Tech Workers Spend 10-20 Hours Weekly Learning AI as Job Security Fears Rise

2 articles · Updated · Business Insider · Jun 21

10 to 20 hours a week of after-hours AI study has become routine for many tech workers who say rapid advances in the technology are forcing them to keep up to protect their careers.
85% of more than 1,000 U.S. desk workers in an Ernst & Young survey said they were learning AI outside work, reflecting both enthusiasm for the tools and anxiety about falling behind.
Workers described a growing personal cost: Tanvi Pisal spends 10 to 15 hours a week and hundreds of dollars on tools and workshops, while Amazon scientist Abhinav Bohra said he spent about $3,000 in the past year.
That pressure is reinforced by the job market, where LinkedIn data showed hiring for AI engineers has surged since 2022 even as many traditional engineering roles stayed flat or declined and major tech firms cut thousands of jobs.
Some employers including Amazon say they provide internal AI training, but workers said packed workdays leave little time to experiment, turning continuous learning into what Bohra called a "learning tax."

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85% of Tech Professionals Are Self-Learning AI After Hours: The Human Cost and Employer Gap in the AI Upskilling Surge

Overview

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace has sparked an 'AI learning surge,' where tech professionals are dedicating significant personal time—often nights and weekends—to mastering new AI tools and concepts. This shift is driven by the urgent need to acquire new skills to stay relevant and competitive, as many fear falling behind in their careers. With 85% of US desk workers actively learning about AI outside regular hours, the trend highlights a new reality: professionals are investing heavily in self-directed upskilling, reflecting both the opportunities and pressures brought by AI's growing role in the workplace.

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