Beyond the 9-5: Future of Creativity Shaped by AI (and 6 Ways Younger Generations can Prepare for This Future)

Technology has removed the need for human labor and lowered the cost of production. This gives us more time to become our best selves. We can create, develop our spirituality, and explore morality.

My Journey to the realization of a different (yet brighter) future

Off to College

When I went to university, there was a feeling I couldn't shake. It was the looming sense that the canonical trajectory I was on, would not be relevant in the future:

• Get a degree so I can get a 9-5 job.

• Work to stay alive.

• Spend more time working on others’ dreams instead of my own.

• Have less and less time to explore my curiosities, creativity, and spirituality.

It didn’t make sense. I knew there had to be a different way.

This led to my departure from university for 2 years to explore the world of startups. I learned practical hard skills from building and working on a team. But, I also learned much more about myself and my view of the world.

Nobody else determined what I was capable of doing but me. The importance of developing a spiritual relationship became more salient; I learned this during periods of immense stress. I also had a deeper understanding of learning being a life-long pursuit, and the onus is on us to learn more. I learned the value of creating: bringing my thoughts and perspectives into the world.

After reflecting on my experiences, I realized that the intuition I had when starting university was correct.

The world was changing, and it was changing fast. And how could anyone argue otherwise? History will tell us this has been our trajectory all along.

A brief look back to the evolution of technology and its impact on human labor

Reflecting on Technology’s Evolution: From Revolutions to Actualization

The historical trajectory of human progress shows a clear pattern where technological advancements have consistently aimed to minimize labor-intensive tasks, propelling us toward a future rich in higher-level human endeavors.

This progress is a testament to our desire to overcome physical limitations and enhance our capabilities. From the mechanization of agriculture during the Industrial Revolution to the digitization of information in the modern era.

Each wave of innovation has eased the burden of manual and repetitive work. It has pushed the emphasis on mastery further into higher-level aspects of humanity.

To understand the future we heading into, let’s first explore 3 recent key paradigm shifts in history.

1. Industrial Revolution

This marked a shift from agrarian societies to industrialized ones.

This era was characterized by the mechanization of agriculture and the introduction of steam power, fundamentally transforming the nature of work. The pace of progress quickened. Manual labor was automated. We were able to do more in the same or less amount of time.

Each technological leap, while reducing labor, also disrupts existing job markets and skill requirements.

This pattern, evident from the shift from agricultural to industrial and then to a knowledge-based economy, underscores an ongoing transformation. The OECD iLibrary highlights how these shifts have drastically reduced working hours, reflecting the evolving nature of work in response to technological advances.

Technological Innovations and Labor Transformation

Advancements such as the steam engine and mechanization of textile production led to the creation of factories; these became the new epicenters of work.

This marked a departure from the traditional manual, home-based production methods. Large groups of people were employed under one roof for the first time, working on machines that dramatically increased production capacity.

This period laid the foundations for the modern economic systems we find ourselves in today. It was a time of rapid innovation and change that would set the stage for the technological innovations that would follow.

2. The Rise of the Internet

The internet was the next big inflection point in recent human history.

The transition from mechanical innovation to digital revolution represents a significant leap in the trajectory of human progress.

Redefining Connectivity and Access to Information

The Internet, emerging as a global network of interconnected computers, redefined the concept of connectivity.

It transformed the nature of information access, turning what was once a slow, laborious process into an instant and almost effortless endeavor; it brought us new ways to connect in the form of email, text, social media, and more. This digital revolution democratized information, breaking down geographical barriers and creating a new, interconnected world.

Now, if you wanted to connect with other people or learn something new, you simply needed an internet connection and a portal into this digital realm.

Impact on Labor and Economy

The Internet's impact on labor was profound.

It created entirely new industries and job roles, while simultaneously revolutionizing existing ones. The rise of e-commerce, digital marketing, and remote work are just a few examples of how the Internet reshaped the economic landscape.

Traditional business models were disrupted, paving the way for innovative approaches to commerce and communication.

Transitioning from the Industrial to the Information Age

As we moved from the Industrial to the Information Age, the workforce underwent a dramatic transformation.

The Internet not only spawned new professions but also revolutionized existing ones, bringing about a more knowledge-based economy. This shift was characterized by a growing emphasis on intellectual over physical labor, and on innovation and creativity as key drivers of economic growth.

Setting the Stage for the Next Frontier

As we reflect on the transformative impact of the Internet, it's clear that it set the stage for the next frontier in technological advancement: the era of artificial intelligence and automation.

Just as the Industrial Revolution and the Internet reshaped society, the ongoing technological evolution promises to usher in a new era of innovation and change.

3. The Age of AI and Automation

This latest inflection point is redefining the current landscape of work and what we thought was possible in human creativity.

AI as a Tool for Empowerment

AI technologies like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Elevenlabs, and Figure Robotics are not just technological marvels; they are tools that empower human creativity.

AI automates routine tasks and augments human creativity. This synergistic relationship between humans and AI is expanding the boundary of what we can imagine and create. It’s a partnership where AI’s capabilities complement human ingenuity, leading to unprecedented levels of innovation and creativity.

Redefining Roles and Opportunities

Integration of AI into various sectors has led to increased efficiency and the opening of new doors,

We are seeing more roles that blend creativity with technology, from AI-assisted design to data-driven storytelling. These roles highlight the evolving landscape where human creativity is complemented by artificial intelligence.

The Challenge and Promise of AI

The main concern in the current day is job displacement and the need to adapt through the acquisition of new skills.

Even though AI brings a whole host of new challenges, there is great promise. It offers us the opportunity to redefine what it means to work and to unlock even more potential for ourselves - the potential for creativity, learning, and innovation.

Our Future Defined By Our Past

This brief overview paints a picture of how technology has augmented human life and is pushing us into a future where humans are poised to be more creative, curious, and free.

The future is changing but it's not all bad

A Brighter Future for Humans

Technological advancements have their baggage. But, on the whole, they have brought us a higher quality of life.

Quality of Life and Basic Needs

In our modern era, technology has transformed the very fabric of daily life.

Our basic human needs have become a baseline for many in the modern world. We no longer, need to worry about:

• Where/how we get our food.

• Making our own clothes & shelters.

• Spending countless hours laboring to reap the benefits.

This change is not only about convenience; it is a fundamental shift in how we approach life. With baseline needs taken care of, we have set a new standard of what it means to live a fulfilled life in the 21st century.

The World At Our Fingertips & In Our Pockets

Reflect on the power of the internet.

The entire expanse of human knowledge is accessible in seconds. How else would you be able to access this article you're reading right now?

We have more time on our hands and more information than ever. This allows us all to learn more about the world. It has also opened up a new career path for anyone wanting to create, educate, inspire, and everything in between.

Think of all the new avenues now available to the generations of today. To name a few:

• YouTuber

• Streamer

• Writer

• Solopreneur

• Fitness Coach

• Freelancer

• Indie Developer

I could list these all day, but you get the point.

You can pretty much be anything now as long as you are providing some form of value to others. More time and more tools give us the leverage to be more prolific than ever before with the value we provide to the world.

You need only the curiosity and passion to do so.

Time is Our Most Valuable Resource

Time is the only thing that we can't save or buy.

We are in a constant battle with this dimension of reality; weighing the costs and benefits of what we spend our time doing. But, we have freed up more of our time by abstracting away the tasks we were once obligated to do for survival.

We also live longer than our predecessors. With more time, comes the ability to focus more on complex, fulfilling activities.

It's not just about working less; it's about working smarter and on more meaningful endeavors in our lives.

“Isn’t this just for rich countries? And what about my job!?”

To address some common concerns about digital inequality and job security, it’s important to understand the other advancements we continue to make that make these objections weaker by the day.

Bridging the Global Divide

Initiatives like SpaceX's Starlink are revolutionizing global internet access.

By providing affordable, high-speed internet even in remote areas, Starlink is opening doors to opportunities previously inaccessible to many in developing countries. This is a significant step towards leveling the playing field, enabling people worldwide to participate in the digital economy.

The decreasing cost of technology production, driven by advancements and economies of scale, is making digital tools more accessible.

Smartphones, laptops, and internet services are becoming more affordable, allowing a broader segment of the global population to connect, learn, and work online.

Historical Perspective on Shifts in Labor Markets

Although job disruption in the near term is a valid concern, history has shown us that technological innovations eventually lead to the creation of new industries and job roles.

Similar to the Industrial Revolution, AI will open up a whole new world of opportunities. I believe it is in the form of creators.

Guidelines for the younger generation that is inheriting this future

How do We Prepare?

It can be unsettling to think about the future in such a turbulent time where the acceleration of technology has reached an even greater inflection point than the internet.

Let me break down the 6 key areas that I am focusing on, in hopes that it may give you more clarity as to what you could do.

1. Lifelong Learning and Adaptability

In the future, the only constant is change.

The key to maneuvering these uncharted waters is to cultivate learning as not just a means to an end, but an end in itself. This will allow us to more readily adapt as the ground of work shifts beneath our feet.

Read books, follow your curiosity, and synthesize your ideas to bring your unique perspective to the world.

2. Creativity and Emotional Intelligence

As more jobs are replaced by automation and AI, the only safe ground left to stand is the skills that make us human creativity, emotional intelligence, and communication.

Furthermore, one must learn to cultivate the technical skills to be able to build things of value. This doesn’t mean you need to code, but you should learn something that has direct application to bringing something out of nothing; it could be no-code tools, becoming experts in the new AI tools coming out every day.

Essentially something to compliment the soft skills that are human with a hard skill, allowing you to be self-sufficient and create what you want.

3. Physical Fitness & Discipline

Physical Fitness

Fitness is just as much for the mind as it is for the body. It is a foundation for mental clarity and discipline.

In an increasingly digital world, maintaining an active lifestyle is more crucial than ever. The discipline you build through regular physical exercise will permeate other areas of your life, enhancing focus, determination, and resilience.

Discipline

Discipline is not a constraint. It’s a framework for life that makes you more free.

When you know what your principles are and what you are going to do every day, you have a game with rules. These rules give us direction for how to live our lives.

4. Modern Spirituality: Cultivating a Personal Religion

Nurturing your spiritual well-being offers balance and grounding. Modern spirituality is about finding practices that resonate with you.

A combination of science and the mystical creates the perfect blend for understanding and cultivating a relationship with ourselves. For me, it is a combination of depth psychology, meditation, and bits from various religions and esoteric practices that I’ve found work for me.

It can be different for everybody. The big picture here is to integrate the knowledge we have of the world and mind in the modern age with disciplines of the past that offer the proper analogy for humans to relate to this aspect of their lives.

If you want to hear more about my thoughts on what personal religion in the future will look like, check out this earlier post.

5. Study Philosophy and Metaphysics

Exploring philosophy and metaphysics opens doors to understanding the deeper aspects of life and existence.

These areas of study challenge us to think critically about existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality. They offer a lens of life that provides a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world we live in.

6. Embrace the Change

Those who say they will be replaced by AI will be.

The sooner you learn to adapt to the world we are moving into, the better off you will be. Embracing this change means more than just keeping up; it's about actively participating in the transformation.

The only constant is change and the only survivors are those who can adapt through learning and building.

Onward and Upward

Our journey of technological progress through human history reflects a continuous quest for improvement and innovation.

As we face these changes head-on, we open ourselves to a new world of potential for creativity, spirituality, and understanding.

In a word: Actualization.

So do not fear the unknown. Learn the skills necessary to be an adaptive human.

Be creative. Be curious. Be actualized.