Future-Proof Your Career: The Jobs That Will Thrive Despite Automation in 2026

The Automation-Resistant Jobs of Tomorrow

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the workforce, gig workers face increasing uncertainty about which roles will remain viable. According to Tim Fung, founder and CEO of Airtasker, certain types of work are far more likely to withstand the automation wave than others.

Tim Fung is the founder and CEO of Airtasker, a gig work app based in Australia.

The Automation Threat to Traditional Gig Work

Many current gig economy positions are at significant risk as AI adoption expands. Ride-hailing drivers could see their roles eliminated within three to five years as companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash increasingly deploy self-driving vehicles for deliveries. Even white-collar gig workers in data science, coding, and engineering face displacement in the near term as AI systems become more capable.

The Bright Spot: Trade Work

Fung identifies trade work as one of the most promising areas for gig workers seeking long-term security. Physical, hands-on tasks like building fences, painting, gardening, and assembling furniture represent "the last thing that gets automated." These offline activities require human judgment, dexterity, and problem-solving skills that remain difficult for machines to replicate.

"I actually think that we will all be more satisfied if we are going out and doing the arts, the crafts, and the trades, versus doing more computer jobs," Fung said.

Building a Personal Brand in the Gig Economy

Airtasker operates differently from many gig platforms. Rather than simply accepting or rejecting predetermined jobs, workers on Airtasker can:

• Negotiate prices based on task complexity and travel requirements
• Highlight specific skills and experience in their profiles
• Build reputations through reviews and ratings for particular types of work

One successful Airtasker user has completed thousands of Ikea furniture assembly jobs, establishing themselves as the go-to expert for that specific service. This approach allows workers to demonstrate that they're "the best communicator, the most punctual, and the most skilled at these kinds of jobs."

The Future of Gig Work

As competition intensifies on gig platforms, Fung predicts that specialization and brand-building will become increasingly important. Workers who develop expertise in specific physical trades and cultivate strong reputations will be better positioned to thrive in the automated future.

The Airtasker model—which connects people needing work done directly with skilled gig workers—represents an alternative to the more rigid structures of traditional ride-hailing and delivery apps. This approach may resonate with workers frustrated by falling earnings and increased competition on other platforms.