Gone are the days when people stuck to a single job for their entire lives. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has created a new reality, where automation and technological advancements might lead to significant job displacement. However, experts like Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas believe that this is not a cause for alarm.
Srinivas suggests that AI will free people from careers they may not enjoy, allowing them to pursue entrepreneurship and start their own mini businesses. He argues that most people don’t enjoy their jobs, and AI provides an opportunity to use tools, learn new skills, and create something of one’s own.
While AI-related layoffs are already on the horizon, some economists argue that the impact has been overstated. Oxford Economics notes that companies are not replacing workers with AI on a significant scale but instead using “AI washing” to blame workforce reductions on the technology.
Venture capitalist Bill Gurley agrees that this is a common phenomenon in rapidly evolving technology. He believes that the labor market will adapt and stabilize, just as it has before. Gurley notes that there have been numerous instances of technology disruption throughout history, but these waves always come to an end.
The future of work with AI is about creating small businesses with few employees, eliminating the need for large startup funding. Perplexity CEO Srinivas aims to help businesses run autonomously using AI. A recent Bank of America report found that business applications with clear plans to hire employees decreased, while those likely to hire employees increased.
A new era of AI-powered startups is emerging, with companies like TurboAI growing rapidly despite having only 13 employees. The duo’s initial investment was less than $300, and they generated $1 million a month in revenue. Without AI, their workforce would have swelled into the triple digits.
As AI continues to shape the future of work, experts are optimistic about the potential for entrepreneurship and innovation. With the right tools and mindset, people can adapt to this new reality and create something of their own.
Source: https://fortune.com/2026/03/24/perplexity-ceo-ai-layoffs-not-bad-people-hate-jobs-entrepreneurship