How AI is reshaping jobs in unexpected ways

A well-known tax software company in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, just let go of 170 workers. That’s about 9% of its total staff. The company, called Vertex, explained they’re shifting focus to AI tools. They want to become more automated and efficient. But this move isn’t sitting well with local leaders. Montgomery County officials worry AI could hurt the local economy if nothing changes. The company’s filing with the SEC mentions a plan to cut costs and invest in AI. They say this will help them grow in the long run. Yet, research shows most companies aren’t seeing real profits from AI. A study by MIT found that 95% of businesses aren’t getting their money’s worth from generative AI tools. Some have even lost between $30 to $40 billion on these investments.This isn’t just happening in one place. Across the U. S. , AI has already cost jobs in many industries. The Federal Reserve in Philadelphia estimates that 8% of companies in the region have cut jobs because of AI. Despite these losses, tech companies keep pushing for more AI data centers. Big names like Amazon are involved, and local leaders seem supportive. But people aren’t happy. Residents in Montgomery and Chester counties have protested these data centers before. The backlash was strong, crossing political lines. Now, with layoffs like Vertex’s, the debate is getting louder. Can AI really boost the economy if it keeps taking jobs?