Veteran economist Gary Shilling says young people are heading into one of the toughest career eras yet. He believes that the twin pressures of artificial intelligence and mounting living expenses will require far greater effort from younger generations just to maintain, let alone improve, their standard of living.
Shilling predicts many younger workers will find themselves in jobs that pay less and offer fewer opportunities than their parents enjoyed. He warns that AI and automation are poised to displace tasks once done by humans, forcing workers into lower-value roles unless they develop skills that are hard for machines to replicate.
In his view, success in this new landscape will hinge not on chasing quick gains or speculative assets, but on cultivating the ability to enhance productivity and genuinely contribute value. He notes a worrying trend: many young people expect easy success and rely on high-risk investments like cryptocurrencies or meme stocks, rather than focusing on building solid career foundations.
At 88, Shilling himself shows no signs of slowing down and says continuous work keeps him sharp. He emphasizes an important principle for younger generations: “The world doesn’t owe you a living.” He urges them to embrace lifelong learning, stay vigilant to shifting job demands and prepare for a future where adaptability is as important as ambition.
