The Great Divide in AI Sentiment
The central finding from a recent survey by anonymous professional network Blind, conducted in July 2026, is a sharp contrast in how different professionals in India view their job security in the age of AI. The headline figures are striking: while engineers
report the lowest levels of concern about layoffs, professionals in roles like sales, marketing, and even those working directly in AI and machine learning (AI/ML) are significantly more anxious. According to the survey of over 1,500 India-based workers, 66% of AI/ML professionals expect layoffs in their teams within the next six months. This number is nearly as high as the 68% reported by sales and marketing staff, roles widely considered to be at risk of disruption from automation. This suggests the anxiety isn't just about being replaced by AI, but is a more complex unease spreading through the entire workforce.
Why Engineers Report Lower Anxiety
In stark contrast, general engineering professionals appear far more secure. The Blind survey found that only 24% of engineers considered layoffs in their team 'very likely', the lowest of any function surveyed. Their overall 'at-risk' sentiment was 58%, which is below the survey average. This confidence stems from their position as the architects and maintainers of the new AI-driven world. As companies pivot to AI-first models, the demand for skilled engineers who can build, integrate, and manage these complex systems is soaring. A recent report from Nomura noted that for every job role impacted by AI in India, 2.6 new AI-related jobs are being created, many of which are technical in nature. These professionals see AI not as a threat, but as a powerful tool they control, enhancing their value rather than diminishing it.
The Roots of Wider Workplace Anxiety
The anxiety felt by non-engineering professionals is multifaceted. For some, like those in customer support or data entry, the threat of direct replacement by AI-powered chatbots and automation is very real. But the survey reveals a surprising twist: even 66% of professionals working on AI and machine learning products feel insecure. This suggests the anxiety is not just about automation, but about the frantic pace of change and intense competition within the AI field itself. Furthermore, a Nasscom report from May 2026 highlights a pervasive anxiety, noting that 42% of employees feel anxious about AI disrupting their jobs, and 65% lack confidence or exposure to AI tools. This points to a workforce that feels unprepared for the rapid transition, fearing their current skills are becoming obsolete.
The Real Career Lesson: Adaptability is the New Job Security
The key takeaway isn't that everyone needs to become a software engineer. Instead, the career lesson is about adopting an engineering mindset focused on continuous learning and adaptability. The future belongs to professionals who can work with AI, using it as a collaborator to augment their skills. Reports show that upskilling in AI is delivering significant salary growth across all experience levels. The goal is to move from being 'AI-reliant' to becoming 'AI-native'—a term used by Nasscom to describe professionals who can apply critical thinking, judgment, and expertise to AI-generated outputs. This means focusing on uniquely human skills that AI cannot replicate: strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and ethical oversight. The conversation is shifting from job replacement to work replacement; AI is automating tasks, not entire careers, which makes human judgment and ownership more valuable than ever.
How to Bridge the Confidence Gap
For the anxious majority, the path forward involves proactive upskilling and a strategic embrace of AI tools. Rather than fearing AI, professionals in fields like marketing, finance, and operations should focus on becoming the best users of AI in their domain. This could mean learning to use generative AI for drafting initial reports, using analytical tools for deeper insights, or orchestrating multiple AI systems to improve workflow. Companies and individuals are recognizing this, with a massive 73% of employees undertaking self-driven learning to keep up. This shift is also opening new career paths, with AI skills enabling moves into high-growth areas like consulting and leadership. The confidence of engineers comes from their role as builders; the confidence for everyone else will come from becoming smart architects of their own AI-augmented careers.
