Elon Musk's career advice to young professionals in the age of AI is what you would least expect

Time of India

2 days ago

At a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries and eliminating jobs, Elon Musk's career guidance doesn't align with the usual advice from the tech world. Despite being at the forefront of AI development, the billionaire entrepreneur isn't urging young professionals to specialize in data science or machine learning. Instead, he offers something far less expected: he tells them to follow what feels meaningful and useful, even if AI may eventually outperform them.
In a recent
CNBC
interview, Musk reflected on how he advises his own children, some of whom are preparing to enter the workforce. He acknowledged the difficulty of giving
career advice
in such an unpredictable environment. Rather than pointing them toward safe or high-demand roles, he encourages them to pursue work they enjoy—something they find fulfilling and beneficial to society.
Facing AI's Impact Head-On
Musk's views carry added weight given his influence on the future of work. As the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and xAI, he's not just a witness to technological change—he's helping drive it. From reusable rockets and electric vehicles to brain–machine interfaces and AI research, Musk's companies are reshaping how we live and work.
Yet he admits that even he questions the value of his relentless work. He shared how he sometimes wonders whether the sacrifices he makes—time lost with friends and family—are worth it if AI eventually does it all better. For him, staying motivated in this era means deliberately choosing not to overthink the long-term implications. He emphasized that people should focus on projects that excite them and make a positive difference, regardless of whether machines can replicate those efforts.
A Different Kind of Urgency
Musk's advice contrasts sharply with warnings from others in the industry. Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, for instance, believes adaptability is the most important trait going forward. Drawing on the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, Kamath points out that 34% of all workplace tasks could be automated by 2030. He urges professionals to continuously upskill and shift away from traditional education models, which he believes are rapidly losing relevance.
— nikhilkamathcio (@nikhilkamathcio)
The WEF data predicts 92 million jobs could be displaced globally, while 170 million new roles may emerge. However, Kamath warns that only those who constantly learn and evolve will benefit from this transition.roles.
Where Kamath stresses survival through learning, Musk focuses on meaning. He raises deeper questions about purpose in a future where AI systems can do everything better, faster, and cheaper. In his view, the real challenge isn't just about career security—it's about staying emotionally and mentally engaged in a world where one's contributions might feel replaceable.
For Musk, fulfilment comes not from outperforming machines, but from doing work that aligns with personal interest and social good.