Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman has delivered a candid message to employees, warning that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the workforce and threatening jobs at every level—including his own. This stark outlook reflects broader trends observed across industries as AI adoption accelerates.

AI’s Growing Impact on Employment

Recent data from the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report reveals that 40% of employers expect to reduce their workforce where AI can automate tasks, a trend that could affect nearly 50 million U.S. jobs in the coming years. In the U.S., this effect is especially acute in white-collar sectors, with a reported 20% year-over-year drop in job openings for professional services, the lowest since 2013.

Chart: Projected Impact of AI on U.S. Jobs (2025–2030)

Sectors Most at Risk

• Programming & Technology: Up to 40% of programming tasks could be automated by 2040.
• Finance & Legal: Major firms are reducing entry-level hiring as AI handles routine analysis and document review.
• Marketing & Creative: Generative AI is cutting creative and copywriting positions, with companies like Grammarly citing AI as a reason for layoff.
• Administrative Roles: IBM’s CEO estimated AI could replace 7,800 HR jobs, and government agencies are now using AI to streamline administrative tasks.

Workforce Adaptation and Upskilling

Despite the displacement, experts emphasize that the focus should be on upskilling. The World Economic Forum reports that 77% of employers are interested in training staff to work alongside AI, and 47% plan to transition employees from declining roles into new positions. While AI is expected to displace 75 million jobs globally by 2025, it is also projected to create 133 million new roles requiring advanced skills, resulting in a net gain of 58 million jobs worldwide.

Chart: AI’s Dual Impact on Global Jobs by 2025

Conclusion

Kaufman’s warning is a reflection of a new economic reality: AI is no longer just a tool but a transformative force reshaping the very nature of work. Employees are urged to adapt by mastering AI technologies and developing skills that complement automation, as the future workforce will demand greater flexibility and continuous learning.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and Google is helping learners worldwide gain AI skills through free courses, skill badges, and limited-time certification opportunities. Here’s how you can earn a Google AI credential at no cost—and what to expect from each program.

Step 1: Earn Free Skill Badges

Google’s Cloud Skills Boost platform offers short, free courses that award digital skill badges upon completion. These badges validate your expertise in specific AI topics and can be shared on LinkedIn or resumes.

Top free courses:

• Introduction to Generative AI: A 45-minute primer on GenAI basics and Google’s tools.
• Introduction to Large Language Models: Learn how LLMs work and their real-world applications.
• Responsible AI: Explore ethics and Google’s AI principles.
• Generative AI Fundamentals: Complete the three courses above and pass a quiz to earn a cumulative skill badge.

Why it matters: Skill badges demonstrate competency to employers and require no payment.

Step 2: Use Free Credits for Hands-On Labs

Join the Google Cloud Innovators program to get 35 free monthly credits for AI labs, including:

• Image Generation with Vertex AI: Build diffusion models.
• Gemini for Workspace: Use AI for productivity tasks.

Limitation: While credits cover labs, full certifications (e.g., Machine Learning Engineer) require paid exams.

Step 3: Watch for Limited-Time Free Programs

Google occasionally partners with platforms like Coursera or Kaggle to offer free certification pathways:

• GenAI Intensive (2025): A 5-day live course with labs and a capstone project (certification details pending).
• Coursera Financial Aid: Apply for assistance to waive fees for courses like Google AI Essentials ($49).

Step 4: Access Free AI Modules in Career Certificates

Google’s Career Certificates (e.g., Data Analytics, Cybersecurity) now include AI training modules. Audit these courses for free during Coursera’s 7-day trial or partial enrollment.

Key Considerations

• Skill Badges vs. Certifications: Badges validate skills; full certifications require paid exams.
• Platform Differences: Free content is on Google’s platforms; paid certificates are hosted on Coursera.

Bottom Line: Start Today

1. Beginners: Enroll in Introduction to Generative AI.
2. Developers: Use Innovator credits for Vertex AI labs.
3. Career Builders: Pair skill badges with Google Career Certificates.

By leveraging Google’s free resources, you can build AI expertise and enhance your career—without spending a dime.

Additional Resources:

• Google Cloud AI Training: Full Course List
• Coursera Financial Aid: Application Guide
• AI Ethics Primer: Responsible AI Practices

This structured approach ensures you maximize Google’s offerings while staying within a $0 budget.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

• SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
• Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.

Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life