AI Will Take Billions of Jobs by 2030: How Can You Get Ready?

The Inevitable AI Takeover

Julia McCoy begins with a bold statement: "I believe that all jobs in every industry, in every workplace, are going to be touched and affected by AI." This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of how AI will transform, augment, and in some cases, completely replace billions of jobs within the next few years. To watch the full discussion, click here.

A Personal Journey into AI

McCoy shares her own experience transitioning from running a human writing agency to working full-time in AI. Her journey highlights the rapid pace of change in the industry and the importance of adapting to new technologies.

The Scope of AI's Impact

AGI vs ANI

McCoy references her previous video on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) versus Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), emphasising that ANI already has the potential to automate a vast number of jobs.

The Age of Abundance

Looking beyond job displacement, McCoy envisions a future era of abundance and plenitude brought about by autonomous AI and superintelligence. However, she acknowledges that significant challenges must be overcome to reach this point.

The Research Behind Job Automation

McKinsey's 2017 Study

McCoy cites a 2017 McKinsey study that predicted AI would displace 800 million jobs, representing 30% of the workforce, by 2030. Even at that time, the study revealed that over 50% of human work was automatable, with six out of ten occupations having activities that could be automated.

The 2024 Landscape

Fast forward to 2024, and McCoy argues that the pace of AI development has far exceeded earlier predictions. She suggests that total automation of almost every job is not only possible but likely to occur much sooner than anticipated.

The Largest AI Study to Date

A Groundbreaking Report

McCoy discusses a recent study involving over 2,700 AI researchers from prestigious institutions like Berkeley and the University of Oxford. This comprehensive 39-page report examined how AI would affect every job.

Surprising Predictions

The study predicted full automation of all jobs, from truck driving to writing bestsellers, would occur by the 2100s. However, McCoy believes this timeline is too conservative, given the rapid advancements in AI capabilities.

Accelerated Progress in AI

The Ark Invest Chart

To illustrate the unprecedented speed of AI development, McCoy references a chart from Ark Invest. This visual aid demonstrates how breakthroughs that were once thought to be decades away are now happening within years.

Expert Opinions on Job Automation

McCoy brings in perspectives from industry leaders:

1. Elon Musk: Predicts AI will reach a point where no jobs are needed.
2. Alex Hood (Asana): Suggests AI could significantly reduce unproductive "work about work."
3. Jensen Huang (NVIDIA): Argues that AI will make programming skills unnecessary for most people.

For more insights from these experts, watch the full video here.

The Future of Work

New Job Creation

McCoy acknowledges that while AI will eliminate many existing jobs, it will also create entirely new job categories. She references discussions from the World Economic Forum and books like "The Fourth Age" that explore this concept.

Upskilling for the AI Age

Emphasising the importance of preparation, McCoy announces her upcoming book, "Upskill: Become AI Proof," co-written with Jeff Joyce. The book features interviews with over 15 industry experts and offers strategies for adapting to the AI-driven future of work.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Economic Reset

McCoy predicts a complete collapse of the current economic system, followed by the emergence of a new economy potentially built on an entirely new currency. She hints at future discussions on concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI), Universal Basic Compute (UBC), and Universal High Income (UHI).

The Window of Opportunity

Despite the challenges, McCoy emphasises that there's still a significant opportunity for those who upskill and adapt to the new AI-driven landscape. She encourages viewers to take advantage of this window before it closes.

Conclusion: Embracing the AI Future

Julia McCoy's video presents a compelling case for the transformative power of AI in the job market. While the prospect of billions of jobs being automated may seem daunting, she argues that this shift could ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and productive society.

By understanding the trajectory of AI development and taking proactive steps to adapt, individuals can position themselves to thrive in this new era. The key lies in embracing change, continuously learning, and finding ways to work alongside AI rather than competing against it.

As we stand on the brink of this AI revolution, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared for the changes ahead. McCoy's insights offer a valuable roadmap for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape and seizing the opportunities that emerge.

To dive deeper into this topic and gain more insights from Julia McCoy, watch the full video here.