One in three US professionals is trusting ChatGPT for career counselling, but at what cost?
Recent data from Southeastern Oklahoma State University
reveals that one in three US professionals has already consulted such tools to guide career transitions. While this new reliance on algorithmic advisors may seem efficient, it introduces complex risks, ranging from misaligned guidance to institutional bias, that are just beginning to surface.
The new career therapist wears no face
This growing trend is underscored by research from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a public institution recognized for its work in regional workforce studies.
In its latest national survey of over 1,000 working professionals, the university examined how individuals across industries and age groups are using AI to influence their career decisions. The results were revealing: 52% of respondents were contemplating a career or job change, and nearly one-third had already used AI to support that decision-making process.
The survey data revealed generational differences in both career dissatisfaction and AI reliance.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
What Will Happen to Your Body If You Start Eating 3 Eggs Every Day?
HealthSupportMag.com
Undo
Among Gen Z respondents, 57% reported considering a job change, while 55% of millennials and 50% of Gen X participants said the same. In stark contrast, only 12% of baby boomers indicated any intent to make a career move.
A deeper analysis revealed that 18% of those who used AI tools were introduced to career paths they had never considered before. This suggests that generative AI is not merely assisting professionals, it is actively reshaping the possibilities they imagine for themselves.
Furthermore, many respondents turned to AI for practical tasks: 43% used it to write résumés or cover letters, 19% used it to explore high-paying roles, and others sought help choosing academic programmes or majors.
When convenience becomes a crutch
While the accessibility and speed of AI tools offer clear advantages, there are emerging concerns about the broader implications. AI tools currently lack the depth required to account for an individual's values, psychological needs, or long-term aspirations.
This limitation means workers may receive career advice that appears logical but is misaligned with their personal goals or emotional well-being.
The growing trust in AI for such consequential decisions points to a desire for rapid, low-barrier counsel. However, without human context or lived experience, AI-guided advice risks being overly generic or misleading. There is a tendency to conflate AI's data-processing abilities with discernment, yet the two are fundamentally different.
Employers are using AI too, with higher stakes
This technological shift is not confined to workers alone. Employers, too, are now deploying AI to make determinations about their teams. According to a separate survey by Resume Builder, six in ten managers reported using AI tools to inform decisions regarding promotions, raises, layoffs, and even terminations. Of these, 78% used AI to decide on salary increases, 77% for upward mobility, and 66% for downsizing decisions.
These findings mark a turning point. AI is no longer just a tool for backend efficiency—it is increasingly influencing people's futures in ways that may lack transparency or recourse. When AI systems trained on historical data begin to dictate who is retained or let go, the risk of inherited bias and procedural injustice becomes difficult to ignore.
Such concerns have already entered the legal domain. A class-action lawsuit involving HR software provider Workday Inc.
alleges that the company's AI-driven systems led to discriminatory hiring outcomes. Although Workday was not the direct employer in the case, the lawsuit argues that its technology had enough influence over hiring decisions to be considered complicit.
Automation anxiety and the erosion of career stability
This increasing reliance on AI comes during a time of deep instability for white-collar professionals. Economic pressures, a pullback in federal contracts, and corporate belt-tightening have created what many are now calling a 'white-collar recession.'
A 2024 report from the
World Economic Forum
found that 41% of executives globally plan to reduce human headcount where AI can perform the same work. At the same time, a survey by Adecco revealed that nearly 25% of white-collar professionals already feel that AI has diminished the relevance of their skill sets. The resulting anxiety is driving more individuals to explore career pivots, and to do so using AI as a primary tool.
Technology can guide, but should not decide
Despite AI's growing role in decision-making, the data indicates that most professionals still exercise caution.
The majority of those who used AI to explore career changes did not act on its advice without seeking a second opinion. In fact, many described AI as informative but insufficient in shaping a final choice.
These findings suggest that while AI can streamline exploration and introduce new possibilities, it cannot yet serve as a holistic career counsellor. A successful career decision often requires introspection, personal context, and long-term thinking, dimensions that AI is not yet capable of navigating.
Relying solely on its suggestions risks narrowing a person's professional life to a series of calculated probabilities rather than a lived purpose.
Conclusion
The fact that one in three US professionals now turns to AI tools like ChatGPT for career counselling reflects both the opportunities and vulnerabilities of the modern workforce. These tools can democratize access to information and illuminate overlooked pathways. But when they begin to shape the very essence of our professional identities, caution is imperative. As automation continues to redefine the workplace, the wisest decisions will likely come not from algorithms alone, but from a blend of human judgment, personal values, and thoughtful use of technology.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
SC asks man to give wife 4cr city flat as alimony, says no to 12cr and car
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday used its exclusive powers under Article 142 to dissolve a marriage by asking the man to gift the wife a flat worth Rs 4 crore in a posh Mumbai area while rejecting her demand for additional Rs 12 crore and a BMW car. A bench of CJI B R Gavai, and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria said the acrimonious second marriage of both parties has broken down irreparably, requiring dissolution of the troubled eight-year-old matrimonial alliance, which was an attempt by both the man and woman to give married life a second chance. It said, though, that the permanent alimony received by the woman from the annulment of her first marriage cannot be the basis for determining the size of alimony in the dissolution of the second marriage. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Accepting the arguments of senior advocate Madhavi Divan and Prabhjit Jauhar and taking into consideration the level of her education —an engineer with a master's in management—the bench said that the gift of a flat in Mumbai by her husband would be sufficient alimony, especially as he is unemployed at present. It ordered the man to complete the gift deed for her before Aug 30 and pay the apartment dues of Rs 26 lakh to Kalpataru Society on Dr SS Road, Mumbai, by Sept 1. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Brushing aside her demand for Rs 12 crore and a BMW, based on the man's profile on LinkedIn, the bench said, "We refuse to place any reliance on the 'LinkedIn' profile. We also reckon the fact that the respondent-wife was gainfully employed and has the educational qualifications as also the potential, by way of her experience in the field of information technology, to maintain herself. The gift of the encumbrance free apartment would suffice insofar as the compensation for separation". It added, "All proceedings pending between the parties shall stand closed and there shall be no further proceedings initiated by either party, relatable to their marriage, which stands dissolved by this judgment."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rivian earnings shock triggers stock plunge—Q2 miss and $2.25B loss spark 4% drop as EV credit cut, Trump tariffs fuel panic sell-off
Rivian stock drops as Q2 earnings miss expectations and 2025 loss forecast widens amid EV tax credit blow and tariffs: The electric truck maker reported mixed Q2 2025 earnings, delivered fewer vehicles than expected, and projected a much deeper full-year loss. The company is now facing the heat from Donald Trump's new EV tax credit restrictions, rising tariffs, and reduced regulatory credit income. Despite steady progress on its highly anticipated R2 SUV, Rivian stock took a hit after the update, trading around $12.15 , down over 4% in after-hours. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program How did Rivian perform in Q2 2025? Rivian's Q2 numbers reflected a sharp slowdown in both production and deliveries as it paused operations to prep for refreshed models. The company delivered 10,661 vehicles in the second quarter, down nearly 23% year-over-year , while producing only 5,979 units —well below market expectations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo Revenue came in at around $1.30 billion, which was just slightly ahead of analyst forecasts but didn't offset the other disappointments. The biggest shock came in the form of Rivian's adjusted loss of $0.80 per share, significantly wider than Wall Street's expected $0.65–$0.66 loss. In total, Rivian posted a net loss of $1.1 billion, which was still an improvement from the $1.5 billion loss it reported in Q2 2024, but investors weren't impressed. Live Events Why is Rivian projecting a deeper loss for 2025? One of the key pain points for Rivian right now is the impact of Trump's recent EV tax credit overhaul , which closed off the leasing loophole that previously allowed Rivian buyers to indirectly qualify for the $7,500 federal EV credit . That credit had become a critical tool for boosting Rivian's revenue through leasing channels. Adding to the pressure, tariffs on Chinese components and raw materials have raised production costs—especially for battery and motor components that depend on rare earth elements. These policy changes have created 'significant uncertainty,' the company noted, and are eating into margins. As a result, Rivian has revised its 2025 loss forecast upward to between $2.0 billion and $2.25 billion, from the earlier range of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion. What is Rivian saying about its future plans? While short-term headwinds dominate the headlines, Rivian is betting big on the future. The company reaffirmed that development of its new R2 electric SUV is moving ahead as planned. The mid-size SUV is expected to start production in the first half of 2026, with a targeted starting price of $45,000. To reduce costs and improve profitability, Rivian is leaning on its strategic partnership with Volkswagen, which aims to bring down the R2's bill of materials to around $32,000 per vehicle—a significant margin improvement. Rivian believes this mass-market EV could be the turning point it needs, especially if it can deliver strong range, quality, and pricing at scale. What's next for Rivian deliveries and production? Even with declining Q2 numbers, Rivian is sticking to its full-year 2025 delivery forecast of 40,000 to 46,000 vehicles . The company expects a bump in Q3 as buyers rush to purchase before the remaining tax incentives disappear at the end of September. Still, it's a race against time—and uncertainty looms. The loss of the leasing workaround for tax credits, combined with rising costs from tariffs and component shortages, could put further pressure on deliveries. How did Rivian stock react to the earnings report? Following the mixed results and updated guidance, Rivian stock (NASDAQ: RIVN) fell over 4% in after-hours trading. As of the latest data, the stock is priced around $12.15 , down from an open of $12.48 , with a trading range between $11.05 and $12.57 for the day. Investor sentiment remains cautious. While analysts acknowledge Rivian's long-term potential, many maintain 'Hold' ratings , citing execution risks and policy challenges. Price targets are hovering in the $12 to $15 range for now. Is Rivian still a good EV stock to watch? Despite near-term volatility, Rivian still holds promise as a key player in the EV space. The upcoming R2 launch , the Volkswagen collaboration , and a potential rebound in U.S. EV demand could help turn the tide—but not without risks. With ongoing macro headwinds, policy changes, and competitive pressure from Tesla and legacy automakers, Rivian has a steep hill to climb. But if it can deliver on its cost-cutting roadmap and scale R2 production efficiently, there's still room for upside. Key takeaways from Rivian's Q2 2025 report Metric Q2 2025 Data Vehicle Deliveries 10,661 units (‑23% YoY) Production 5,979 units Revenue ~$1.30 billion Adjusted EPS Loss ‑$0.80 per share Net Loss $1.1 billion 2025 Loss Forecast $2.0–$2.25 billion (revised upward) Stock Price (Post-Earnings) ~$12.15 (-4% after-hours) R2 SUV Launch H1 2026, starting at $45,000 Rivian's latest earnings show a company caught between a bold vision and brutal realities. With earnings falling short, production slowing, and policy winds shifting, the road ahead won't be easy. But with the R2 SUV on the horizon and a clear plan to cut costs, Rivian's long game may still be intact. If you're tracking EV stocks in 2025, Rivian remains one of the most watched tickers on Wall Street—but it's now a test of time, execution, and whether it can survive the short-term storm to reach long-term scale. FAQs: Q1: Why did Rivian stock drop after Q2 2025 earnings? Rivian stock fell due to weak Q2 earnings, wider loss forecasts, and pressure from EV tax credit cuts and tariffs. Q2: What's impacting Rivian's future outlook in 2025? Rivian's outlook is hurt by rising costs, Trump's tariffs, and the end of key EV tax credits.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'One of the worst orders': In a 1st, SC bars HC judge from hearing criminal cases
NEW DELHI: Enraged by what it termed "one of the worst and most erroneous orders we have come across", Supreme Court has pulled up Allahabad HC's Justice Prashant Kumar for allowing criminal proceedings in a civil dispute case. Questioning Kumar's competence in deciding criminal cases, SC, in an unprecedented order, directed he shouldn't be given any criminal case for adjudication till he retires, and must be made to sit with a seasoned judge of the HC in a division bench. "The judge has not only cut a sorry figure for himself but has made a mockery of justice. We are at our wits' end to understand what's wrong with judiciary at the level of HC," Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said. SC: Passing of such absurd & erroneous orders unpardonable SC said at times "we are left wondering whether such orders are passed on some extraneous considerations or it is sheer ignorance of law. Whatever it be, passing of such absurd and erroneous orders is unpardonable". It said the erroneous order was not an exception as Justice Kumar had passed similarly unpardonable ones over a period of time, which left them with no option but to take the extreme step. The case pertains to sale of goods and payment between two businessmen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo The seller had delivered goods worth Rs 52.34 lakh out of which he was paid Rs 47.75 lakh. As the balance amount was not paid, he lodged a criminal case, leading to the other businessman to move HC for quashing the case. While allowing criminal proceedings in the case, a single bench of Justice Kumar justified his decision, saying that the complainant would not be in a position to pursue the civil litigation as it will take years and he will have to put more money to pursue the litigation. "To be more precise, it would seem like good money chasing bad money. If this court allows the matter to be referred to civil court on account of civil dispute between the parties, it would amount to travesty of justice and O.P. no.2 (complainant) would suffer irreparable loss and he might even not be in a position to emerge from the financial constraints to pursue the matter," he had said. Expressing shock over the stand taken by the judge the SC bench said, "Is it the understanding of the high court that ultimately if the accused is convicted, the trial court would award him the balance amount? The observations recorded... are shocking. It is an extremely sad day for one and all to read the observations... It was expected of the high court to know the well-settled position of law that in cases of civil dispute a complainant cannot be permitted to resort to criminal proceedings as the same would amount to abuse of process of law. "It was expected of the HC to understand the nature of the allegations levelled in the complaint. In substance the HC has said in so many words that the criminal proceedings instituted by the complainant in a case of pure civil dispute is justified because it may take considerable time for the complainant to recover the balance amount by preferring a civil suit," it said. The bench quashed the order and directed that the case be reconsidered by the HC but by another judge. "The chief justice of the high court shall immediately withdraw the present criminal determination from the judge concerned. The chief justice shall make the judge concerned sit in a division bench with a seasoned senior judge of the HC. We further direct that the judge concerned shall not be assigned any criminal determination, till he demits office. If at all he is to be made to sit as a single judge, he shall not be assigned any criminal determination," the apex court said.
