It is true that automation is going to replace many humans -- even creative professions, such as musicians and engineers are facing this. But this isn't all doom and gloom. The key is to understand the time line and the flow of humanity.
Yes, the number of human taxi drivers will be reduced, but this is going to take 5-10 years. The number of human musicians/composers will be reduced, but this will take 10-15 years. During my lifetime I will see the number of engineers reduced. It is unlikely that I will be eliminated, but it is more probable that I may be engaged in the training of AI replacements and will work with them, using them as tools.
It also is likely that the rate of hiring to replace humans that leave the field will be reduced. The flow of humanity will naturally be away from the automated jobs to new ones. When I retire, I will not likely be replaced by a single person, but a fraction of a person. That one person, using the automation tools, will be more efficient that 2-3 of us that are currently in the field. Engineers used to have access to a secretary and other staff, but now, due to software automation, there are three staff members that service my entire department of 40. They are more efficient than their predecessors due to the automation tools that they have, such as scheduling software and word processors.
I don't know what the new jobs will be, but certainly there will be work. Even if we don't hire new taxi drivers as they retire, or leave for other work, there will be some work for the next generation.
Humanity is amazingly robust. Do not despair.
thanks for your inputs.. lots of great points you make..
i will not despair!