Ever felt like the goalposts of life keep moving? Just when you think you’ve got the game figured out – go to college, get a good degree, land a solid job – something comes along and flips the whole chessboard. And right now, that ‘something’ is AI.
Andrew Yang, a guy who’s been sounding the alarm on automation for years, recently dropped a bombshell that should make anyone eyeing law school (or any expensive degree, really) sit up and pay attention. He quoted a partner at a prominent law firm who said, “AI is now doing work that used to be done by 1st to 3rd year associates. AI can generate a motion in an hour that might take an associate a week. And the work is better.”
Yeah, you read that right. Better. In an hour. That’s a gut punch, isn’t it?
The Higher Ed ‘Investment’ That’s Losing Its Sparkle
For decades, the unspoken deal was simple: take on a mountain of student debt, endure years of ramen noodles and late-night study sessions, and in return, you’d get a lifetime of higher income. That degree was your golden ticket, your investment in a brighter future. But here’s the kicker: for many, especially in 2025 and beyond, that deal is rapidly dissolving.
Think about it. Why would a law firm pay a fresh grad six figures to spend a week on a task when a piece of software can do it faster, cheaper, and with fewer coffee breaks? It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about a fundamental shift in the value proposition of entry-level professional work.
Silicon Valley’s Ironic Twist
It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? The very same tech giants in Silicon Valley, perpetually championing innovation and disruption, are simultaneously creating the tools that dismantle the traditional career paths many higher education institutions prepare us for. They talk a big game about solving the world’s problems, but somehow, the escalating cost of education – especially in the face of AI-driven job displacement – remains stubbornly unsolved.
We’re caught in a strange loop: we need education to adapt to a changing world, but the cost of that education is spiraling, even as the jobs it supposedly secures are being automated away. It’s like buying a brand new, expensive map, only to find out the landscape has completely changed.
So, What’s Next for Your Future?
This isn’t to say education isn’t valuable. Learning, growing, expanding your mind – these are essential. But the old model of racking up tens or hundreds of thousands in debt for a degree that might not offer the same return on investment is becoming a risky gamble.
When will we see a radically cheaper, more agile higher education system that truly matches the reality of the AI-powered job market and economy ahead? That’s the multi-million dollar question. Until then, maybe someone should tell the folks applying to law school right now. And perhaps, we should all start thinking less about degrees and more about adaptable skills in a world where AI is the new intern.
Caracole