As Gen Z worries about job security in an AI-driven economy, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the next decade could open the door to entirely new, highly paid careers — including jobs in space.
Altman acknowledges that AI will eliminate some roles, leaving many recent graduates uncertain about the value of their degrees. Still, he believes the future may be the most exciting time in history to start a career. He says today’s young professionals could soon be working in roles so advanced that current jobs will seem outdated by comparison.
Speaking to journalist Cleo Abram, Altman suggested that by the mid-2030s, college graduates might leave school for missions exploring the solar system, taking on completely new, well-paid, and intellectually demanding work. While large-scale space exploration remains uncertain, careers in aerospace are already growing faster than average and offer six-figure salaries.
Other tech leaders share optimism about AI’s impact on work. Bill Gates has suggested AI could dramatically shorten the workweek, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says the technology already gives employees “superhuman” capabilities.
Altman admits the long-term path of AI is hard to predict, but says he envies young people entering the workforce now. He believes they may benefit most from a future where AI enables individuals to build billion-dollar companies alone and opens doors to opportunities that barely exist today.