What Is FOBO? How To Stay Relevant And Not Become Obsolete At Work

Is the fear of becoming obsolete keeping you up at night? You’re not alone. FOBO, or fear of becoming obsolete, is the workplace anxiety gripping employees who worry that AI, automation, and shifting job expectations are outpacing their skills. A Gallup poll found that employees increasingly fear their roles will become irrelevant due to technology, and many aren’t sure how to prepare for the shift. The reality is FOBO isn’t a sign that your career is doomed. It’s a warning to evolve before change forces your hand. While AI is reshaping jobs, employees who take control of their learning, expand their skill sets, and rethink how they contribute to their companies will thrive.

Why FOBO Is The New Workplace Anxiety

Change can be scary and it is happening faster than ever. AI-driven automation is taking over repetitive tasks, forcing employees to redefine their value. Instead of just completing tasks, workers are expected to interpret data, make strategic decisions, and collaborate with technology in ways they haven’t before.

Historically, workers feared machines replacing factory workers. But today’s FOBO is different. It’s not just low-wage or repetitive jobs being impacted; highly skilled professionals in fields like law, medicine, and finance are seeing AI take on tasks once thought to require human expertise.

How Employees Are Reacting To FOBO Due To AI—And Why Some Are Falling Behind

There are two ways to respond to AI in the workplace: embrace it or fear it.

Some employees see AI as a tool to enhance their productivity, freeing them from repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on higher-value work. Others resist change, fearing that adopting AI tools will only accelerate their replacement.

The employees who stay relevant in AI-driven workplaces are those who actively seek to understand the technology. They recognize that companies aren’t looking to replace every job with AI, but they are looking for employees who can adapt, collaborate with AI, and bring human judgment to the table.

A recent Harvard Business Review article emphasizes that professionals who develop AI fluency—not necessarily as engineers, but as informed users—are better positioned to stay relevant in the workforce.

How To Stay Relevant At Work And Overcome FOBO

Future-proofing your career means being proactive, adaptable, and continuously learning. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve.

1. Learn How AI Fits Into Your Industry To Avoid FOBO

You don’t need to be a tech expert, but you do need to understand the AI-driven changes happening in your field. AI shifts how work gets done.

• Identify which tasks in your role could be automated and how you can shift toward higher-value responsibilities.
• Learn about AI-enhanced tools being adopted in your industry and explore how they can make your work more efficient.
• Read insights from leaders in your field about where your profession is headed.

2. Stay Curious And Keep Learning To Avoid FOBO

One of the biggest predictors of career longevity is a willingness to learn. Employees who embrace continuous learning are far more likely to advance in their careers, even in industries experiencing major change.

• Look for professional development programs offered by your employer.
• Attend industry conferences and networking events to stay informed.
• Take advantage of online learning platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or company-sponsored training.
• Seek mentors who are already adapting to AI and learn from their approach.

3. Strengthen Human-Centric Skills That AI Can’t Replace

AI can process data, but it can’t replicate emotional intelligence, leadership, or creativity.

• Focus on developing communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
• Take on cross-functional projects that allow you to work across teams and gain broader experience.
• Demonstrate leadership by embracing change and guiding others through transitions.

4. Rethink Career Growth To Avoid FOBO

Traditional career paths are disappearing. Instead of climbing a corporate ladder, employees now move sideways, learn new skills, and adapt to shifting roles.

• Look for skill adjacencies—skills related to your current role that are becoming more valuable with AI integration.
• Be open to job rotations, lateral moves, or projects that expose you to different parts of the business.
• Think of your career as a portfolio of evolving skills rather than a rigid job title.

How Companies Can Reduce FOBO And Retain Their Workforce

FOBO is a threat to employee retention. Workers who fear becoming obsolete are more likely to quit and look for roles where they feel they can grow.

What can companies do to keep their workforce engaged and FOBO-free?

• Provide upskilling and reskilling programs that help employees keep pace with AI advancements.
• Create internal mobility opportunities so employees can transition into new roles instead of feeling stuck.
• Foster a culture of innovation where employees feel encouraged to learn and experiment with AI rather than fear it.

Companies that fail to address FOBO will lose their most forward-thinking employees—those who recognize the shift and want to grow with it.

Is FOBO A Real Threat Or Just A Mindset?

FOBO is a real fear fueled by workplace transformation. But fear alone won’t change the reality of AI-driven work. Jobs are evolving. Certain skills are becoming less relevant. But new opportunities are emerging just as quickly. Employees who embrace curiosity, stay adaptable, and learn how to work with AI rather than against it will be the ones leading the workforce of the future. The key to staying relevant isn’t outworking technology—it’s outlearning it.