Last November 2025, I was experimenting with Cursor — an AI-powered IDE running Claude Sonnet 4.5 and Claude Opus 4.5.

As a software engineer, one task many of us tend to avoid is writing unit tests. It takes time and focus — and sometimes we procrastinate.

So I tried prompting the AI.

I simply mentioned the component name.

Without follow-up questions, it analyzed the code, generated unit tests, and completed the suite.

Within minutes:

• 10 test suites
• 100 test cases
• All passing.

That was the moment I realized:

• AI has crossed a threshold.
• This is no longer just a chatbot.
• This is intelligent automation.

“I’m not a developer — why should this matter to me?”

Let’s zoom out.

Technology has always been essential to business. At its core, it automates repeated processes.

Software engineering is complex — involving architecture, logic, testing, integration, and problem-solving.

Yet AI can now:

• Understand codebases.
• Reason through logic.
• Generate tests.
• Validate behavior.

If AI can assist complex technical work, we should begin asking:

What else can it do?

What can it do in my profession?

Whether you work in:

• Finance & accounting • Law & legal services • Construction & engineering • IT & software development • Operations & logistics • Customer support & service roles • Administrative & back-office work • Skilled trades and technical work

AI is coming.

And not just software AI.

AI combined with robotics will transform physical labor as well.

The timeline will vary by industry — but the shift has begun.

In the Philippines, industries such as BPO, virtual assistance, accounting support, and customer service may feel these changes earlier than others. But Filipinos have always adapted to global shifts — from overseas work to the digital economy. This moment is another opportunity to evolve.

The Signal: Companies Are Already Restructuring Around AI

Recent news: AI-driven layoffs and workforce restructuring.

One of the clearest signals arrived this year.

In February 2026, fintech company Block, led by Jack Dorsey, announced layoffs affecting over 4,000 employees — nearly 40% of its workforce.

The reason was not financial distress.

The company reported strong revenue and growth.

Instead, leadership pointed directly to AI-driven productivity gains and the ability for smaller teams to accomplish more.

Dorsey explained that intelligence tools have fundamentally changed how companies operate, enabling leaner teams and faster execution.

He also warned that many companies may follow similar structural changes soon.

This marks one of the first major layoffs explicitly linked to AI efficiency, rather than economic downturn.

This Is Part of a Larger Trend

Block previously reduced staff in 2025 as part of restructuring.

Other major tech firms have also downsized while investing heavily in AI.

Analysts estimate thousands of jobs per month have been affected by AI adoption.

This is not theoretical.

It is operational.

This is not meant to create fear.

The goal is awareness.

Across the U.S. and other countries, companies are restructuring around AI capabilities.

This is not speculation.

This is not misinformation.

This is happening.

Many people simply aren’t aware yet.

This is not written to cause anxiety.

It is written to help you see what is unfolding — so you can adapt, prepare, and grow alongside it.

Awareness is not fear.

Awareness is preparation.

What should I DO?

If you want a practical next-step guide, read: Anti-AI: How to Stay Valuable in an Automated World.

The question is no longer whether AI will change work.

The question is whether we will evolve with it.

If this article is not enough for you, read further here: Something Big Is Happening.