This was not written by Chat GPT
With the holidays here, the last thing we want to think about is working. But not only is work not going away, the nature of our jobs could be undergoing fundamental changes — with or without our input.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way many of us do daily tasks, as well as raising important questions about the impact on jobs, skills, and workplace dynamics.
What can we do in San Diego County about it? Here’s my take, and a chance for you to weigh in.
(Oh, and for the record, this email was not written by AI.)
Let’s Not Make the Same Mistake Twice
In my previous life, I conducted research on the future of work while at the Stanford Center of Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences, specifically examining the legal, political, and policy responses to artificial intelligence and automation.
Here’s the TL(D)R version of what I found:
The last time something like this happened, it didn’t go great! The automation of the manufacturing industry in the 1970s hollowed-out the middle class and destroyed many good paying jobs. A lot of the quality-of-life issues part of our Country face today can be traced to the fact that, the last time the nation tried to manage integrating transformative new technology into our society, we collectively got it wrong.
If not deployed correctly, AI could do what automation did a generation ago. Except in this case, AI could be foundationally disruptive to our nation’s workforce because it has the power to eliminate many entry and midlevel positions in a variety of industries previously immune from automation. These are white collar jobs that could not be mechanically automated, but can be performed by high-powered AI.
For example, young people might not be able to get their foot in the door to eventually-well-paying professions – like law, for example – if the bosses at the top can have AI do the grunt work. Millions could be locked out of entire career paths, cutting off many opportunities for people not already in established positions.
The Future of Work in San Diego County
Strip away the technology and this is an issue of fairness. How do we ensure inequality doesn’t grow, and the benefits of this gamechanging tech are widely shared by many and not just a lucky few?
To get ahead of this, I’ve been fighting to grow jobs and increase pay in the caring economy. Human-to-human work, such as medical care or caring for seniors and children, can’t be as easily upended by AI. This is called the caring economy.
This is why, at the County of San Diego, I’ve been working to:
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Expand and invest in our healthcare workforce
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Advance wage equity so everyone has the opportunity to have a good-paying job
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Promote better pay for childcare workers so the industry can grow to meet the overwhelming demand
Take the Survey: What Are Your AI Experiences?
My office recently discussed this with the UC San Diego Labor Center, which is exploring how AI is shaping the workplace here in San Diego County and beyond.
The UC San Diego Labor Center wants to hear directly from workers to understand these changes and ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone.
Your experience is important to help understand how to adapt to this evolving technology and ensure that AI is an empowering tool instead of something that displaces workers.
Click here to take the survey.
Responses are confidential, and will help the UC San Diego Labor Center develop resources to support workers in responding to technological change! Thanks for your help.
Speaking of the Workplace, We’re Hiring!
A few weeks ago I mentioned that there are several positions we’re hiring for in our office. We now have descriptions for all these jobs, which you can find here.
Want to apply? Know someone who could be great for the role? Please follow the instructions on the website to submit a resume, or share with your networks if you know folks who are qualified. I appreciate it!
In service,
Terra