Are We About To Lose Our Jobs? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

Are We About To Lose Our Jobs?

What does the future of labor in America look like?

12
Are We About To Lose Our Jobs?
The Institute for Faith, Work and Economics

At the core of the American dream is a philosophy of grit. Since the USA’s inception, industry has been a critical issue. The Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, the Space Race – all centered around industry and work.

Generally, “work” is used synonymously with “job.” Jobs, however, are on the precipice of a cloudy, possibly frightening future. Rampant fear that robots will replace humans, leaving many citizens unemployed and purposeless, pervades the media and academia. While some dismiss these fears as fantastical, there is evidence that jobs are declining. The share of economic output paid in wages has fallen steadily since the 1980’s and now stands at its lowest point ever. Further, the labor force participation rate has decayed from 67.1 percent in 2000 to 62.8 percent in 2016. Both of these trends suggest that jobs might begin to disappear rapidly.

Expert economists have little consensus on this issue. Leading MIT labor economist David Autor maintains that jobs will remain vital in the economy. Others, like his colleague Andrew McAfee, argue that jobs will grow scarce in the next generation. The question for the quotidian citizen is “will I have a job in the future?” In Autor’s world, the answer is yes. But let us suppose McAfee turns out to be correct – what will the future of work look like?

In a lovely article, Derek Thompson proposes three possible futures if a robot revolution radically shifts the modern economy.

1. The Leisure Life.

A robot revolution would destroy work as we know it. Instead of viewing the end of normal labor as apocalyptic, “post-workists” suggest that we invite the end of labor. In its wake, the revolution would leave a community-focused, almost monastic society. The new economy would have completely different rules. Instead of operating in scarcity, people would live in abundance. Under this framework, people will not need to work; rather, policies such as a basic income would provide for people’s needs.

This type of future seems unlikely. First, psychology suggests that people need to work. Second, it’s difficult to conceive of robots stealing all jobs in an economy - who would keep the robots functioning? Finally, political theorist John Locke, way back in 1690, predicted that even in an economy of abundance, people will still work.

2. The Patchwork Proletariat.

As jobs die out, workers will be forced to seek out niche employment opportunities. This work will contrast from the standard nine-to-five of today’s economy. Rather, the future looks like patchwork employment strewn across various jobs in abnormal hours. Uber is a darling example of this – hours are on drivers' own terms and the work is arbitrary and highly variable. As standard jobs dwindle, a swath of Uber-like companies will arise.

3. The Artisan Awakening.

A third future predicts that in the face of the loss of standard jobs, industry will return to the arts. Artisans focused on self-expression will dominate the market. Rather than holding long-term jobs, people will participate in a gig economy centered on bursts of artistic projects, similar to how Hollywood currently functions. Technology might destroy the modern labor makeup, but new jobs will emerge to fill the void.


In sum, these three futures are relatively benign. The media consistently serves doomsday images in the labor market forecast, but even if jobs peter, they leave soothing opportunities in their place: opportunities for more rest, more flexibility and more art. Our conception of “normal” jobs might remain for decades to come, but even if it flickers into a memory, it will prepare the way for an equally fulfilling future.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181695
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8539
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453410
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23866
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments