When I first thought about
AGI, it wasn’t just another cool idea. It felt like one of those big talks
you’ve been avoiding. You know, the kind of thing that could shake everything
up. That’s the vibe I got from AGI. It’s not your typical AI.
AGI doesn’t just suggest the next Netflix pick or auto-fill your emails. No, it’s way beyond that. It learns, it understands, it works like a human would. And with that comes a flood of questions. The big one I keep coming back to? Why do we get so defensive about our jobs when it comes to tech like this?
Why So Defensive?
This question really gets to the core of our connection to work. AI is growing so fast, it’s hard to keep up. AGI is on the horizon, and if I’m being honest, it’s a little scary.
You’ve seen the headlines: “AI to replace X million jobs by 2030!” It feels like tech is trying to freak us out. But it’s not just about losing money. It runs deeper.
For a lot of us, jobs are more than paychecks. They’re part of who we are. It’s what gives us purpose. You can feel the unease every time someone mentions AI.It’s like we’re on the edge of losing everything we know. But maybe, it could also be the beginning of something better.
The Job Defense Mechanism: More Than Just a Paycheck
In today’s economic landscape, having a job feels almost essential for survival. It’s not just about paying the bills—it’s about so much more than that.
I had a friend who got laid off a few years back. Oddly enough, it wasn’t the loss of income that hit him the hardest. It was the routine, the feeling of being part of something, and being needed.
You know, the feeling that you’re contributing to something larger than yourself. It’s that gnawing loss of structure. One day, you have meetings, deadlines, responsibilities. The next? Nothing. It’s a void. The days start to blur, and you feel like you’re drifting.
That’s where this idea of death-cult capitalism fits in. You’re told from a young age that you need to ‘make something of yourself.’ And that something almost always revolves around your career.
If you’ve ever been stuck in the grind, you know how draining it is. So, when AGI threatens to take jobs away, it feels like a threat to more than just our income—it’s a threat to our way of life. This isn't new. Look back at the Industrial Revolution. When machines replaced manual labor, people freaked out, and rightfully so. But this? It’s next level.
It’s no wonder so many people burn out. In fact, the World Health Organization recognized burnout as an official occupational phenomenon in 2019.
AGI: Changing the Game or Just the Rules?
According to a 2023McKinsey report, about 60% of jobs could see at least 30% of their tasks automated by AI technologies, including AGI.
What could it do to shake up the job market? It’s like flipping a coin—heads, it’s amazing; tails, it’s a bit terrifying. Depends on how you look at it. On one side, it could kick those mind-numbing tasks to the curb.
Wouldn't it be nice to avoid repetitive work? Instead, you could focus on tasks that truly inspire you.
But what will happen to the people whose jobs AGI replaces? Retail is a good example. AI has already made its mark with self-checkout and smart shopping algorithms. It's disrupting things.
So, imagine AGI cranking up the heat. Everything from stocking shelves to chatting with customers—automated. What's gonna happen to those retail folks? Are they just out of luck, or will we figure out a way to keep them in the loop?
It's not just retail feeling the burn. Healthcare, education, even the creative world—AI's making waves everywhere. A 2023 report from the International Labour Organization showed that about 20% of jobs in these fields could be AI's next target in the next decade.
So, the big question is whether we can ride these waves of change. Or if we’ll get swept away. If not, you might end up in over your head.
Reimagining Work and Society: Beyond Survival
Pause for a moment and think big. What if we didn’t tie work to survival? Likewise, what if AGI allowed us to live well without needing a traditional job?
That’s where concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI) come into play. So, what does UBI do? It takes you to a whole new world where your basic needs are met. And work becomes something you do because you want to, not because you have to. It’s a radical idea, but not an impossible one.
We’ve already seen experiments with UBI in places like Finland. In these places, people get a basic income regardless of whether they had a job. The results? People reported feeling happier and less stressed.
They felt more motivated to pursue passions and creative projects. Imagine waking up every day, knowing your bills are covered, and you can finally chase that passion project you’ve always put off. It’s a glimpse into what could be possible in an AGI-driven world.
Now, consider this. A society where art, creativity, and passion-driven work become the new norm. Instead of grinding away at a 9-to-5, you could spend your days writing, painting, or exploring whatever interests you.
I recently met someone who made the leap from a corporate job to becoming a full-time artist. The joy in their eyes was undeniable. They weren’t just surviving; they were thriving. That’s the kind of future AGI could make possible.
The Transition: Utopia or Dystopia?
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. The shift to a post-capitalist world won’t be a cakewalk. Expect some pushback, especially from those who’re benefiting from the current setup. And then there’s the whole issue of inequality.
Will artificial general intelligence create a world where everyone can pursue their passions? Or will it deepen the divide between the haves and the have-nots?
Take a look at Silicon Valley. It’s a place that’s already experimenting with new models of work, like remote-first policies and four-day workweeks. But even there, the wealth gap is staggering. The challenge will be figuring out how to ensure AGI benefits everyone—not just a select few.
So, What’s It Going to Be: A New Way of Life?
So, let’s circle back to the original question. Why do we cling so tightly to our jobs when AGI could offer a better way of life? The answer, I think, lies in fear. The fear of the unknown, the fear of losing our place in the world, the fear of change.
But if we approach AGI thoughtfully, it doesn’t have to be something to fear. It could be the key to unlocking a new era of creativity, fulfilment, and balance.
In the end, it’s up to us to shape the future we want. Whether AGI leads us towards utopia or dystopia depends on the choices we make today. If we play our cards right, it might just free us from that soul-crushing grind and open up possibilities we’ve only dreamed of.
