Category: Education

When I Realized AI Could Replace My Job I remember distinctly the first time my cousin told me about ChatGPT. I was working for a financial services company back then, reviewing marketing materials and making sure everything was fair, balanced, and compliant. My job was all about protecting the public — ensuring nothing that went out was misleading. One afternoon, I decided to test ChatGPT out of curiosity. I typed in a question about a FINRA rule that usually took me several minutes to research. Within seconds, ChatGPT gave me the exact answer — correctly cited, well written, and shockingly clear. I double-checked it on the FINRA website, and it was right. That moment hit me hard: this thing could do my job. I submitted the chatGPT answer and lets just say, my work became soooo much easier. I realized then that I had made the right decision in pursuing financial independence. I knew my career in compliance — something that once felt stable — might one day become obsolete. I could see it already: fewer people needed to check, approve, or analyze things because AI could do it faster, cheaper, and often better. At first, I brushed it off. “No way they can replace people,” I thought. But the more I used it, the more I knew deep down — the financial industry would eventually need fewer compliance officers. Maybe not today, but soon. The Jobs I’ve Seen Disappear — One by One That realization sent me down memory lane. My first job in finance was at a call center helping retirees with their accounts. I still remember answering calls from baby boomers who didn’t know how to log into their online portals. I’d patiently walk them through every step. But those days are fading fast. Now, almost every company has automated call systems or virtual assistants that can instantly reset your password or explain a withdrawal. The jobs that once helped people connect are being replaced by tools that only need code. Then came my second job — responding to customer emails. I was good at it, even proud of my efficiency. But if ChatGPT had existed back then, my role would’ve been gone overnight. I can literally see how one AI-powered person could replace a full team. My third job was fixing wealth managers’ paperwork mistakes. I used to think that role was “safe” — after all, it required detail and regulatory knowledge. But looking back, every single task could have been automated. The system just needed a bot smart enough to detect the errors and fill in the right forms. That’s exactly what ChatGPT can do now. So when people say AI won’t take every job, I pause. I’ve seen the slow fade happen — from the call center to the compliance desk. The Blessing and the Warning Here’s the truth: ChatGPT has changed everything. I use it every day now — from writing, cooking, and budgeting, to researching Qur’anic tafsir or understanding financial rules. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend who never sleeps. If I walk into my kitchen and list the ingredients I have — oats, eggs, honey, and dates — I can ask ChatGPT for a 30-minute healthy recipe, and it’ll give me one. That’s both incredible and… unsettling. We’ve entered a new era where technology can do almost anything. You can ask it to analyze your relationships, explain a verse of the Qur’an, or even plan your entire month’s budget. But the deeper I go into this world, the more I realize something important: if we don’t anchor ourselves in faith and purpose, we’ll lose more than just jobs — we’ll lose direction. AI and the Reality of the Job Market Let’s be real — the job market is already shifting. According to a 2024 report by Goldman Sachs, AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs worldwide. And in the U.S., studies show that nearly one in four tasks could be automated within the next decade. Even entry-level jobs that used to be easy to get — customer service, admin work, compliance — are now the first to go. You might have seen it too: recent college grads struggling to find work. Some of my own family members have degrees but can’t land interviews. Even Harvard students are facing hiring freezes and unpaid internships. It’s not just an economy thing — it’s an AI thing. We’re still in the early stages of artificial intelligence, but the writing is on the wall. We need to prepare. And that doesn’t mean fear. It means strategy. The Financial Wake-Up Call AI has made one thing clearer than ever: being financially independent isn’t optional — it’s essential. If you rely only on a job, especially one that involves repetitive or information-based tasks, you’re at risk. But if you learn to manage money, invest wisely, and reduce debt, you’ll have options when things change. I always tell my sisters: you can’t build independence on borrowed money. Debt limits your choices. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The soul of a believer is held hostage by his debt until it is paid off.” (Tirmidhi) That hadith hits harder in an economy where job security no longer exists. We can’t afford to live paycheck to paycheck anymore. We need to think ahead, build emergency savings, and live below our means — way below if needed. Because here’s the truth: AI is not coming to help us — it’s coming to replace us. The only way to stay secure is to own assets, not just earn wages. Four Steps to Stay Ahead (and Stay Halal) 1. Pay Off All Debt — Seriously If you have student loans, credit cards, or car payments, make a plan now. Use the avalanche or snowball method — but start. Every dollar you owe is a chain that limits your freedom. Live simply, cut unnecessary expenses, and remember: the barakah in being debt-free is worth more than luxury. 2. Invest Early and Automatically Even small amounts matter. Set up automatic contributions to a halal brokerage account, 401(k), or IRA. Platforms like Wahed Invest or ShariaPortfolio make halal investing accessible. The earlier you start, the more compounding works in your favor — that’s barakah in action. 3. Learn New Skills (AI-Proof Yourself) AI may write and analyze, but it can’t replace emotional intelligence, creativity, or compassion. Focus on skills with human understanding — like coaching, teaching, or entrepreneurship. Take online courses or build your personal brand. The more unique your value, the safer your income. 4. Live Far Below Your Means It’s not glamorous, but it’s freeing. Stop trying to match social media lifestyles. Choose simplicity over status. Drive what you can afford, cook at home, and reuse what you already have. You’ll be shocked at how much peace comes from financial discipline. 5. Anchor Your Money Mindset in Faith Every rizq you receive is written. Allah says: “And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision.” (Qur’an 11:6) AI can predict, calculate, and generate — but it cannot give rizq. That belongs only to Allah. Your job is to act wisely, plan smartly, and trust deeply. We can use ChatGPT to work smarter, but we should still seek barakah in our time, work, and earnings. The peace that comes from halal income, even if smaller, will always outweigh the anxiety of chasing what’s uncertain. So as the world moves toward automation, let’s not forget the human side — kindness, dua, and gratitude. Those are the true currencies of a blessed life. If you missed the last post, “How to microretire,” go read it next. It ties perfectly into this one — both are about regaining control of your finances before the system does it for you. And if you’re serious about learning how to build wealth the halal way — from paying off debt to investing with confidence — sis, don’t wait. Join the Halal Money Course and get the step-by-step roadmap I wish I had when I first realized AI might take my job. You’ll learn to build wealth that’s AI-proof — and full of barakah. Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly reflections, faith-centered money tips, and practical guides to financial independence. Because ChatGPT might change the world, but we get to decide how we respond — with fear or with faith.

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Washo

Category: Education

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