The Decline of White-Collar Jobs in India: Automation & AI Reshaping EmploymentIs India’s White-Collar Job Market Collapsing? The Rise of Automation & AI
Stable, salaried jobs—once the foundation of India’s growing middle class—are fading fast, warns Saurabh Mukherjea, founder of Marcellus Investment Managers. In his podcast “Beyond the Paycheck: India’s Entrepreneurial Rebirth,” he argues that traditional employment is no longer a viable path for educated professionals, thanks to automation, AI, and shifting economic trends.
The End of Salaried Jobs?
Mukherjea predicts that this decade will mark the decline of salaried employment as a secure career option. Industries like IT, finance, and media, which once absorbed millions of white-collar workers, are now at risk due to AI-driven efficiencies. For instance, Google revealed that AI handles a third of its coding—a trend likely to spread across Indian firms.
What Does This Mean for India’s Workforce?
Millions of Indians invest in higher education expecting stable corporate careers. However, with AI and automation reducing the need for traditional roles, professionals must adapt. Mukherjea suggests that entrepreneurship and skill diversification may be the future.
The Way Forward
As salaried jobs shrink, professionals must:
- Upskill in AI and automation-related fields
- Explore entrepreneurial opportunities
- Adapt to a gig economy or freelance roles
