The fear of becoming obsolete is a rising source of anxiety as artificial intelligence emerges in the workplace.
Staying strongly connected with others will help, experts say.
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Earlier this year, Paul discovered via media stories that his business group had been targeted for job cuts.
This was the second time after his technical management role was restructured in 2024.
The communications highlighted AI integration as a cost-saving tool. “They say it’s not about firing people, but hey, my whole team will go,” Paul said.
The timing could not have been worse. He and his partner are expecting a child and recently purchased their first house.
“I’ve worked so hard to stay up to date and relevant, lots of tech training, ironically including AI, and I’ve advocated for the strategy that management roles can be assisted by AI, not replaced by them.
So I feel a bit stupid now,” he added.
Exacerbating Paul’s distress has been the very public nature of the cuts.
Headlines such as “Plans to replace thousands of public service jobs with AI” or quotes from politicians calling the overhaul efficient have felt insulting.
The experience Paul is having has been described as Fobo – fear of becoming obsolete. It is a very real fear and a growing workplace anxiety.
People worry their roles will become irrelevant due to technology, and many aren’t sure how to prepare for the shift.
Paul sought help to figure out his career next steps and cope with the emotional fallout.
