OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes artificial intelligence will soon change the job market in a big way. Speaking on The Tucker Carlson Show, he said some jobs are likely to disappear faster than people expect.
“I’m confident that a lot of current customer support that happens over a phone or computer, those people will lose their jobs, and that’ll be better done by an AI,” Altman said. He also added that programmers could be next, especially those handling simple and routine coding work.
Jobs Most at Risk
Sam Altman pointed out two professions most likely to face disruption:
- Customer support agents (phone and computer-based roles).
- Programmers handling repetitive coding tasks.
ALSO READ: Samsung Festive Sale 2025: Huge Discounts on Samsung Galaxy S24 and More—Sale Starts September 22
But not all jobs are equally vulnerable. According to him, roles that require human empathy and connection — like nursing, caregiving, and counselling — are far safer.
Why Customer Support & Coding Jobs in Danger?
Sam Altman explained that customer service often follows fixed scripts and predictable replies. This makes it easier for AI systems to take over because they can respond instantly and at a lower cost.
For programmers, AI tools are becoming skilled at writing and fixing code. That means basic, routine programming tasks may soon be handled by machines.
“This is going to be like a punctuated equilibria moment where a lot of that will happen in a short period of time,” Altman warned. Still, he clarified that creative and complex coding work is less likely to vanish.
ALSO READ: Amazon Great Indian Festival 2025: Best Deals on Microwave Ovens – Up to 45% Off
Won’t Happen Overnight
Not everyone agrees with Altman’s timeline. Research by Gartner shows that many companies trying to cut customer service jobs due to AI may change their minds. By 2027, almost half are expected to scale back or delay those plans.
Why? Because real customer service often needs empathy, trust, and problem-solving — qualities AI has yet to master.
What This Means for Workers & Students?
Sam Altman’s comments act as both a warning and guidance. He suggests people should focus on skills that AI cannot easily copy. They should develop human skills such as empathy, judgment, and effective communication.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for e-Passports in India: Eligibility, Process, Benefits, and Key Details
One can expand their toolkit with design thinking, systems thinking, and user experience, and can stay flexible by learning how to use AI tools alongside human strengths. For students, this does not just mean studying technology, but also building creativity and emotional intelligence.
