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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Future of Work summary
Darrell M. West
Robots, AI, and Automation
20 mins
Brief summary
'The Future of Work' by Darrell M. West explores the potential impact of disruptive technologies on the workforce, highlighting the need for education and training to prepare for the changing nature of employment.
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The Future of Work
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Key idea 1 of 7
Automation is already displacing workers as we transition to a digital economy.
Back at the turn of the twentieth century, the United States underwent what the author refers to as a “megachange” as a result of the nation’s shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial one. It took decades for the government to deal with the effects of this change and for things to settle down.
Now, we are at the brink of another megachange, and this time, the nation will be shifting from an industrial economy to a digital one.
At the heart of this change is a new business model built around automated robots and artificial intelligence (AI). And we’re already starting to see it emerge, especially around blue-collar jobs.
Some of the most reliable jobs for people who didn’t or weren’t able to go to college have been in restaurants, retail or in transportation – and these are now being affected by automation.
Restaurants across the United States are replacing waitstaff with tablets that make recommendations and explain the menu. An increasing number of retail stores are replacing cashiers with self-checkout options that are getting more advanced. Amazon has a chain of retail stores where customers will soon be able to use an app to have purchases charged to their Amazon account.
Meanwhile, at an average income of $43,590 a year, driving a truck has long been one of the more lucrative jobs for someone with a high school education. But now, automated vehicles are expected to become an industry standard.
In all of these cases, automated services offer a way for businesses to save money. Not long ago, robots and automated services cost more than it would cost to pay an employee for the same job. But this is no longer the case. At Dynamic, a manufacturer of metal parts, a robot can perform the same job of four people for the one-time cost of $35,000. Plus, it doesn’t catch colds, need breaks or health insurance.
Another noteworthy factor is the reduction in human error. At the cell phone manufacturing company, Precision Tech, 60 robots now do what 650 employees used to, and mistakes have dropped from 25 to 5 percent, while production has more than doubled.
As for automated vehicles, experts expect fewer accidents and better fuel efficiency due to smoother acceleration and braking than with human drivers.
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What is The Future of Work about?
The Future of Work (2018) offers keen insights about what to expect when automation and artificial intelligence change the face of the global workforce. Author Darrell M. West gathers a wealth of expert opinions to provide a thorough look at the challenges we’ll face when the industrial economy is replaced by a digital one.
The Future of Work Review
The Future of Work (2018) by Darrell M. West explores the dramatic changes brought about by technology and automation in the modern workforce. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Insightful and thought-provoking, it examines the evolving nature of work and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
- Through thorough research and analysis, it presents a comprehensive view of the changing dynamics of work, highlighting the impact on individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
- With its forward-thinking approach and exploration of potential solutions, it sparks curiosity and stimulates discussions around the future of work, ensuring it's anything but boring.
Best quote from The Future of Work
In 1962, AT&T was the top US business, with a market cap of $20 billion (adjusted) and 564,000 workers. Today, Apple is at the top, with a market cap of $800 billion and just 116,000 employees.
—Darrell M. West
Who should read The Future of Work?
- Students of politics and social sciences
- Workers concerned about future employment
- Readers interested in economics
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The Future of Work FAQs
What is the main message of The Future of Work?
The main message of The Future of Work is an exploration of the impact of technology and automation on the job market, and how we can adapt and thrive in the changing world of work.
How long does it take to read The Future of Work?
The reading time for The Future of Work varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Future of Work a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Future of Work is a thought-provoking read that provides valuable insights into the future of work. It's worth exploring for anyone interested in understanding the evolving dynamics of the job market.
Who is the author of The Future of Work?
The author of The Future of Work is Darrell M. West.
What to read after The Future of Work?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Future of Work, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Architects of Intelligence by Martin Ford
- The AI Economy by Roger Bootle
- What To Do When Machines Do Everything by Malcolm Frank
- Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark
- AI 2041 by Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan
- I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher with Barbara Smith
- Superhuman Innovation by Chris Duffey
- The Future of the Professions by Richard Susskind and Daniel Susskind
- The Economic Singularity by Calum Chace
- 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness by Jim Rohn