Ben Goertzel, the computer scientist who famously coined the term 'Artificial General Intelligence' (AGI), has a stark warning for the global workforce: a 'job apocalypse' is coming, and it will arrive much sooner than previously thought. Goertzel, often called the 'Father of AGI,' believes that AI capable of matching human intelligence is only two to three years away. Once it arrives, it will render the vast majority of current professions obsolete. However, he says there are steps people can take to be 'AI-safe.'
The Impact on White-Collar Jobs
According to a report in Forbes, Goertzel noted that the AI revolution is already hitting the workforce, with office-based professionals such as lawyers and graphic artists feeling the heat first. Roles that require a physical 'human touch' or complex manual navigation, such as plumbers, electricians, and educators, are expected to remain relevant much longer than white-collar desk jobs.
Three Skills to Stay Relevant
To stay relevant during this transition, Goertzel suggests that workers stop focusing on technical tasks that a computer can do better and start honing three deeply human traits.
Emotional Intelligence
As super-intelligence takes over 'thinking' work, the only thing left for humans will be each other. Emotional intelligence, rapport-building, and active listening will become the ultimate currency. In a world flooded with 'AI slop' resumes and automated recruiters, the ability to build genuine human relationships or secure personal referrals will be the only way to bypass digital gatekeepers.
Rapid Pivoting
'You need to be able to pivot rapidly and tap dance really fast,' Goertzel was quoted as saying. The era of a 'career for life' is dead. To survive, workers must be agile, learning new skills every month. If your job can be done by a computer, such as traditional accounting, Goertzel suggests being ready to switch to 'human-critical' fields.
Decouple Identity from Labor
Many people define themselves by their jobs, but in an era where AGI can do that work, humans must learn to be 'comfortable with themselves' in moments of stillness. Goertzel said it is not a matter of 'What jobs will stick around?' but rather 'What kind of person will you become in this new era?'
