At 40, I fear every day that AI will replace me and leave me behind

I am 40 years old, working as an administrative staff earning VND15 million (US$572) per month. It is not a large sum, but it allows me to live frugally in the city, care for my child, and send a little money home to support my aging parents. Life is not comfortable, but it is manageable.

At this stage of life, I expected stability, to no longer worry about making ends meet as I did a decade ago. Yet recently, I go to work each day with growing anxiety. It is not because of harsh criticism from my boss or daunting KPIs. Instead, it is the fear of being left behind, the fear that I am not efficient or skilled enough, and, most terrifyingly, that artificial intelligence could replace me at any moment.

My responsibilities include administrative tasks, reporting, data processing, content writing, and drafting documents. I used to see myself as competent, not exceptional, but reliable.

Now, everything feels different. With just one click, AI software can generate reports in minutes, write emails more smoothly than I can, and even analyze trends to suggest solutions. Tasks that once took me two or three hours now take AI less than 30 seconds.

A person works in front of a laptop. Photo from Pexels

Our boss has begun encouraging staff to adopt AI tools to increase productivity. It makes sense, who does not want better efficiency?

But for me, every mention of "ChatGPT can do this faster" feels like a warning bell. Each time I hear it, I feel a knot of dread in my stomach.

Once, after I submitted a report, my boss casually asked: "You did not use AI for this? It is too long." I forced a smile but spent that night staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

I know that if I do not adapt, losing my job is only a matter of time. So I began learning to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and even AI-assisted design software. But to be honest, I am a slow learner. It is not for lack of effort, but because my mind at 40 is no longer as quick as that of fresh graduates. I often forget what I just learned and spend hours struggling with a feature that a younger colleague masters in ten minutes.

The more I try, the more it feels like I am running a race I cannot win. With every software update, I fall further behind. Sometimes I ask myself: "Will companies still have a place for someone like me five years from now?"

I have a family to care for, a young child, and elderly parents. I cannot afford to give up. Still, I cannot deny my fear: fear of losing my job, of becoming irrelevant, and, above all, of failing to keep up. I know I am not alone. Many of my peers share the same worry. We often joke, half in jest and half in despair: "We are at the age of being phased out."

I am not writing this to complain. I only hope that anyone in a similar position knows this: you are not alone. And if possible, start preparing a backup plan as early as you can.

Change is the only way to survive in this rapidly evolving world. No one knows what the future holds, and no company — no matter how supportive — can guarantee lifelong job security.

At 40, I am starting over, step by step. I am learning to master AI instead of fearing it. The more afraid I am, the more determined I become. I may not excel right away, but at least I am not standing still, waiting to be replaced.