Will AI take away our jobs in the future? According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the evolution of AI will spark an unprecedented job market transition, suggesting that while artificial intelligence will inevitably eliminate traditional roles, it will pave the way for a job market that is currently “implausible” by today’s standards.
Speaking in a recent interview, Altman described the upcoming decade as potentially the “most exciting time in the history” to begin a career. He framed the transition as a “punctuated equilibrium” moment — a period of rapid, intense change that ultimately leads to a new era of human productivity.
AI will do “clearing” of traditional roles
Altman was candid about the disruptive potential of AI, acknowledging that the technology will “wipe out” entire categories of labour. He identified entry-level roles and tasks that are repetitive or predictable as the most vulnerable.
“I’m confident that a lot of current customer support that happens over a phone or computer, those people will lose their jobs, and that’ll be better done by an AI,” Altman stated. He also noted that even specialised fields like computer programming are undergoing a fundamental shift, saying that “the meaning of being a computer programmer today is very different than it was two years ago.”
Despite these warnings, Altman argues that this “clearing” is necessary to make room for higher-level work. He suggested that many modern occupations might one day be viewed with the same skepticism a farmer from 100 years ago would have for today’s office jobs. “They very likely would look at what you do and I do and say, ‘that’s not real work,’” he noted, implying that future generations will likely look back at our current “boring, old work” with similar pity.
AI to bring new opportunities
The OpenAI chief also envisions a future where AI handles the “predictable” work, freeing humans to pursue roles in frontier sectors that do not yet exist. He painted a vivid picture of the possibilities for the next generation of graduates.
“In 2035, that graduating college student… could very well be leaving on a mission to explore the solar system on a spaceship in some completely new, exciting, super well-paid, super interesting job,” Altman said.
According to Altman, the value of human labour will shift toward exploration, creativity, and judgment. He highlighted that the net result would be a wealthier society with “sky-high salaries” for those in these new, intellectually stimulating roles. Expressing a sense of envy for those starting their careers now, he remarked, “If I were 22 right now and graduating college, I would feel like the luckiest kid in all of history.”
