Will AI Take Over Your Job? Here’s the Truth.
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AI is all the buzz these days.
I was first introduced to AI in 2011 when the computer “Watson” went up against Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter to compete on Jeopardy! - arguably two of the smartest contestants at the time. In an overwhelming victory, Watson won by over $50,000.
Since then, AI has become much more prevalent, and while many people find it useful, one big question looms over all of us: "Will AI put me out of a job?"
Fear of the unknown is always scary.
But as someone who has integrated AI into my day-to-day work, I no longer wonder about that question. I don’t believe AI is going to end my career as a web designer.
A HISTORY OF FEAR
For centuries, new inventions have sparked fears of job loss. When refrigerators were invented, people worried about ice deliverymen losing their jobs. When ATMs arrived, there was concern they’d replace bank tellers. And when sewing machines became commonplace, people feared seamstresses would become obsolete.
But aren’t we glad these inventions exist? They didn’t eliminate jobs; they changed them. They allowed people to adapt and, in many cases, created new opportunities.
The same holds true for AI.
At first, I resisted incorporating AI into my own business because I shared the fear that it might replace jobs. But after taking a short course on AI I learned what it was was capable of and discovered that incorporating it in my business actually wouldn't take away ANYONE'S job and would instead enhance the websites I create.
As a web designer, I use ChatGPT for text and brainstorming ideas, and MidJourney for images. Neither of these systems are without their mistakes. They are helpful tools; not a replacement for a person (even if someone wanted it to be).
👉 Psst: Want to learn MidJourney? I took Applet’s Brand Evolution course that is very reasonably priced and a good overview of how to get started.
So ultimately, no, I don't think AI is going to replace my job or your job.
Here's why:
1. It’s Not Always Accurate
AI tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney can be incredibly helpful, but they aren’t foolproof.
For example, I once asked ChatGPT how to migrate a Squarespace 7.0 site to 7.1—a common question for anyone working with Squarespace. Here’s the answer it gave me:
That answer is 100% false.
Squarespace DOES have a migration tool, and there is no reason to rebuild your site on 7.1. As someone who specializes in migrating websites to Squarespace 7.1, I knew immediately that ChatGPT’s answer was incorrect.
While I often use ChatGPT to help write meta descriptions for blog posts, it regularly misses the mark. Despite being told to stay within 150–160 characters (which is an SEO best practice), it frequently generates descriptions that are too long or too short. It’s helpful as a starting point, but I always need to tweak it.
Similarly, I use MidJourney for image creation, but it often produces images that are almost right but not quite there. For example:
This person isn’t holding a French Horn correctly (nor is that even a French Horn).
The cello player is missing a bow.
The sheet music lacks a key signature and other important details.
It isn’t just confused about music. Take this example where a faucet knob and drawer handles are mysteriously missing:
However, MidJourney does get it right sometimes…. here are a few stunning images I’ve created with MidJourney:
While MidJourney can create stunning images, it’s time-consuming and requires precise prompts to achieve the desired result.
Lately, I’ve found Haute Stock to be a more efficient alternative for high-quality photos. Haute Stock has thousands of professional brand photos that will make you stand out from the crowd. You can also filter their images to your brand colors, which makes it super easy to find a plethora of photos/video that you can immediately start using on your website or social media.
Even though the investment is more than Midourney, it saves me a LOT of time that I was previously devoting to MidJourney, which in return saves me money. (Use code JESSICA15 at checkout to save 15%)
2. USING IT IS a SKILL
So, the way AI works is you give it a prompt - which is essentially a command telling it what to do. Knowing how to write a prompt is a skillset in and of itself.
For example, telling MidJourney "no flowers or people" will actually get you both flowers AND people in the image. Instead, you would have to write "--no flowers, people" in order for MidJourney to remove those items.
While AI is a powerful tool, its output is only as good as the input it receives.
For example, here's what MidJourney produced when I gave it this prompt:
"A desk with a candle and blue pitcher"
Very basic, and honestly boring.
I got a much different result that was closer to what I actually wanted when I wrote a more detailed prompt:
"A minimalistic product photo of an amber glass jar with a white label and black plastic lid, filled with a rich brown liquid candle wax. The setting is a modern Scandinavian-style therapist's office on top of a table. On one side there's a small gold bowl holding objects in the style of SW like books, watercolor paintings, vintage vases, simple ceramic planters, and a navy jug . White background. Soft natural light illuminates the scene. --ar 4:3"
Likewise, prompts matter for ChatGPT too.
Here's a very generic prompt:
"Write a social media post about a fitness program."
Result:
"Join our fitness program to get in shape and feel great. Sign up now!"
Now let's try a more in depth prompt:
"Write a 100-word Instagram post for busy moms promoting a fitness program that helps them lose weight, regain energy, and feel confident. Use an empathetic tone and highlight how the program fits into a busy schedule. End with a call to action to sign up."
Result:
"Moms, we see you—juggling it all and putting yourself last. That’s why we created a fitness program designed just for you. Lose weight, regain your energy, and feel like yourself again—all in just 20 minutes a day! No gym trips, no complicated routines—just a plan that fits your busy life. Ready to prioritize YOU? Click the link to learn more and join today!"
BIG difference, right??
3. It Lacks the Personal Touch
No one can understand you like another person.
Robot's don't have empathy. They can't relate to you. Often times I work with clients that have very specific problems unique to their business. AI can't fix that. It can't brainstorm or analyze unique situations and problem solve.
For example, if a client told me that first-time buyers rarely returned for repeat purchases, I might suggest turning their order confirmation page into a sign up form for a discount code on their next purchase. That's one way to get people to come BACK to your site and reengage. But AI isn't going to know to suggest that little trick.
Even more importantly, AI can’t offer the emotional support that many clients need. I’ve worked with clients who doubted their abilities or wanted to quit altogether. Having been in their shoes, I could share my experiences, encourage them, and help them push forward. AI can’t do that.
You know what I hear time and again in the feedback I get after a project? How much they enjoyed working with me. How much do you think clients would enjoy working with a robot?
I keep a close eye on the analytics of the emails I send to my mailing list whenever I publish a new blog post. Which types of emails would you guess have the highest open rate? It's not a "how-to" post. It's not how to get clients or succeed in business. Every time, it's the personal blog posts. To this day, the blog post where I peeled back the curtain and took readers inside my blogging process still has the highest open rate.
Who would have thought?!
If that showed me anything, it's that people crave connectivity and relationships. They want to know about you - what led you to where you are, how you handle tough situations, why you made a certain business decision, etc.
AI doesn't have a history of being in the trenches and clawing its way out.
Only you can be you. Don't underestimate the value of that.
In Closing
AI is undoubtedly a game-changer, but it’s just a tool—one that enhances what we do rather than replaces us. While it can speed up workflows and inspire creativity, it lacks the empathy, creativity, and nuanced understanding that only humans can provide.
As a fun test, I actually asked ChatGPT if AI was going to put web designers out of a job.
Here was its response:
"AI is unlikely to completely put web designers out of a job, but it will change the way we work.
Why Web Designers Will Always Be Needed
Strategy & Personalization: AI lacks the ability to fully understand business goals, target audiences, or brand nuance. Your expertise in crafting strategic, personalized designs remains invaluable.
Problem Solving: Clients need someone who can analyze their unique challenges and offer creative, practical solutions—not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Human Connection: Successful projects often hinge on communication, empathy, and collaboration, which AI can't replicate.
Trends & Innovation: While AI works from data, humans set trends and drive innovation. Your ability to think creatively will keep you ahead of the curve."
I don't disagree with any of that.
So if you’ve been feeling uneasy about the rise of AI, know this:
Only you can be you.
Your unique perspective, experiences, and personal touch are irreplaceable.
Embrace AI as a tool to elevate your work, but don’t forget the qualities that make your work truly exceptional. That’s something no machine can replicate.
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