Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has reignited the global debate with an ambitious vision for the future of work: artificial intelligence (AI) will not only help us in our day-to-day lives, but could make early retirement and much shorter working weeks possible.
According to Gates, we are facing a change of era. One where talent shortages in key professions will be filled by smart technologies, and where people will be able to free up time to focus on what really matters. An ideal environment… if we know how to prepare.
In this article we tell you how the job market is transforming and why training in key areas such as AI, leadership and strategy at schools like ENEB can make a difference to your professional future.
1. AI to address the shortage of doctors and teachers
Gates warns of a real crisis in sectors such as health and education. In countries such as India, and also in the United States, the lack of doctors and teachers is a latent threat. In the US alone, it is estimated that there could be a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036.
AI is emerging as an effective solution: algorithms that help diagnose, automate medical note-taking or streamline billing are transforming hospitals and clinics. The same is true in education: AI that reinforces learning, personalises content and eases teaching workloads.
2. Education beyond the classroom: AI-supported teachers
In 2023, 86% of US public schools recognised difficulties in recruiting teachers. In response, pioneering institutions are introducing AI into the classroom, such as David Game College in London, where students work with tools like ChatGPT to reinforce key subjects. This does not eliminate the role of the teacher, but it does transform it. And to adapt, you need training in digital skills, applied artificial intelligence and change management.
At ENEB, all our teachers have extensive knowledge in artificial intelligence and automation tools to be able to play their role according to the demands of the market.
3. Robots that clean, build and assemble
Gates also mentions something even more disruptive: AI will not only be applied to intellectual professions, but also to manual jobs. From factories to hotels, robots are already being developed that can perform physical tasks with human dexterity.
Companies like Nvidia are investing millions in humanoid robots for warehousing, logistics and cleaning. This will completely change the job profiles in these sectors.
4. Less work, more time: are you ready for it?
For Gates, the advance of AI will not only reduce the workload, it will pose a new existential dilemma: if you no longer need to work so much to live well, how will you spend your time? This rethinking of working time is profound. The future will belong to those who know how to adapt, reinvent themselves and lead new productivity models.
In programmes such as ENEB’s Master’s in Business Artificial Intelligence, students not only learn how to apply AI tools to each business sector, but also how to anticipate all these changes in business operations.
5. From prediction to reality: Keynes saw it coming
In 1930, the economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that, with technological progress, the working week would be reduced to just 15 hours a week. Almost a century on, we are still working more than 40 hours. But today, with the explosion of generative AI, this idea is beginning to seem less utopian and more feasible. We are closer than ever to that world with more free time and a higher quality of life.
Do you want to be part of the change or be overtaken by it?
The future of work is not science fiction. It is happening now. AI is changing industries, roles and expectations. And as Gates puts it:
“You will be able to take early retirement. You can work shorter weeks.“
If you want to prepare for this new paradigm, investing in training is your best strategy. With ENEB you can acquire leadership, innovation and business management skills that will position you as a leader of change.
