I just read that American Express is planning to lay off thousands of employees after two years of hiring. This news comes as a part of a restructuring effort that seems to be aimed at preparing for future applications of artificial intelligence. According to Rob Lalka, a professor at Tulane University, this isn't necessarily about current AI capabilities replacing jobs, but rather a strategic move to align with the technology's future potential. The implications of this are worrying, especially for those of us in the workforce. It feels like the financial sector is becoming the next target for AI-related job losses, following the IT sector. Many are predicting that the next five years will bring significant changes as companies continue to adapt to AI advancements. There’s a lot of discussion about how layoffs are now seen as a way to boost profits and stock prices, benefiting shareholders and executives, rather than a sign of a struggling business. It’s disheartening to think that the current corporate structure incentivizes these decisions, often at the expense of employees. I can’t help but feel anxious about the future job market. Will AI truly be beneficial if it leads to widespread unemployment? It seems like companies are using AI as a scapegoat for their financial struggles, rather than acknowledging the impact of the economy on their operations. This situation is definitely something to keep an eye on.