What’s the point of degrees if jobs become automated? How to stay motivated amid AI’s rapid acceleration | Gaynor Parkin

Robert always dreamed of becoming an engineer. But months into his first year, he started doubting if it was worth the immense effort

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Robert is a bright and sparky 19-year-old who has always dreamed of becoming an engineer. He enjoyed maths and science throughout school and was accepted into a local university engineering program. However, just months into his first year, Robert started having real doubts about whether pursuing this career path was worth the immense effort.

I feel like I'm wasting my time and money," he said during one of our sessions. By the time I graduate in four years, AI is going to be way better than humans at engineering, and everything! What's even the point of getting this degree if the jobs will all be automated away?"