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Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global workforce, and recent comments from tech leaders have sparked widespread discussion about its future impact. Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, have echoed similar concerns as Bill Gates, who recently predicted that many jobs will be replaced by AI.
AI and the Future of Coding Jobs
Sridhar Vembu, who stepped down as Zoho’s CEO in January 2025 to focus on R&D, has made a bold prediction: AI will handle up to 90% of programming work. Vembu argues that much of the work programmers do today is repetitive or “boilerplate” code, which is perfect for AI to handle.
However, he notes that “essential complexity” in programming still requires human expertise, as AI is not yet capable of solving the more intricate and creative challenges inherent in software development.
Vembu’s thoughts align with those of Sam Altman, who also predicts a future where the role of software engineers evolves drastically. “Each software engineer will just do much, much more for a while,” Altman stated.
However, as AI continues to improve, Altman suggests that there may be fewer software engineers needed in the future, with AI contributing to over half of the code already written in many companies.
Despite these predictions, both Vembu and Altman agree that human input will still be essential for solving the complex problems AI cannot address on its own.
Bill Gates: Three Jobs That Will Resist AI’s Reach
In contrast to Vembu and Altman’s perspective on AI’s inevitability, Bill Gates has identified three jobs that he believes will remain resistant to automation, at least for the foreseeable future: coders, energy experts, and biologists. Gates acknowledges that most jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI-driven automation but notes that these professions have qualities that AI cannot replicate.
Adapting to an AI-Driven World
As AI continues to grow, it is important for workers to adapt. Gates envisions a future where AI automates much of the routine work, potentially leading to a shorter workweek, with people working fewer hours as AI handles repetitive tasks. However, workers in more vulnerable industries must quickly adapt to new roles that leverage AI’s capabilities.
Gates encourages workers not to resist AI but to embrace it, viewing it as a tool that can enhance productivity and lead to more efficient work environments. Those in safe professions like coding, energy, and biology will need to stay ahead of the curve by learning how to work alongside AI technologies.
What Lies Ahead for AI and the Workforce?
AI is not just about replacing jobs—it is about transforming industries. While many jobs will be fully automated, there will be new opportunities for those who can adapt to working with AI. The key challenge will be for workers to learn how to use AI as a tool, complementing their skills and enhancing their contributions.
As Gates, Vembu, and Altman have pointed out, some professions will survive AI’s reach for now, but the landscape will continue to evolve. The future of work lies in how humans adapt to AI, creating an environment where both can thrive. By embracing this transformation, workers will not only survive, but also excel in an AI-driven world.