The New Definition of Job Security: Be the Person AI Can’t Replace

Tom Hlavin
Nov 4, 2025
2 min read

I was reading a study recently released by Microsoft that ranked 40 jobs by AI applicability. Basically, it assessed how easily AI could take over your day-to-day tasks.

At first glance, it looks scary. Writers, translators, customer service reps, and even historians sit right at the top.

But the fine print tells a bigger story. This isn’t a “who gets fired first” list. It’s a map of where adaptability matters most.

AI exposure doesn’t mean your job disappears. It means the job changes shape, and you’d better move with it.

What the Data Shows

High-exposure jobs (writers, translators, customer service) are built on predictable, repeatable language work — exactly what AI excels at.
Medium-exposure jobs (analysts, educators, marketing pros) mix data and judgment — AI speeds the first, humans master the second.
Low-exposure jobs (teachers, advisors, managers) depend on human connection, context, and trust — things machines can’t fake.

In short: AI replaces tasks, not people who keep learning.

What Forbes Adds To The Picture

A recent Forbes article cut right to the chase:

“Don’t over-invest in your day job. Build networks, grow skills that belong to you, and diversify your income.”

That’s the human counter-move to Microsoft’s data. When the structure of work is changing, your real job security comes from leverage — not loyalty.

Here’s how the two ideas connect:

Microsoft vs. Forbes: The Two Sides of Job Security

Microsoft says: AI can automate your routine.
Forbes says: Master skills AI can’t mimic — empathy, problem-solving, creativity.
Why it works: You move up the value chain.

Microsoft says: Medium-exposure jobs are evolving fastest.
Forbes says: Build relationships beyond your company.
Why it works: Future work flows through people, not HR portals.

Microsoft says: Some creative and knowledge roles face disruption.
Forbes says: Share your expertise publicly — posts, talks, articles.
Why it works: Visibility builds resilience.

Microsoft says: AI multiplies what one person can do.
Forbes says: Diversify your income streams while AI boosts efficiency.
Why it works: You turn disruption into opportunity.

This link features the graph and further expands on this artcle.

The GrowTank Take

AI doesn’t erase careers. It reshuffles the deck. You can either wait to be dealt a new hand, or start stacking your own cards:

Build visibility now.
Make friends outside your company.
Learn tools that speed your work instead of fearing them.
Test small side projects.

Job security isn’t about avoiding AI — it’s about becoming too human to replace.

Your Turn

If your role showed up on Microsoft’s “high exposure” list, e.g, writer, educator, analyst, customer service, don’t panic. Ask yourself this instead: What parts of my work can AI do for me, and what parts still need my judgment, voice, and empathy?

That’s your real competitive edge.