Weekly Newsletter Vol. 84 - April 9, 2025

Generating your Lead Story…

Will AI Take My Job? And What Do Tariffs & Manufacturing Have to Do With It?

If you’ve been wondering whether AI is coming for your job, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions floating around right now — in workplaces, coffee shops, and across social media. Headlines suggest mass automation is just around the corner, but like most things, the reality is more nuanced.

Yes, AI is changing how we work. And in some industries, it’s already replacing specific roles — especially jobs that involve repetitive, rule-based tasks. Think data entry, scheduling, customer service chat support, and even some junior marketing functions. But AI isn’t replacing entire professions overnight. Instead, it’s reshaping jobs, automating certain tasks while freeing up time for workers to focus on more creative or strategic work.

Now here’s where things get more complex: while AI automates jobs, there’s another global trend happening in parallel — the re-shoring of manufacturing. Countries like the U.S. and Canada are encouraging companies to bring production back from overseas, using trade tariffs, incentives, and subsidies. The idea is to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, especially for critical sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and electric vehicle components.

But here’s the catch: when manufacturing comes back, it doesn’t come back the same way it left. Many of the new factories being built on North American soil are not hiring thousands of assembly line workers — they’re hiring engineers, robotic technicians, and automation specialists. They’re investing in smart factories powered by AI, robotics, and predictive analytics.

Let’s look at a few real-world examples. Nike, for instance, has long relied on low-cost labor in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. While there has been interest in moving some production closer to the U.S. market, Nike has also invested in automated footwear assembly to reduce reliance on human labor altogether. Apple manufactures most of its iPhones in China through partners like Foxconn, but with ongoing trade tensions and labor concerns, it has explored diversifying into countries like India — and even limited U.S.-based manufacturing — though much of that is driven by automation rather than traditional jobs. Adidas piloted "Speedfactories" in Germany and the U.S. to make shoes closer to major markets using automation, only to shut them down because they weren’t scalable yet — not because they lacked people.

So, what does this mean for the average worker?

The combination of AI and re-shoring means that the jobs of the future may look quite different from those of the past. While repetitive manufacturing jobs may not return in full force, new roles are emerging in robotics, AI operations, data analytics, and supply chain optimization. In short: factories are coming home, but they’re bringing machines with them.

If you want to stay competitive over the next five years, this is the time to reassess your skill set. Are you doing work that can be easily automated? Or are you leaning into areas where human creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking are essential? Learning how to work with AI rather than fear it — whether that’s through tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or workflow automation software — is no longer optional in many industries.

At the same time, we need to watch how governments shape this transition. From the U.S. CHIPS Act to Canada's growing investments in high-tech manufacturing, policies will influence which jobs are created, which industries grow, and how workers are supported through retraining and upskilling.

So will AI take your job in the next five years? The answer depends largely on your role, your adaptability, and how prepared you are to evolve alongside the technology. It’s not all doom and gloom — but it is time to be proactive.

If you’d like a breakdown of the most “AI-resilient” careers and the skills you should prioritize in 2025, let me know — I’d be happy to cover that in next week’s issue.

Until then, stay curious.

You can’t make this stuff up

_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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