Which Workers Will A.I. Hurt Most: The Young or the Experienced?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live and work. From chatbots and automation to smart machines, AI is taking over some human tasks while creating new ones. Some workers are excited about these changes; others are worried about job loss.

This raises an important question: Which group of workers will be hurt the most by AI, the young or the experienced?

Let’s take a closer look.

---

What AI Is Doing to the Job Market

AI is already transforming industries like healthcare, finance, retail, transportation, and customer service. It is better at handling tasks that are repetitive, data-driven, or rule-based. Examples include:

- Sorting resumes
- Responding to customer service chats
- Analyzing large amounts of data
- Recommending products or ads
- Monitoring security footage

Because of this, some jobs are being replaced or changed faster than others. However, how these changes impact different age groups depends on their skills, experience, and ability to adapt.

---

How AI Could Hurt Young Workers

Young workers, especially those just starting their careers, could face unique challenges from AI.

1. Fewer Entry-Level Jobs

AI is taking over many simple tasks that used to be done by junior employees or interns. For example:

- Data entry
- Basic customer support
- Simple bookkeeping
- Scheduling and organizing tasks

If these tasks are automated, young workers may have fewer chances to gain entry-level experience, making it harder to begin their careers.

2. Lack of On-the-Job Training

Traditionally, young professionals learned by doing small, routine jobs while observing experienced coworkers. If AI takes over these simple jobs, there may be fewer learning opportunities on the job.

3. Resume Gaps and Job Insecurity

With AI reducing the number of beginner roles, some young people might struggle to secure stable work. This could lead to job-hopping, gig work, or long gaps in employment, which can be difficult to recover from.

---

How AI Could Hurt Experienced Workers

Older and more experienced workers are not safe from AI either. They face different challenges.

1. Outdated Skills

Many experienced workers have spent years doing their jobs in a certain way. If AI automates those tasks, they may find their skills are no longer in demand. This is especially true in areas like:

- Manufacturing
- Accounting
- Legal research
- Transportation

2. Difficulty Adapting to New Technology

Learning new software, systems, or AI tools can be harder for people who didn’t grow up with technology. Some older workers might feel overwhelmed or left behind when workplaces go digital.

3. Resistance to Change

Some experienced workers may be less willing to change careers or learn entirely new skills. This can limit their chances of keeping up with shifts in AI-driven jobs.

---

So, Who’s at More Risk?

The truth is, both groups face risks—but in different ways.

Young workers may find it tough to enter the workforce if AI takes over the kinds of tasks they usually start with.

Experienced workers may struggle to remain in the workforce if their roles are automated and they can't or won't retrain.

According to labor market experts, the workers least likely to be hurt by AI are those who:

- Continuously learn new skills
- Embrace new technology
- Work in roles that require human creativity, empathy, or critical thinking

---

Jobs Least Likely to Be Replaced by AI

Regardless of age, some jobs are safer from AI. These roles typically require emotional intelligence, human interaction, creativity, or decision-making that AI cannot easily replicate. Examples include:

- Therapists and counselors
- Nurses and caregivers
- Teachers and trainers
- Artists and designers
- Skilled trades like electricians or plumbers
- Managers and team leaders

Even within tech, roles in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and data strategy require human judgment and will likely grow in demand.

---

How to Protect Yourself from AI Job Disruption

Whether you’re young or experienced, you can take steps to protect and grow your career in the age of AI:

1. Stay Curious: Learn about how AI is changing your industry.

2. Keep Learning: Take online courses or training programs to stay current.

3. Build Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, and empathy are hard to automate.

4. Adapt to Change: Be open to changing roles or industries.

5. Network: Build connections that can open doors in new areas.

---

Final Thoughts

AI is not just a trend—it’s the future. It will continue to change how we work, but it doesn’t have to leave anyone behind. The people who succeed will be those willing to learn, adapt, and grow.

So, will AI hurt young or experienced workers more? The answer depends on how they respond. The good news is that with the right mindset and skills, workers of any age can thrive in an AI-powered world.