Robots and Your Future Job (Ft. Bill Gates)

Just think about how fast technology has developed over the last 100 years.  Now think about that in respect to how long humans have been on Earth (about 200,000 years).  The Model A, Ford’s first car, was created in 1903.  Today, we have cars that drive themselves.

Robot technology is on the brink.  As we enter the Information Age, the demand for employment shifts towards programming and coding and away from manufacturing and service.

According to Mr. Bill Gates, “Software substitution, whether it’s for drivers or waiters or nurses… it’s progressing,” Gates said. “Technology over time will reduce demand for jobs, particularly at the lower end of skill set… 20 years from now, labor demand for lots of skill sets will be substantially lower. I don’t think people have that in their mental model.”

Gates’ quote is a bit of a double-edged sword.  On one, pessimistic hand, that means there will be less demand for employees as a whole.  So why try?

But on the other, more optimistic hand, doesn’t this push you to do something you truly want to do, in a field you love?  Because robots can’t write poetry, make music, or dance?  They can’t paint, shoot a basketball, nor a movie.

And if your dream is to develop robots who can do all those things, then lucky you.