AI and A World Without Work: 12 to 18 Months Left (Mustafa Suleyman), 80% Unemployment (Stuart Russell) and More

The big guns in AI are giving it straight off the shoulder about the impact of that technology on knowledge work.

The CEO of AI at Microsoft Mustafa Suleyman, for example, anticipates catastrophe and at an accelerated pace:

"So white-collar work, where you're sitting down at a computer, either being a lawyer or an accountant or a project manager or a marketing person — most of those tasks will be fully automated by an AI within the next 12 to 18 months."

Iconic author of "Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach" and professor at UC Berkeley Stuart Russell is equally pessimistic about a broad range of white collar tasks. He puts that at 80% unemployment: 

"He suggested that sectors once considered safe — from driving and logistics to accounting, software engineering, and even medicine — are likely to be swept up in the coming wave of automation."

Russell also projects surgeons will be wiped out by robots. CEOs aren't safe either.

A world without work - and that will happen globally - means a Black Swan kind of development in professional identity. Never did those who invested so much in higher education (including advanced degrees), sacrifices to get ahead on the job and sophisticated networking anticipate all will be lost. Already many jobs in marketing, content-creation, public relations, graphic design, specific effects and even voice-overs are gone and not coming back.

What kind of new identity will government leaders, psychologists and clergy encourage they graft on? Being busy in the garden? Take art lessons? Volunteer? 

From coaching the retired and semi-retired I know this: An aspirational work identity is embedded in most Americans. We are the global headquarters for capitalism. It's almost impossible to shake that off. Think about this: Former chair of Paul, Weiss Brad Karp had a heart attack in January 2024. Given his decades of extreme success he doesn't need to work for the money. But he's still working full-time, often 20 hours a day at Paul, Weiss (documents Original Jurisdiction). The majority of human adults require paid work to feel whole.

And, what about money to survive? You know, not becoming homeless, having access to transportation, purchasing food that doesn't kill us and receiving medical care. Universal Basic Income programs are already overdue. Rich Dad, Poor Dad Robert Kiyosaki projects homelessness for too many Boomers. That too is already standard. It's probably undercounted since many are using their cars as housing.

Even the shift from a field being wiped out by AI to one that isn't (at least not yet) is a brutal transition. I experienced that when content-creation began to implode. I turned sidelines in intuitive coaching and tarot-reading into the main menu. But, it took several years to get comfortable being on a new path. Much of the distress was disbelief. How could a top performer like myself in content-creation not be doing that anymore ...

In coaching, I warn clients about the rapid pace of technology. Therefore, don't invest in the kind of training for jobs which could be eliminated by time you are ready to market yourself. That fate could hit the current applicants for law school. They would be the JD Class of 2029. A Lost Generation of Lawyers.

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.


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