In life, there are two different kinds of tasks. Heuristic tasks require you to use your own creativity and problem-solving skills in order to achieve a desired result, in contrast to algorithmic tasks, which require you to follow a predetermined procedure.

Let's explain it with an example of cooking:

Depending on how it is done, cooking can be either an algorithmic or a heuristic task. Cooking can be viewed as an algorithmic task if you are following a recipe that includes detailed instructions and measurements because you are following a set of steps to achieve a specific result. Cooking, on the other hand, can be viewed as a heuristic task if you are modifying the recipe or coming up with a dish from scratch using your own discretion and experience. Here, rather than strictly adhering to a recipe, you might be using "rules of thumb" or other approximative methods to arrive at your desired result.

Algorithmic tasks can be automated and completed by artificial intelligence (AI) systems, but heuristic tasks require a human touch. AI systems can be used to accelerate and improve the accuracy of algorithmic tasks, but they cannot replace the human ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. AI can be used to augment the human brain, but it cannot replace it.

I asked ChatGPT3 questions about these two types of work.
You can read all the conversations here. In the end, I asked ChatGPT3:

“Can you please draw me a table of popular jobs with the rate of algorithmic and heuristic assignment and add the probability of replacement by AI?”

Here is the answer:

Job % Algorithmic Tasks % Heuristic Tasks % Probability of AI Replacement Data Scientist 70% 30% 50% Software Engineer 80% 20% 40% Financial Analyst 50% 50% 30% Marketing Manager 30% 70% 20% Project Manager 40% 60% 30% Doctor (General Practitioner) 30% 70% 20% Teacher (Elementary School) 20% 80% 10% Engineer (Mechanical) 70% 30% 40% Accountant 50% 50% 30% Lawyer 30% 70% 20% HR Manager 40% 60% 30% Salesperson 30% 70% 20% Designer (Graphic) 40% 60% 30% Scientist (Biology) 60% 40% 40% Writer 20% 80% 10% Dental Hygienist 40% 60% 30% Social Worker 30% 70% 20% IT Support Technician 70% 30% 40% Electrician 60% 40% 30% Plumber 60% 40% 30% Customer Service Representative 50% 50% 50% Bookkeeper 60% 40% 50% Data Entry Clerk 80% 20% 70% Delivery Driver 40% 60% 50% Construction Worker 30% 70% 20% Receptionist 50% 50% 40% Chef 30% 70% 20% Pharmacist 40% 60% 30% Fitness Instructor 20% 80% 10% Psychologist 20% 80% 10% Veterinary Technician 40% 60% 30% Paralegal 50% 50% 40% Landscaper 40% 60% 30% Home Health Aide 30% 70% 20%

The table is simple to grasp. The warning bells are ringing for you if your task is more algorithmic than heuristic. If you work in a more heuristic job, your position appears secure, but you must learn how to use artificial intelligence and its tools to gain a competitive advantage.

What do you think of the table? Do you believe AI is our enemy or our opportunity for a better world?

*The core idea of the post was original and written with the help of AI.