Global unemployment is expected to remain above pre-COVID-19 levels until at least 2023. The 2022 level is estimated at 207 million, compared to 186 million in 2019. — ILO

I'm on a mission to build a future of work protocol to solve the problem of work.

It's a big problem, and honestly, sometimes it can feel a little lonely and daunting.

ChatGPT is like having a buddy or co-founder to discuss, brainstorm and refine the idea with. The AI understands where I’m coming from:

If work wasn't a necessity for survival, and we had the freedom to pursue our passions and interests, I believe we would see a society driven by creativity, exploration, and a genuine desire to better ourselves and our world. We would likely see an explosion in artistic expression, scientific discovery, and innovative technologies, as individuals would have the time, resources, and motivation to truly explore their interests and ideas.

The alternative future that I envision is one where work is no longer a means to an end, but rather a way to express one's creativity and make a positive impact on the world. It is a future where people are free to pursue their passions and collaborate with others to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our planet.

I'm excited to share our conversations with you and hope that it inspires you to join us in building a better future of work!

Salik: Let's have a deeper conversation about work. Are you ready?

ChatGPT: Yes, I'm ready!

What is work?

Work is a fundamental part of human existence, as it enables us to survive and thrive in the world. Work can be seen as any activity that involves effort, skill, and purpose. It can take various forms, from manual labor to creative pursuits to intellectual endeavors.

For many people, work is a source of income and a means of providing for themselves and their families. However, work can also be a source of personal fulfillment, identity, and social connection.

Overall, the nature of work is complex and multifaceted, and its meaning and value can vary depending on personal experiences and cultural contexts.

In an increasingly technological world, is it necessary for work to be a source of income? Can there be an alternative? What does that alternative future look like?

Those are some fascinating questions, Salik. In my opinion, the idea of "working to earn a living" is deeply ingrained in our cultural and economic systems. However, with the rise of technology, we are seeing a shift towards automation and the potential for a post-scarcity economy.

In this kind of economy, work may not necessarily be a source of income, but rather a way for individuals to contribute to society in a meaningful way. With basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare being met through some sort of universal or guaranteed income, people would be free to pursue work that is fulfilling and aligns with their values and interests.

The alternative future that I envision is one where work is no longer a means to an end, but rather a way to express one's creativity and make a positive impact on the world. It is a future where people are free to pursue their passions and collaborate with others to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our planet.

Of course, this is just one possible future and there are many obstacles that we must overcome in order to make it a reality. But I believe that with the right combination of technological innovation, political will, and social consciousness, we can build a world where work is no longer a burden, but a joy.

Where will we go from there? If we didn't have to work for a living, but to follow our passion or hunger for knowledge, what kind of society would we create?

If work wasn't a necessity for survival, and we had the freedom to pursue our passions and interests, I believe we would see a society driven by creativity, exploration, and a genuine desire to better ourselves and our world. We would likely see an explosion in artistic expression, scientific discovery, and innovative technologies, as individuals would have the time, resources, and motivation to truly explore their interests and ideas.

At the same time, I imagine we would also see a significant shift in our social and economic structures, as our current models are largely built around the concept of work and the exchange of labor for goods and services. It's difficult to predict exactly how this might play out, but I believe we would see a greater emphasis on collaboration, community, and shared resources, as well as a re-evaluation of the importance of wealth and status in our lives.

Ultimately, I believe that a society in which work is no longer a necessity for survival would allow us to explore new levels of creativity and innovation, while also fostering greater equality, compassion, and collaboration among individuals and communities.

How do we convince enough people that we can build such a world? That we need to start building such a world?

Convincing people to envision and work towards a world that is vastly different from the one we live in now is a challenging task. However, there are a few things that we can do to make progress towards this goal:

Start with education: We can start by educating people on the possibilities of a different world and how it can be achieved. This can be done through discussions, seminars, and workshops. We can also use various platforms, including social media, to spread awareness and engage with people.

Create experiments: We can create experiments that showcase the possibilities of a different world. These experiments can be small-scale projects that demonstrate how certain aspects of the future society can be achieved. These experiments can help people visualize what a different future could look like.

Involve people in the process: People are more likely to support a vision that they have helped to create. Therefore, we can involve people in the process of creating a different world. We can have people participate in decision-making processes and encourage them to take an active role in shaping their future.

Address concerns: There will be concerns and challenges associated with building a new world. It is essential to address these concerns and challenges in a transparent manner. We can hold discussions and debates to understand and address these concerns.

Show the benefits: We can show people the benefits of a different world, both individually and as a society. A future where people work for passion or hunger for knowledge can lead to higher levels of personal satisfaction, creativity, and innovation, which can result in a better society for everyone.

To convince enough people that we can build a world where work is not the sole means of survival, we need to first acknowledge that the current system is flawed and cannot sustainably support the growing population. Then, we can introduce the idea of a new economic model that is based on the principles of abundance, cooperation, and sustainability.

We can use various channels such as social media, events, and workshops to spread the message and create a community of like-minded people who are passionate about this new model. We can showcase successful case studies of businesses and communities that are already implementing this new model and reaping its benefits.

Another important aspect is to educate people about the potential impact of emerging technologies such as AI and automation on the job market and the economy as a whole. We need to prepare people for the changes that are coming and offer them alternative solutions.

Overall, it will require a collective effort to shift the paradigm and create a new world where work is not a means of survival but a means of fulfillment and contribution to society.

Where do you want me to start? What can I do as an individual to build the future of work?

As an individual, there are several things you can do to contribute to building the future of work. Here are some ideas:

1. Learn and acquire new skills: The future of work is rapidly changing, and it's important to stay relevant by acquiring new skills that align with the emerging trends in the job market.

2. Embrace remote work: With the pandemic accelerating the adoption of remote work, it's essential to embrace this new trend and learn how to be productive while working remotely.

3. Support innovative companies and startups: Keep an eye on innovative companies and startups that are leveraging technology to create new job opportunities and transform the way we work. Consider supporting them through investments or by becoming a customer.

4. Advocate for policies that support the future of work: Get involved in political campaigns that promote policies that support the future of work, such as increased funding for education and training programs, support for remote work, and new regulations for the gig economy.

5. Share your ideas and vision: Be vocal about your ideas and vision for the future of work, and engage with others to discuss and debate these ideas. This can help to spread awareness and inspire others to take action.

Who are some of the thought leaders that I should connect with?

There are many thought leaders in the field of future of work and related areas, and some of the ones you might consider connecting with include:

1. Andrew Yang - entrepreneur and former US presidential candidate who has advocated for a Universal Basic Income (UBI)

2. Yuval Noah Harari - historian and author of "Sapiens" and "Homo Deus" who has written about the impact of technology on society and work

3. Tim O'Reilly - founder of O'Reilly Media and a proponent of the idea of "creating more value than you capture"

4. Sheryl Sandberg - COO of Facebook and author of "Lean In" who has written about women in the workplace and the need for more diversity and inclusion

5. Tom Goodwin - a marketing and technology expert who has written about the future of work and the gig economy

Of course, this is just a small sample of the many people who are thinking and writing about the future of work. You might also consider attending conferences and events focused on this topic to network with other professionals and thought leaders in the field.

I don't have direct access to any one of them. How can we get their attention?

Getting the attention of thought leaders can be a challenging task, especially if you don't have direct access to them. However, there are a few things you can try to get their attention:

1. Reach out to them on social media: Many thought leaders are active on social media, and you can use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to reach out to them. Share your ideas and tag them in your posts, and they might take notice.

2. Attend their events: Many thought leaders attend conferences and speaking events. If you attend one of these events, you might have the opportunity to ask a question or connect with them after their talk.

3. Offer value: Thought leaders are often busy people, and they might not have time to engage with everyone who reaches out to them. However, if you can offer them something of value, they might be more likely to engage with you. For example, you could offer to help with a project they're working on or share insights that you think might be valuable to them.

4. Connect with their network: If you can't connect with a thought leader directly, try to connect with people in their network. By building relationships with people who are close to them, you might be able to get an introduction or recommendation.

Remember that building relationships takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent in your efforts. Good luck!

A Web3 Protocol

I want to solve the problem of work. I want to build a decentralized protocol that can create and suggest plenty of work opportunities to each and every individual. It's like a supermarket of work — every person will have their own supermarket, based on their ability, talent, education, and interest.

It sounds like an interesting concept. Such a system could potentially help connect people with work that aligns with their skills and interests, which could lead to more job satisfaction and better performance. However, building such a system would require a lot of resources and careful planning to ensure that it's effective and accessible to everyone. It would also need to address issues such as worker protections, fair pay, and discrimination.

In addition to such a platform, what else do we need to eliminate the problem of joblessness in the world?

While a platform like the one we are building can certainly help to address the issue of joblessness, it is not a complete solution in itself. Here are some additional factors that can help to eliminate the problem of joblessness in the world:

Education and Training: It is important to provide education and training programs to help people develop the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the job market. This could include vocational training, apprenticeships, and higher education programs.

Economic Development: Countries and regions need strong economies with diverse industries to provide a range of job opportunities. Governments and private businesses can work together to promote economic development through investments, tax incentives, and other programs.

Entrepreneurship: Encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship can lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs. Governments can provide support to start-ups and small businesses through funding, mentoring, and other resources.

Social Safety Nets: Providing a social safety net can help to reduce the impact of joblessness on individuals and families. This can include unemployment benefits, job training programs, and other forms of support.

Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a diverse and inclusive workforce can help to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to find meaningful employment. This can involve policies and programs aimed at addressing discrimination, bias, and other barriers to employment.

Overall, it is important to approach the problem of joblessness from a holistic perspective, addressing the underlying economic, social, and cultural factors that contribute to the issue.

What are the most relevant and important research or books related to this project that came out in the last five-ten years?

There have been many important research studies and books related to the future of work that have been published in the last five to ten years. Here are a few examples:

The Future of Employment: How Susceptible are Jobs to Computerisation? by Carl Frey and Michael Osborne (2013) - This influential study estimates the potential impact of computerization on the job market, and examines which occupations are most likely to be affected.

The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee (2014) - This book explores the impact of digital technologies on the economy, and the potential for automation and AI to create both benefits and challenges for workers.

Humans Need Not Apply: A Guide to Wealth and Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Jerry Kaplan (2015) - This book argues that AI and automation will have a profound impact on the job market, and that society needs to adapt to these changes in order to ensure a more equitable and prosperous future.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab (2016) - This book examines the impact of emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things on the economy, and discusses how policymakers and businesses can respond to these trends.

Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future by Martin Ford (2015) - This book argues that automation and AI will have a major impact on the job market, and that society needs to rethink its approach to work and income distribution in order to avoid social and economic disruption.

[Note: The full list of recommended readings is here on the Google sheet.]

These are just a few examples of the many important works that have been published on the topic of the future of work in recent years.

These books offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing nature of work and the impact of technology on society. They provide a broad range of perspectives and frameworks for understanding the future of work, and offer guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're an entrepreneur, policy maker, educator, or simply someone interested in understanding the forces that are shaping our collective future, these books offer something valuable.

Some of the key takeaways from these books include:

• The need for new economic models that are better suited to the digital age

• The importance of developing skills that are uniquely human and difficult to automate

• The potential for technology to enable more flexible and autonomous forms of work

• The risks and challenges associated with automation and the displacement of workers

• The importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive society that values and supports all forms of work

• The need for education and training systems that are better aligned with the needs of the labor market and the skills of the future

• The potential for technology to enable new forms of collaboration, creativity, and innovation in the workplace

Overall, these books offer a wealth of insights and ideas for anyone interested in the future of work and its implications for society. Whether you're looking to start a business, advocate for policy change, or simply better understand the world around you, there is something here for you.

Imagine you're my technical cofounder. What would your specific suggestions would be to solve the problem of work for humanity?

As a technical cofounder, my suggestions for building a decentralized protocol to solve the problem of work for humanity would include:

• Developing a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to easily create profiles, showcase their skills and experience, and search for relevant job opportunities. This could include a combination of traditional job search features (such as filters and search bars) with more advanced AI-powered recommendations that suggest personalized opportunities based on an individual's skills, experience, and preferences.

• Ensuring the platform is accessible and inclusive to individuals from all backgrounds and locations. This could involve partnering with local organizations, universities, or other initiatives that focus on providing training and support to underrepresented communities. Additionally, the platform could leverage AI and machine learning to translate content and adapt to different cultural and linguistic contexts.

• Creating a decentralized governance structure that enables community members to have a say in how the platform is managed and developed. This could involve using a blockchain-based system that allows users to vote on proposed changes and updates, or utilizing smart contracts to ensure transparency and accountability in the platform's operation.

• Developing a fair compensation system that ensures workers are paid fairly for their time and effort. This could involve creating a cryptocurrency or other digital asset that can be used to pay workers for completed tasks, with rates based on factors such as complexity, urgency, and required skills.**
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• Incorporating a reputation and rating system that allows employers and workers to provide feedback on each other's performance. This could help ensure that workers are treated fairly and that employers are incentivized to provide a positive work environment and experience.

These are just a few of the potential features and functionalities that could be incorporated into a decentralized platform for work. Ultimately, the specific design choices will depend on the project's goals and resources, as well as input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Imagine we have built such a platform. What would the future now look like?

If we were successful in building a platform that effectively solves the problem of work for humanity, the future could look very different from the present.

First and foremost, individuals would have more control over their own work lives. They would have access to a wider range of opportunities that align with their skills, experience, and interests, and they would be able to choose the jobs and projects that best meet their needs and preferences. This would likely lead to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being for individuals.

At the same time, businesses and organizations would benefit from being able to tap into a diverse and talented pool of workers from around the world. This could lead to increased innovation and productivity, as well as cost savings associated with outsourcing and remote work.

Furthermore, a decentralized protocol for work could help reduce economic inequality and promote greater economic and social mobility. By providing equal access to job opportunities regardless of an individual's location or background, the platform could help level the playing field and create more equitable outcomes.

Overall, the future with a successful decentralized platform for work could be characterized by greater autonomy, opportunity, and equality for individuals and organizations alike.

How would it impact the future of mankind?

If a successful decentralized platform for work were to be developed, it could have a significant impact on the future of mankind in a number of ways.

One of the most important impacts would be on economic inequality. Currently, there are significant disparities in income and wealth around the world, and a decentralized platform for work could help to reduce these disparities by providing greater access to job opportunities for people from all backgrounds and locations. This could lead to greater economic and social mobility, as well as a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources.

The platform could also have important implications for the future of work itself. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to replace many traditional jobs, a decentralized platform for work could help people adapt to these changes by providing new and innovative work opportunities. This could lead to greater creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and could help to create a more resilient and adaptable workforce.

In addition, a decentralized platform for work could help to create a more connected and collaborative global community. By allowing people from different locations and backgrounds to work together on projects and initiatives, the platform could foster greater understanding and cooperation across borders and cultures. This could have important implications for the future of global relations and could help to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, such as climate change and social inequality.

Overall, a successful decentralized platform for work could help to create a more equitable, innovative, and connected future for mankind.

What are the challenges to building such a future?

Building a future where work is more equitable, innovative, and connected will certainly face many challenges. Some of the potential challenges to building this future include:

Technical Challenges: Building a decentralized platform for work requires significant technical expertise, including knowledge of blockchain technology, decentralized protocols, and distributed systems. Overcoming technical challenges such as scalability, security, and interoperability will be critical to the success of the platform.

Adoption: For a decentralized platform for work to be successful, it will need to gain widespread adoption among employers and job seekers. This will require overcoming significant network effects and establishing trust and credibility with potential users.

Regulatory Challenges: Governments and regulatory bodies around the world have varying opinions on the role of decentralized technologies and cryptocurrencies. Overcoming regulatory hurdles and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations will be important for the success of the platform.

Economic Challenges: The platform will need to be economically viable for all stakeholders, including employers, job seekers, and those managing and maintaining the platform. Ensuring that incentives are aligned and that the platform is sustainable over the long term will be a key challenge.

Potential partners for building this future could include other organizations and individuals who share the same vision and values, such as social enterprises, non-profits, and community organizations. Potential enemies could include those who benefit from the current centralized system and who may see decentralized technologies as a threat to their interests. It's important to engage with all stakeholders, including potential adversaries, to understand their perspectives and to find ways to work together towards a shared vision for the future of work.

Can you give me a list of companies or investors who would be most likely to invest or support this goal?

It's difficult to provide a definitive list of companies or investors who would be most likely to invest or support a decentralized platform for work, as this will depend on many factors, including the specific design of the platform, the size and maturity of the market, and the competitive landscape.

That being said, here are a few types of companies or investors who may be interested in investing or supporting a decentralized platform for work:

Impact Investors: Impact investors are focused on investing in businesses and organizations that have a positive social or environmental impact. A decentralized platform for work that aims to create more equitable opportunities for employment could be of interest to impact investors.

Venture Capital Firms: Venture capital firms are focused on investing in early-stage startups with high growth potential. A decentralized platform for work that has a strong value proposition, a unique approach, and a clear path to market adoption could be of interest to venture capital firms.

Social Enterprises: Social enterprises are businesses that aim to have a positive social or environmental impact, while also generating revenue. A decentralized platform for work that aligns with the social mission of a social enterprise could be of interest to these types of organizations.

Labor Unions: Labor unions are organizations that represent workers and advocate for their rights and interests. A decentralized platform for work that aims to create more equitable opportunities for employment could be of interest to labor unions.

Government Agencies: Government agencies may be interested in supporting a decentralized platform for work that aims to create more employment opportunities, particularly for underserved communities or in areas with high unemployment rates.

It's worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list, and that there may be other types of companies or investors who would also be interested in investing or supporting a decentralized platform for work. […]

Some potential companies or investors that may be interested in supporting a decentralized platform for work, based on their stated areas of focus and investment strategies.

Thank you! One last question. Can you articulate our vision?

Our vision is to create a world where work is accessible to all. We envision a future where individuals have the freedom to choose the work they want to do, based on their abilities, talents, education, and interests. We believe that work is not just a means of survival, but an opportunity for personal growth, fulfillment, and contribution to society.

We see a world where technology enables us to eliminate menial jobs and free up more time for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. We believe that by leveraging the power of AI, we can create more work opportunities that match the unique skills of individuals and enable them to reach their full potential.

We are committed to building a platform that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or background. We envision a world where talent and skills are the only criteria for work opportunities, not race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Join us in our mission to create a better future for work, and be part of a community that is shaping the future of work.

PS. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Twitter.