Sam Altman Says Some Disappearing Jobs Weren’t ‘Real Work’ to Begin With

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has ignited a new debate surrounding the future of work after suggesting that some jobs being displaced by artificial intelligence may not qualify as “real work.” Speaking at OpenAI’s DevDay event during a live interview with Rowan Cheung, founder of an AI newsletter, Altman responded to a question about how a farmer from 50 years ago might view modern employment.

“The thing about that farmer… [is that] they very likely would look at what you do or I do and say, ‘that’s not real work,’” Altman stated. He elaborated, “If you’re… farming… you’re doing something people really need. You’re making them food, you’re keeping them alive. This is real work. You people of the future, life just got too easy for you.” Altman added that he believes humanity will “find plenty of things to do” despite potential job displacement.

Altman’s remarks have drawn criticism online, with some accusing him of minimizing the impact of automation on vulnerable workers. Conversely, others argue that his comments highlight AI’s potential to eliminate repetitive and low-value tasks. This echoes anthropologist David Graeber’s concept of “bullshit jobs,” roles that many workers believe contribute little social value. Studies have suggested feelings of futility in the workplace are often linked to management issues rather than the inherent nature of the jobs themselves.

While Altman’s phrasing may be perceived as blunt, his central point—that AI is more likely to automate tasks rather than entire professions—is increasingly difficult to ignore. OpenAI’s DevDay took place on November 17, 2023.