Sam Altman, the new tech visionary, recently claimed that billion-dollar “unicorn” companies could be built with just 10, or even 1 person in the future. Advancements in automation, AI, and software development tools are making it easier for individuals to achieve what once required larger teams. One programmer with the right skills and tools could potentially build and launch a product capable of reaching millions. This business model is receiving a boost from crowdfunding platforms and angel investors as they feel smaller teams can be more nimble and adaptable, responding quickly to market changes and iterating efficiently.
I watched this video snippet and instantly thought of the woman in UP I had met about 5 years ago. We were in the villages and towns of Uttar Pradesh, chatting with groups of women and youth primarily from low income households. They shared their life concerns and access to a regular source of livelihood appeared to be their biggest worry.
The men found it difficult to get regular work. If the women worked, it was in low-skilled, irregular and poorly-paid daily-wage work. The young men, somewhat educated, refused to do menial jobs and were at home waiting for suitable work to come by.
The failure of education in ensuring livelihood options was setting into motion a vicious cycle. Most of the adolescent girls in some villages had dropped out of school. As some women put it, “When education did not help the boys, what use is educating girls?”
Today, I can’t help wondering what will this mad rush to productivity achieve? Who will be the collateral damage? Millions of people need to find livelihoods. We should be creating more jobs, not eliminating them. Isn’t it?
