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The Ostrich Effect in the AI Age: Why We're All in Denial

A Microsoft developer with 5 years at the company just got laid off via calendar invite. His crime? Being human in an AI-first world.

The Reddit comments were predictable: "AI will create more jobs!" "This is fear-mongering!"

Classic Ostrich Effect - burying our heads in the sand when faced with uncomfortable truths.

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Here's what we're avoiding:

Every company is asking one question: "Why do we need humans for this?"

And for most roles, the answer is increasingly: they don't.

That process you've mastered? That skill you've perfected? An AI agent can do it now, or will within 24 months.

The Planning Fallacy strikes again. 

We assume this transition will be gradual, giving us time to adapt. But disruption doesn't send calendar invites months in advance.

So what's the antidote?

Stop thinking like an employee. Start thinking like a cockroach. Be UnKillable!

While everyone else practices the Ostrich Effect, you need to:

• Work WITH AI, not against it

• Focus on creating value AI can't replicate

• Get comfortable being uncomfortable

• Attach yourself directly to revenue

The developers still in denial? They're making the same mistake taxi drivers made with Uber, travel agents made with Expedia.

Ask yourself: If an AI could do 80% of your current job, what would make you irreplaceable for the remaining 20%?

If you don't have an answer, you're already obsolete. The company just hasn't realized it yet.

Read the full uncomfortable truth here →

What cognitive bias are YOU using to avoid preparing for AI disruption? Reply and let me know.

That’s it for this week

Cheers

Ayush and Aditi