FWIW, here's my advice for econ PhDs: it's currently extremely difficult to know what and how fundamental the changes will be that result from the expansion of AI. Trying to figure out the "right path" under such large uncertainly may be futile and can lead to paralyzing anxiety. The best strategy IMHO: Work on something you're genuinely interested in. This increases your chances to end up working on something you're interested in in the long term (as you acquire experience in that area), plus it reduces the risk of regretting ex post having spent years doing something you don't like and that ended up being unnecessary. Overthinking in the face of genuine uncertainty like this is a real risk here. In such situations, it makes sense to follow to some degree your gut and to weigh heavily in your choice what you personally enjoy.