AI and Your Job: What’s Happening in Tech?

Intermediate | June 27, 2025

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Tech Companies Making Changes

AI’s Role in Recent Layoffs

Hey there! Let’s talk about something interesting happening in the tech world right now. The topic of AI and tech layoffs is showing up in headlines everywhere. Many big tech companies have been letting go of employees recently, and guess what? Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a big part of the conversation. It seems that as AI tools get better, companies are finding they need fewer people for certain tasks.

Major Tech Companies Cutting Jobs

Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, and others have announced significant job cuts this year. While companies always look for ways to be more efficient, this latest wave of layoffs is often directly linked to using more AI. It’s changing how they do business, and unfortunately, that means changes for many workers.

What Does AI Do, Anyway?

The Impact of AI and Tech Layoffs

AI and Coding Jobs

So, how is AI causing these changes? Well, AI tools can now do things that only humans could do before. For example, AI is getting really good at writing computer code. Some reports say AI now writes about 25% of the code at big companies like Microsoft and Google’s parent company, Alphabet. This means they might not need as many entry-level programmers.

Automation of Repetitive Tasks

It’s not just coding, though. AI can automate many “mundane intellectual labour” tasks. Think about jobs that involve lots of repetitive computer work or handling standard customer questions. Experts are debating if AI will create enough new jobs to replace the ones being lost. Some worry about widespread unemployment, while others believe people will just need to learn new skills and work alongside AI.

Impact on Young Professionals

This situation is causing some worry, especially for people just starting their careers. There are reports that fewer young people are finding jobs in computer science compared to recent years. It shows that the job market is definitely shifting because of AI, and it’s something everyone, including students and experienced workers, needs to think about.

Vocabulary

Layoffs (noun): When a company ends a worker’s job, often because the company doesn’t need as many employees.
- Example: “The company announced significant “layoffs” due to restructuring.”
Efficiency (noun): Doing something well without wasting time or money.
- Example: “Using AI can improve “efficiency” in many tasks.”
Automate (verb): To use machines or computers to do a job instead of people.
- Example: “They plan to “automate” the data entry process.”
Entry-level (adjective): Describes a job that does not require much experience and is usually for someone starting in a field.
- Example: “Many “entry-level” positions are being affected by AI.”
Mundane (adjective): Ordinary and not interesting or exciting.
- Example: “AI can handle the “mundane” parts of a job.”
Debate (noun/verb): A discussion where people express different opinions about a subject.
- Example: “There is a big “debate” about the future of jobs.” OR “Experts “debate” the impact of AI.”
Offset (verb): To balance something or make it less strong or noticeable.
- Example: “Will new jobs “offset” the jobs lost to automation?”
Unemployment (noun): The state of being without a job.
- Example: “Some worry about increased “unemployment” because of AI.”
Shifting (verb – present participle): Changing or moving from one position or direction to another.
- Example: “The job market is rapidly “shifting”.”
Restructuring (noun): The act of organizing a company or system in a new way.
- Example: “The layoffs are part of a larger company “restructuring”.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Which big tech companies are mentioned as having recent layoffs?
How are AI tools specifically contributing to job changes in these companies?
Why might entry-level programming jobs be particularly affected?
What are the different opinions mentioned about AI’s overall impact on jobs?
How is this situation reportedly affecting computer science students?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How do you think AI might change your future job or career?
Besides tech, what other jobs do you think AI might affect?
What skills do you think will be most important for jobs in the future?
Should governments do anything to prepare for potential job losses due to AI?
Do you think AI will ultimately create more problems or solutions for society?

Related Idiom

“Double-edged sword”

Meaning: Something that has both good and bad consequences.
Example: “AI is a “double-edged sword” for the job market; it can boost productivity but also cause job losses.”

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This article was inspired by: The Wall Street Journal, Date: June 23, 2025