Don't want to be replaced by bots? These are 8 'AI-proof' businesses, according to employees

How far would employees go to avoid losing their jobs to artificial intelligence? For many, the safest bet seems to be starting a new business themselves. 

AI is estimated to replace 800 million jobs worldwide by 2030, according to a report from McKinsey. As a result, the workforce is desperate for jobs that won't be threatened by emerging technologies, which is why workplace insights platform HostingAdvice conducted a survey of 3,000 employees to find out Americans' dream business ventures they believe are AI-proof. 

"The surge of AI presents as much an opportunity as it does a challenge," said HostingAdvice's senior content manager, Christina Lewis in a release. "Our survey has revealed that the entrepreneurial spirit remains undeterred, eager to find new paths that AI won't tread."

Read more: 10 workplace tasks being simplified by AI

The global specialty coffee market is projected to grow by more than 50% by 2028, according to Research Reports World, which may explain why owning a specialty coffee shop topped HostingAdvice's list. Similarly, independent bookshops have seen an increase of nearly 50% over the past decade, landing owning a boutique bookstore second on the platform's ranking, followed by starting an artisanal bakery.   

And while 64% of business and IT leaders believe that AI could actually maintain or even increase the number of human roles at their organization in 2024, with most expecting headcounts to increase by up to 9%, the insurgence of new tech has still inspired employees to reevaluate their career choices. 

"These dream businesses are not just ventures," Lewis said. "They are beacons of human ingenuity and connection."

See what other AI-resistant businesses professionals are considering: