In August, a new LinkedIn survey revealed that Aussie professionals feel overwhelmed by rising AI expectations, with almost half (46%) feeling that mastering AI is like a second job. Interestingly, just one in four (25%) say they trust AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot.
The study found that one in three (37%) Aussies say the current pace of change is not sustainable for their wellbeing, and younger Aussie professionals are feeling it most. Gen Z (21%) and Millennial (22%) professionals are nearly twice as likely to exaggerate or lie about their AI skills at work, compared to Gen X and older (11%).
And this pressure at work is becoming a prevalent conversation on LinkedIn globally, where there has been a 60% increase in the number of professionals posting about feeling overwhelmed and navigating change, and a 29% uptick globally in people posting about AI-related topics over the last year.
Brendan Wong, Career Expert at LinkedIn Australia, said while balancing day-to-day responsibilities with the need to quickly build AI skills isn’t easy, Australians can turn that pressure into progress.
Embrace curiosity
Wong said educators don’t necessarily need to be an AI expert to start using it in their classroom.
“Saying, ‘I’m still learning,’ sets a powerful tone for students and colleagues – it builds trust and normalises curiosity,” Wong told The Educator. “Set realistic goals and seek out short online courses or webinars tailored for educators.”
Wong said it can also help for educators to talk to their colleagues about what’s working for them, sharing their experience with AI tools and how they’re using them.
“Whether it’s trying a new AI tool for lesson planning or exploring personalised learning aids, being open builds trust and creates a culture where curiosity and collaboration thrive.”
Follow the experts
With the AI landscape evolving fast, Wong said looking beyond your school or district can help educators uncover best practices.
“Follow education technologists, researchers, and even industry experts who share practical ways AI can enhance teaching,” he said. “This can include anything from personalised learning tools to grading efficiency and tailoring resources for diverse learners.”
Engage with educator communities on platforms like LinkedIn, where teachers around the country and the world exchange real classroom experiences with AI, is also important, says Wong.
“The more you explore, the more confident you’ll feel bringing AI into your classroom in a way that works for you,” he said. “This broader perspective helps you ensure the AI tools you adopt aren’t just trendy but genuinely impactful for your students’ outcomes.”
Own your growth journey
Rather than waiting for formal training, Wong says educators should take the lead in exploring how AI can work for their teaching style and subject area.
“Identify one or two AI tools that align with your curriculum goals and experiment with them in small, low-stakes ways – like using AI to help draft lesson starters or suggest differentiated resources,” he said.
“Set realistic goals and seek out short online courses like Everyday AI concepts or webinars tailored for educators.”
On September 30, LinkedIn is hosting AI in Work Day, a free online event with practical tips for using AI at work. Start small, stay curious, and build your confidence step by step.