With artificial intelligence automating everything from spreadsheets to storytelling, it’s natural to wonder which jobs—if any—will still need a human touch. Bill Gates believes there’s one that won’t be going anywhere. Not now, not in a century.
Navigating the AI shake-up
As AI continues to transform industries at record speed, it’s causing a blend of excitement and anxiety. Even Bill Gates, one of the loudest voices in tech, admits he’s uneasy about where it’s all headed. “I’m scared too,” he recently confessed during a candid interview, echoing a fear many workers share.
And there’s reason to feel cautious. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2030, around 85 million jobs may disappear due to automation. Yet, there’s also optimism: the same trends could spark the creation of 97 million new roles in emerging fields. It’s not just about job loss — it’s about a complete shift in what work looks like.
The challenge now? Ensuring these changes benefit everyone, not just the tech elite. Gates imagines a future where AI boosts productivity and frees people up for more meaningful work, if society handles the transition thoughtfully.
Why programming stands the test of time
Among the sea of jobs evolving or vanishing, Gates singles out one that, in his view, AI won’t replace — not even in the next 100 years: programming.
At first glance, that might sound surprising. After all, AI can already write code and detect bugs. But Gates points out that true programming is much more than stringing commands together. It’s about problem-solving, understanding unique situations, and creating solutions from scratch — things machines still can’t do without human guidance.
Anyone who’s spent time writing code knows that the best breakthroughs come from intuition and creativity, not simply following rules. AI may support the work, but it can’t lead it — not when it comes to developing brand-new systems, troubleshooting with context, or inventing the next big thing.
That’s why programming, according to Gates, will remain a deeply human craft.
Not all jobs face the same future
Of course, programming isn’t the only field adapting to this AI revolution. Gates points to sectors like biotechnology and renewable energy as examples where deep expertise and ethical judgment keep human workers essential.
But not every profession is as protected. Roles like administrative support or even parts of graphic design are already being reshaped by AI tools that automate routine tasks. These changes aren’t about replacing people altogether — they’re about redefining roles and requiring workers to adapt quickly.
The workplace of the future won’t be about whether your job survives, but how you evolve alongside technology. Lifelong learning and flexibility will be the name of the game.
Skills that create job security
Recent research from France Travail reinforces Gates’ message: careers built around critical thinking, complex decision-making, and emotional intelligence are the most resilient. These are the areas where humans still outpace machines — and likely will for decades to come.
In a world where AI can answer questions in seconds, it’s the people who know what questions to ask — and how to interpret the answers — who will thrive.
The road ahead: embrace change, stay human
The takeaway? You don’t need to fear AI — but you do need to work with it. From my own experience, staying open to new skills, learning how tools can boost your work, and staying curious are the best ways to stay relevant in a shifting landscape.
So, what do you think? Will programming remain a human-only domain? Or could AI eventually catch up in ways we can’t yet predict?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation. Because in a world where everything is changing fast, the one thing we can all do is keep learning — together.
You might also like:
David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.