AI Unemployment 2030: Expert Warns 99% Job Loss by End of Decade
According to Professor Roman Yampolski of the University of Louisville, AI could cause up to 99% unemployment by 2030. This stark warning comes as businesses worldwide ramp up reliance on AI to cut costs and boost earnings. Even highly skilled professionals such as coders and prompt engineers may find themselves automated out of work.
Why This Warning Matters
First and foremost, the predictions are chilling. A near-total collapse of the job market isn’t about modest change—it’s about a massive structural shift. Professor Yampolski emphasized during an appearance on The Diary of the CEO podcast that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—human-like intelligence—could become widespread by 2027, crushing labor markets just three years later.
Moreover, he compared it to a $20 tool that can automate what a human does. Add humanoid robots into the mix, and even physical jobs become obsolete within just five years. When nearly every aspect of payroll becomes replaceable, societies must rethink how they provide income, structure, status, and community without traditional employment.
AGI Arrives—And What Happens Next?
Yampolski warns that once AGI arrives, the labor market could collapse rapidly. As he put it, “employment supplies income, status, and community. If jobs vanish, societies must replace those with robust alternatives.” In other words, we’re facing not just job loss, but a fundamental social upheaval.
What’s worse, many remain unaware or in disbelief. As the professor noted, for most, this seems “crazy” and unreal—until it’s too late. Adding credence to his prediction, Mo Gawdat—former Chief Business Officer at Google—also warned earlier that white-collar jobs could start disappearing by early 2027.
Societal Shift Looms—What Can Be Done?
If AI-driven unemployment becomes a reality, societies must step in with proactive solutions. This could involve:
Universal Basic Income (UBI) or other income-support structures
Reskilling initiatives, though they may be short-lived if AI continues to advance
Reimagined social values, focusing less on employment and more on contribution and well-being
Safeguards in AI policy to slow the pace of automation in critical sectors
Transitioning Toward Readiness
With just a few years to AGI’s predicted arrival, businesses and governments must act now. Investments in AI safety, ethical regulations, and social safety nets are no longer optional—they’re vital. More than ever, collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and communities will determine if we navigate this shift or face mass disruption.
Final Thoughts
AI unemployment 2030 isn’t science fiction—it is a looming reality. As Professor Yampolski underscores, up to 99% job loss could be imminent. AGI by 2027 sets a tight deadline. The question now is: Will societies adapt before work disappears?
