that people become dependent on it instead of truly understanding the fundamentals. If the foundation becomes weaker, what happens when the workforce eventually needs genuine expertise rather than AI-assisted answers?

Then there are skilled trades.

Chefs, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, these professions still rely heavily on hands-on experience and physical work. They remain among the most resilient occupations today because robots simply aren't widespread or cost-effective enough to replace them.

But even that may only be temporary.

Humanoid robots are improving year after year. As costs fall and capabilities increase, it isn't impossible to imagine a future where many physical jobs become automated as well.

So perhaps the real question isn't whether any particular job is safe.

Maybe the better question is this:

Can we continue adapting faster than technology evolves?

Because if history has taught us anything, it's that every "future-proof" skill eventually faces disruption. The people who thrive may not be those with the most specialised skills, but those who never stop learning, adapting, and reinventing themselves.

In a world where change is the only constant, perhaps adaptability has become the most valuable skill of all.