🤖 AI is Coming for Average Performance

LIP #257

Oct 23, 2025

AI is systematically targeting high-paying jobs first, starting with investment banking, consulting, and legal work. OpenAI recently posted 100 job listings to hire former investment bankers with the explicit goal of replacing junior associates.

The reason is simple business logic - companies go where the money is first. Junior positions are particularly vulnerable because they involve:

Predictable rule sets
Processes that can be easily automated
Limited judgment requirements

Real Impact: Goldman Sachs reports that 95% of IPO work can now be done by AI in minutes, replacing what used to take teams weeks. Average human performance is being eliminated at an unprecedented rate across all industries.