Will AI Take My Job?

Use your own actual intelligence as you navigate Artificial Intelligence in the workplace

Key points:

One in three Australians worry AI could cost them their job, while businesses race to adopt the technology.
Accountant Pete Burrows says human skills like empathy and relationship-building remain irreplaceable, even as AI capability grows.
Rather than fear AI, Pete and Ben McEachen encourage engaging with it wisely, starting with repetitive or administrative tasks.

Should we fear or embrace AI at work?

One in three Australians are worried artificial intelligence could cost them their job, while businesses race towards adopting it.

Research and industry forecasts suggest AI will change the workforce significantly, but there is growing debate about whether workers should be afraid or prepared.

On Money: Faith and Finance, Lower Russell & Farr accountant Pete Burrows joined Hope Mornings’ Ben McEachen to unpack what AI could mean for the future of your work.

Job and Skills Australia confirms AI has already transformed the way Australians work, and demand for AI-related skills keeps growing.

Still, Pete argued human relationships always remain critical.

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“People still want a real relationship and they want trust,” Pete said.

“You’ve got to run it back against your own AI, which is your actual intelligence.”

Pete pointed out that jobs requiring “empathy”, “social skills”, “understanding” and “listening skills” remain more resilient.

“People still want a real relationship and they want trust.”

The difference “human skills” make to our work has already been seen in Pete’s office.

After experimenting with ChatGPT responses to client questions, Pete found AI capable but incomplete.

“It came out with a pretty coherent email,” he said.

“[But] I didn’t add a few other things that I would have put in – because I’ve known the client for 25 years and know their circumstances.”

This telling example reinforces the view that AI is best treated as a tool.

“Don’t ignore it, but don’t just fear it,” Pete said.

“Engage with it rather than just fear it without engaging with it.”

Ben suggested workers assess which parts of their role involve creativity, relationships and problem-solving, to discern how much to get AI involved.

A good place to dip your toe in the AI water can be with repetitive or administration tasks at work.

“While we should be careful of how we use any technology, artificial intelligence remains an incredible invention that God’s gifted to the world,” Ben said.

“Keep using your actual intelligence as you use AI,” Pete said.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image: Canva Pro

Ben McEachen

Ben hosts Mornings on Hope 103.2 and the ‘Money: Faith & Finance’ podcast. He is well known for his long-running work as a movie reviewer on Open House and The Big Picture. With a background in journalism and theology, he brings thoughtful insight to conversations around faith, culture and current affairs.