OpenAI investor Vinod Khosla predicts today’s 5-year-olds won’t ever need to get jobs thanks to AI

Fortune

by Sasha Rogelberg

March 4, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla predicts that children aged five today may never need to work due to the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with Fortune Editor in Chief Alyson Shontell, Khosla explained how AI will likely take over 80% of jobs across various industries, from healthcare and finance to sales and accounting. This shift could eliminate labor costs almost entirely, making goods and services significantly cheaper. Khosla believes that future generations will not need traditional education or formal employment, as people will work only on passions rather than out of necessity. Khosla’s optimistic vision contrasts with broader economic views but aligns with tech leaders like Elon Musk who also foresee a world where AI replaces most jobs. He envisions a future where specialized robots handle tasks traditionally performed by human workers, such as physicians and surgeons. This could lead to a deflationary economy where prices drop dramatically due to lower production costs, making $30,000 today equivalent to much more in the future. Khosla even predicts that $10,000 might suffice for what currently requires $100,000. While tech executives like Khosla and Musk paint a bold picture of AI reshaping society, other business leaders remain skeptical. A recent study found that only 90% of C-suite executives reported no significant impact of AI on employment or productivity in the last three years. This lack of visible economic transformation has led some to question whether AI will meet its hype. However, companies like Block are already experimenting with AI to reduce costs, as CEO Jack Dorsey did by cutting 40% of his workforce. The implications for business and society are profound. If Khosla’s predictions hold true, the traditional job market could collapse, forcing a redefinition of economic success beyond GDP measurements. While this shift may seem daunting, it also presents opportunities for innovation and abundance in goods and services. For now, the debate over AI’s impact continues, with tech leaders pushing forward while others remain cautious about its potential to disrupt the workforce as dramatically as predicted.

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Originally published on Fortune on 3/4/2026