How To Audit Your Career For AI-Obsolescence Before The Mid-Year Review
Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in the workplace is now more prevalent than ever. In a recent Gallup poll, four out of ten U.S employees (38%) reported that their organization has adopted AI technology. The same Gallup poll, which looked at 2025 Q4 workplace data, found that 12% of employees use it daily, an increase of 2% from just the previous quarter of that same year.
If these numbers are any indication, it seems that AI in the workplace will not be slowing down any time soon, which, for many, begs the question: With the increase of AI applications, will my career become obsolete?
The reality appears to be more nuanced than a simple yes or no. A National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study, analyzing AI adoption from 2010 to 2023, found that AI obsolescence most often impacts specific tasks rather than entire roles.
In any case, it may be helpful to audit your career for potential AI-obsolescence. To do so, ask yourself the following:
1. How Common Is AI Used In My Profession/Role?
The previously mentioned Gallup poll notes that AI use is most common in knowledge-based fields such as technology, finance, and education. It is less widespread in production and service sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and healthcare.
In addition, people who work remotely, such as those in desk and office-based occupations, tend to use AI more frequently, as do those in leadership roles. 69% of leaders told Gallup that they use AI a few times a year, compared to only 40% of individual contributors.
A Microsoft Research Study released in 2025, looking at current AI usage, found AI to be most applicable in communication roles (interpreters/translators, writers, and editors), customer service roles (sales reps, telemarketers, concierges), and STEM professions (data Scientists, mathematicians, web developers). The jobs less likely to successfully apply AI, in contrast, were those that require physical and hands-on interaction, such as medical/healthcare workers (nurses, phlebotomists, surgeons), skilled workers (painters, roofers, floor sanders), and service/hospitality workers (housekeepers and dishwashers).
Although this study focuses on AI applicability, not replacement, it is valuable to understand which fields benefit most from AI usage so that you can adapt accordingly.
2. Which Of My Core Responsibilities Can Be Automated By AI?
The NBER study on AI and the labor market concluded that if AI can perform most of the tasks in a job, then labor demand for that role tends to decrease. Conversely, it found that if AI impacts just a few tasks, then labor demand for that role may actually increase, as workers can reallocate their efforts to tasks that are not easily automated, thereby increasing productivity.
To determine how many/which of your responsibilities are susceptible to AI, map out your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Clearly identify which of these tasks can be automated by AI systems and which cannot. The tasks that are not prone to automation are those that require a human touch, such as problem-solving and strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership capabilities.
Lastly, make sure you are documenting your achievements. Ensuring you have a running list of the irreplaceable contributions you make to the business (those that can not be replaced by AI) is always valuable.
3. What Are My Skill Gaps?
One thing that the rapid adaptation of AI tells us is that the workplace will continue to change and evolve. As it does, so should you. To ensure you are well prepared, take stock of your current skills and compare them to emerging industry demands. Conduct a skills gap analysis: what are you missing?
Pro Tip: When looking for areas to up-skill, focus on strengthening those that AI struggles with, such as relationship management and leadership.
Once you identify the gaps, look into ways to address them. How can you up-skill and/or diversify your competencies? There are courses you can take, as well as certifications you can earn. Perhaps you can engage in cross training and/or early adaptation of tools and technologies to make yourself even more versatile.
As you go through these steps, it is perhaps of most importance not to forget about the people element. Reach out to a mentor or peer for guidance. Those around you can often better help highlight what sets you apart. Be proactive about maintaining a strong network that can aid in your growth and development, as there are certain things that will never become obsolete.
