As AI and AGI advance, I can’t help but wonder: what are the real futures of work we should be preparing for?

Lately, I’ve been reading about different visions of the future of work in an age dominated by AI and potential AGI. There’s this idea of four possible futures, but honestly, I find myself conflicted and worried about what’s coming.

One future is a dystopian scenario where rising inequality and workplace suppression get worse, wages stagnate, and bias and discrimination deepen. It feels like the tech boom might just widen the gaps, not close them, especially if AI automation leaves many behind.

Another possibility is a more technocratic future where AI amplifies existing power structures, making inequality even more entrenched. I worry that unless we actively work to prevent it, AI could just be another tool for those already in control.

Then there’s a hopeful vision, where AI frees humans from routine work, giving us more time for creativity, community, and personal growth. But even this optimistic view assumes we can handle the social and economic shifts without collapsing into chaos.

Lastly, some argue that we’re heading into a fragmented world—geographically divided, culturally divided—each region or community adapting differently and maybe even competing over AI resources or control.

What scares me is how little clarity there is about which of these futures we’ll actually end up with. How do we prepare for such uncertainty? And do we have the political will to steer towards the more positive outcomes?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you see one of these futures as more likely? Or do you think we’re missing something entirely? How are you personally thinking about your place in this rapidly changing landscape?

Honestly, I feel like the more I learn, the more uncertain I become—and I think that’s something many of us share. Would be great to have a real conversation about how we can shape the future instead of just reacting to it.