The article highlights the lessons for the middle class in the wake of the AI-powered ChatGPT’s impact on job markets. The most important takeaway for middle-class parents is to stop forcing their children into computer-related fields, as the demand for tech jobs is declining globally. In the US, software developer job postings have dropped by 35% from the pre-COVID period, and in India, the financial sector is likely to be severely affected, with potential job losses of up to 200,000 over the next few years.
The article warns that AI will soon replace humans in every sector, including finance, which is a key provider of white-collar salaried jobs. This means that middle-class students who pursue finance degrees may face limited job prospects, changing the traditional path to affluence. The article predicts that young people will delay marriages, have fewer children, and experience increased mental health issues, leading to frustrations and outbursts.
The author suggests that the middle class must prepare for dark times before the economy recovers. The article concludes by cautioning that the situation will get worse before it gets better, but ultimately, something saner will emerge. Overall, the article urges middle-class parents to rethink their expectations and prepare for a future with significantly changed job markets and opportunities.