August 7, 2024
The National News recently published an article featuring Jay Zagorsky, Clinical Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing the future of the traditional 9 to 5 job, with predictions that it may become extinct by 2034.
The rise of the gig economy, describing freelance or independent work, and flexible work, creates both opportunities and uncertainties for the future. Experts argue that jobs around the world will split into two parts, fixed-time jobs, and flexible-time jobs, but it is unlikely that the 9 to 5 lifestyle will disappear completely. Zagorsky suggests that as income disparity grows, there may be a rise in new traditional roles catering to affluent individuals.
“All of these jobs from cleaners to air traffic control workers all share the same common feature, when the shift is over, the person is done with work. These jobs are not going to disappear, no matter what the pronouncements from Silicon Valley entrepreneurs,” Zagorsky adds.
Trends like remote work, driven by the pandemic and AI advancements, are prompting more professionals to seek flexible or non-linear career paths.
