As companies from Atlassian to Amazon tout artificial intelligence as a path to efficiency, workers and entrepreneurs are split on whether the technology is a job-killer or a catalyst. A former PwC associate who helped build “AI agents” says automating at least 30% of routine office tasks was the goal—and sometimes those agents posed as humans—fueling both rapid adoption and ethical unease before he was laid off himself. A Sydney-based founder now runs his startup largely with AI subscriptions instead of staff, calling it cheaper and increasingly capable, even at code review. Others, including a former Microsoft employee, argue executives may be using AI as cover for broader cost cuts. Researchers say hands-on, human-centered roles—from care work to trades—are less exposed to automation, but warn policy is lagging as reports of large-scale layoffs mount. The message for businesses and workers alike: adopt AI to boost output and margins—or risk being left behind.
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