Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; for professionals like Reece Anderson, it has become a disruptive force in the job market. Anderson, a seasoned subtitler, recently took to LinkedIn to share his story of losing work to AI-powered tools. “This year, I decided to stop specializing in subtitling. Why? There just isn’t enough of it, and frankly, I can’t make a living from it anymore,” Anderson wrote. A few years ago, subtitling work was a consistent source of income for Anderson. However, over the past year, the volume of projects dwindled. “Suddenly, the emails stopped coming,” he explained, adding that a client finally reached out with a peculiar request: "Hi Reece, I was wondering if you would be available to review this subtitle file? It’s been AI-generated, but the timings aren’t the best. Our budget is limited, so could you tell us your best rate for this type of work?" For Anderson, the email was a confirmation of what many workers fear: AI was taking over his job. “All that talk of AI stealing your job doesn’t seem so farfetched all of a sudden,” he remarked. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, automation and digital transformation are reshaping industries. While technology is projected to create new opportunities, it also threatens traditional roles. The report identifies subtitling, along with data entry, cashiers, and postal service clerks, among the jobs at high risk of decline. The shift has pushed Anderson to pivot his career. He is now focusing on medical translation, a field he believes is less vulnerable to automation. However, he is concerned about the broader implications of AI. “Have any of my subtitling connections also seen a reduction in work over the last year?” he asked, inviting others to share their experiences. Industry experts emphasize the importance of reskilling and upskilling. “Jobs that rely heavily on routine tasks are the first to be automated,” noted a report analyst. “Professionals must adapt by acquiring skills in areas where human judgment and creativity are essential.” For Anderson, the message is clear: adaptability is no longer optional in today’s evolving job market. PIA/Expat Media
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