Throughout history, technology has resulted in job losses. Most times those jobs lost involved some form of manual labor. Most times they were lower paying jobs. Most times those who lost their jobs found alternative employment. In the era of A.I, is this time different?

We're certainly seeing signs of some differences as the newest technologies around A.I. and robotics reduce manual labor needs in many areas. Even mega-employer Amazon is cutting staffing anywhere from 15,000 jobs to 30,000 jobs (approx 50% of their workforce is already robots/robotics). Wall Street cheers job losses as it's a big cost cutter to the largest expense of most companies helping one of the largest expenses of most compdrive profits upward and offset some tariff related expenses not passed on to the consumercosts. Robots and computers can work 24/7, require a one-time major cost, don't take vacations, sick leave, maternity leave, don't surf the web in their free time, etc, etc... and they are highly controlled.

More recently we are seeing much higher paying job losses. Even "fool-proof" careers like programmers, accountants and lawyers. When a team of 5 builds out A.I. for specific tasks that results in only one of those five employees being needed in the future. Where do the other four workers go? Sooner or later they're bound to find another job (hopefully!). Will they change careers? Will the one person remaining get paid more, further fueling income and wealth disparity? More importantly, while figuring out their next career, chances are most will have great difficulty buying or renting a home. Banks and landlords don't love unemployed people unless they have substantial alternative income, assets or savings.

Sometimes waiting for that perfect mortgage rate may deliver the perfect rate because of more severe job losses. Buying when you are actually able to do so may be the wiser move.