Will Your Job Exist in 5 Years? What I’m Seeing as a Career Coach

In 2022, my husband burst into my home office with a spark in his eye. “Want to see something that will change your life forever?” he said as he introduced me to ChatGPT.

We stayed up late talking about the careers it might transform. Now, just a few years later, I’m watching the ripple effects turn into real waves.

In my work as a Career Coach, I’m hearing more and more stories of quiet restructuring and early signs of disruption.

Middle managers are being quietly made redundant.

Creative work is drying up.

Firms are letting people go in numbers just under the reporting threshold.

Fewer graduates are being recruited.

IT specialists redeployed into automation projects.

Administrative roles, such as bookkeepers and order processors, are becoming harder to find.

And the forecasts are stark. Goldman Sachs predicts that up to 50% of jobs could be automated or redefined by 2045, driven by generative AI and robotics.

Rather than dwelling despairingly, I’ve been considering some of the repercussions. Here are the career shifts that I predict may emerge:

🏪 SMEs and the Rise of Portfolio Careers

As larger organisations continue to streamline, I believe we’ll see more professionals moving into small and medium-sized businesses. These businesses will need adaptable people who can flex across multiple areas (operations, client engagement, process improvement, sales, and digital oversight).

At the same time, the gig economy I expect will continue growing. Short-term specialists will be brought in for change initiatives or transformation projects. More professionals will cultivate personal side projects or micro-businesses as a way to build a more fulfilling life.

While these shifts may begin out of necessity, many professionals will find new momentum and meaning in more fluid, self-led careers. If you’ve ever worn multiple hats, built something from scratch, or thrived in a fast-moving environment, you may be better prepared for this shift than you think.

🤖 Technology vs Human-Centred Experiences

Demand will rise for specialists in AI, automation, UX, robotics, Med Tech, Fin Tech and virtual reality, but equally, so will people who can counterbalance the onslaught of technological progress.

As our world becomes more virtual, I believe we’ll crave real connection, not less. That’s where human-centred careers come in, roles that create in-person experiences that support wellbeing, belonging, learning and thinking.

Some of the human-centred roles I predict will rise include:

• Employee experience and wellbeing leads

• Customer experience

• Group facilitators, therapists, coaches and trainers

• Instructional designers and leadership coaches

• Succession development practitioners

• Community and inclusion officers

• Elder life enrichment professionals

As tech takes over tasks, it won’t be technical skills alone that future-proof careers; it will be emotional intelligence, communication, presence, and the ability to lead human experiences. As mental health, belonging, ageing and wellbeing take centre stage, roles that support others to feel, reflect, connect and grow will become even more essential.

🌱 The Green Sector: Urgent and Expanding

As climate action accelerates, I expect to see new opportunities emerge in sustainability and the green economy, many of which will evolve alongside automation, not in opposition to it.

The green economy potentially will need:

· Sustainability strategists

· Environmental engineers and project managers

· Green energy installers and maintenance professionals

· Data analysts and reporting specialists

· Corporate ESG leads

Many of these positions call for leadership, stakeholder engagement, system thinking and practical action.

❤️ Caring, Public Service and Purpose-Led Careers

More people will choose security and social contribution over prestige or pace. With traditional third-level education under scrutiny, practical upskilling and apprenticeships will be taken up by more young people.

There will be an increased demand for more practical and secure roles, such as:

· Healthcare professionals

· Teachers

· Gardaí

· Civil service roles

· Skilled tradespeople

These roles aren’t just “safe” they’re deeply needed. As the complexity of our society rises, caring and purpose-led work will form the backbone of functioning communities. Whether you’re early in your career or looking for a values-aligned shift, this sector may offer a kind of stability and meaning that’s hard to find elsewhere.

So, what is the future of work?

I’m curiously watching and learning how AI advances will reshape our working lives. I’m hopeful we’ll adapt and thrive, as we’ve always done.

AI hasn’t utterly changed my life yet, but it’s already transformed the way I work.

If you’re concerned about how AI is affecting your job and feel it might be time to consider a career change, Leap’s Career Change Coaching Programme can help. Contact patricia@leapcoaching.ie to explore how Patricia can support you in responding effectively to job market disruptions.