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Elon Musk Predicts AI Could Make Work Optional in 10–20 Years — Jobs May Become Hobbies

Elon Musk told the People by WTF podcast that AI and robotics could make work optional within 10–20 years, turning many jobs into choices people pursue for interest rather than necessity. He cited tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini and referenced a survey predicting AI could cut up to 12 hours from the average workweek by 2029. Musk suggested ideas such as a Universal High Income could cover living costs, and other tech leaders have offered similar predictions about shorter workweeks driven by AI.

04:11 AM, 12/02/2025Technology
Elon Musk Predicts AI Could Make Work Optional in 10–20 Years — Jobs May Become Hobbies

Elon Musk told the People by WTF podcast that rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics could make traditional employment a choice rather than a necessity within the next 10 to 20 years. He said that productivity gains from these technologies will change how people view work — turning many jobs into activities people pursue for interest rather than survival.

Musk pointed to current AI systems such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini as examples of tools already reducing the burden of routine tasks like data cleaning, summarization and administrative work. A recent survey projected that AI could shave as much as 12 hours off the average worker's week by 2029.

Podcast host Nikhil Kamath observed that some regions are already experimenting with shorter workweeks. Musk suggested those changes could be only a step toward a future where employment is optional for many people.

Musk on the podcast: In less than 20 years — and possibly as soon as 10 to 15 years — advances in AI and robotics will bring us to the point where working is optional.

He repeated an analogy he used recently at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, comparing work to gardening: some people will enjoy tending their own plot while others will prefer to buy their produce. Musk also said that living in a city solely for work will become optional as remote capabilities improve, and suggested a concept he called a Universal High Income to cover basic living costs.

Musk: You can grow your own vegetables in your garden or you could go to the store and buy vegetables. It's much harder to grow your own vegetables. But some people like to grow their vegetables, which is fine. It will be optional, in that way.

Other technology leaders have offered similar predictions about the impact of AI on work. Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates has said AI might automate a large share of tasks and that productivity gains could support much shorter workweeks. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan has predicted a three-day workweek may arrive, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has suggested four-day weeks are likely as AI adoption spreads.

Huang: If life becomes more productive and difficult tasks become simpler, you'll likely have more ideas to pursue and therefore more to do, not necessarily more free time.

These forecasts raise questions for policymakers and businesses about income support, retraining and how to distribute the benefits of increased productivity. While the timing and scale of these changes remain uncertain, the conversation about work, leisure and social safety nets is accelerating as AI advances.

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