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We Who Are About to Lose Our Jobs to AI…

A bittersweet salute.

Erik P.M. Vermeulen, PhD
4 min read6 days ago
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“Let’s not jump to wild conclusions,” I thought as I sat in yet another virtual meeting.

It was Friday afternoon, and the topic at hand was expanding the business internationally. I wondered how many people were actually paying attention with the weekend approaching and the weather forecast looking great — perfect for outdoor activities.

We were brainstorming ideas, and someone suggested forming a joint venture with a local partner. Predictable questions followed: ownership, control, and risk — the usual concerns.

It was the perfect moment for the lawyers in the call to shine. I could practically see them bouncing in their seats, hands hovering over the unmute button, ready to unleash their opinions.

“One at a time, please,” the Chair nearly shouted, and I hurried to lower my volume before my eardrums filed for damages.

Silence.

“You go first.”

“No, you go first.”

I sighed. It was a classic lawyer standoff. I could have intervened, but why bother? They already knew my viewpoint, and I knew theirs. So, I let them talk while I checked my emails instead, half-listening like it was just background noise from a talk radio show.

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Erik P.M. Vermeulen, PhD
Erik P.M. Vermeulen, PhD

Written by Erik P.M. Vermeulen, PhD

Where Gen X memories meet today’s struggles.

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