As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly changes how we work, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the next decade will unlock job opportunities that sound like science fiction today. Speaking about the future of work, Altman said that by 2035, fresh graduates might not be joining regular corporate jobs, they could instead be heading to space.
Altman explained that AI will transform industries in a big way and the biggest opportunities may come from space exploration. Sharing his bold prediction, he said: "In 2035, that graduating college student… could very well be leaving on a mission to explore the solar system in a completely new, exciting, super well-paid job."
Space-related roles are already growing fast, especially in the US and the salaries reflect that boom. As per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineers today earn over $130,000 on average. Altman believes that as private space missions increase, job options will expand even more.
Many global tech leaders agree that AI will greatly alter workplace dynamics. Bill Gates recently suggested that in the future, employees may only need to work two or three days a week as AI will take over routine tasks. Likewise, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang echoed this view, highlighting that AI is already enabling professionals to perform at exceptional levels.
Altman feels AI tools are becoming so powerful that even one individual could build a company worth billions. He said it is now possible to start a one-person company that becomes worth more than a billion dollars.