Futuristic cityscape with robots and humans, symbolizing the uncertain future of work.

Will AI Steal Your Job? Navigating the Future of Work in the Age of Artificial General Intelligence

Beau Callahan in Tech & Innovation July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could reshape the job market and what you can do to prepare for the coming changes in automation and wages."

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) promises unprecedented advancements, but it also stirs anxieties about widespread job displacement. The concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), where AI systems can perform any task a human can, is no longer confined to science fiction. Leaders in both AI research and industry are urging us to consider the implications of this potential reality.

This article unpacks how the transition to AGI might unfold, what it could mean for your job, and how wages and the overall economy could be affected. By examining different scenarios and the underlying economic forces, we aim to provide a clearer picture of a future where AI plays an increasingly dominant role.

We'll explore how human work can be broken down into smaller tasks, each with varying levels of complexity, and how technological advancements make automating these tasks increasingly feasible. This analysis will reveal the critical factors that determine whether wages rise or fall in the face of advancing AI.

The Task Complexity Spectrum: Will There Always Be Work for Humans?

Futuristic cityscape with robots and humans, symbolizing the uncertain future of work.

Imagine every task you do at work, from the simplest to the most complex, placed on a spectrum. Some tasks, like basic data entry, are easily automated. Others, requiring creativity, critical thinking, or complex problem-solving, have been harder to automate – until now.

The key question is: how is this spectrum distributed? Two potential scenarios dominate the discussion:

Unbounded Complexity: This scenario suggests that no matter how advanced AI becomes, there will always be tasks too complex for it to handle. Think of truly novel research or artistic creation.
Bounded Complexity: This scenario proposes that there's a limit to the complexity of tasks humans can perform, and therefore, AI could eventually automate everything.

The implications of these two scenarios are vast. In an unbounded complexity world, wages could continue to rise indefinitely, as humans focus on ever-more challenging tasks. However, in a bounded complexity world, full automation could lead to a collapse in wages, as human labor becomes largely obsolete.

Preparing for an Uncertain Future

The future of work in the age of AGI remains uncertain, but understanding the potential scenarios and the economic forces at play is the first step towards preparing for it. By focusing on adaptability, continuous learning, and developing skills that complement AI, you can increase your resilience and thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and why is it causing so much discussion about the future of work?

Artificial General Intelligence, or AGI, refers to AI systems that possess the ability to perform any intellectual task that a human being can. The rising concern stems from the potential of AGI to automate a wide range of jobs currently done by humans. This leads to discussions about possible job displacement, wage impacts, and the fundamental restructuring of the economy, which challenges conventional notions about the value and nature of work.

How might the 'Task Complexity Spectrum' determine whether I keep my job or not as AI technology advances?

The 'Task Complexity Spectrum' categorizes tasks based on how difficult they are to automate. If most jobs involve tasks easily handled by AI, like data entry, automation becomes more likely. However, jobs demanding creativity, complex problem-solving, or critical thinking are harder to automate. The distribution of tasks along this spectrum – and whether there's a limit to human complexity – will greatly influence job security and wage levels. AGI's ability to perform tasks along this spectrum will determine the demand and value of human labor.

What are 'Unbounded Complexity' and 'Bounded Complexity' scenarios, and how could they impact my future wages?

The 'Unbounded Complexity' scenario suggests there will always be tasks too complex for AI, meaning human wages could continue to rise as people focus on these challenging areas. In contrast, the 'Bounded Complexity' scenario proposes that all human tasks have a limit to their complexity, which AGI could eventually surpass. If this happens, full automation could lead to a collapse in wages due to a surplus of available labor, resulting in human labor becoming obsolete. These scenarios explore the long term economic impact of AGI.

Besides losing my job, what are other potential economic impacts of widespread Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

Beyond job displacement, widespread AGI could fundamentally alter the distribution of wealth. If AGI is owned and controlled by a few, the majority may not benefit from productivity gains. This could widen the gap between the rich and poor, leading to social instability. On the other hand, if the benefits of AGI are widely distributed, it could lead to increased leisure time, higher standards of living, and solutions to previously intractable global problems.

What skills should I focus on developing now to 'future-proof' my career against the rise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

To prepare for the potential impact of AGI, concentrate on adaptability, continuous learning, and skills that complement AI. These may include complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and leadership. These are skill sets that AI has a difficult time replicating. By focusing on these traits, you can increase your resilience and create a niche for yourself in the evolving job market.