By: Michael McQueen
The children starting school this year will graduate in 2038. By then, the world will be dramatically different from today—shaped by AI, automation, longevity, and climate adaptation. The way we work, learn, and interact with technology will evolve in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
So, what kind of future are today’s students stepping into?
The Jobs of 2038: What’s In, What’s Out
The job market is changing faster than ever. According to the World Economic Forum, nearly one-quarter of all jobs worldwide will change by 2027. By 2038, some roles will disappear entirely, while new industries will emerge.
Jobs in Decline
Repetitive, rule-based jobs will continue to be automated, including:
- Data entry clerks – AI will handle large-scale data processing.
- Cashiers – Self-checkouts and cashierless stores will dominate.
- Telemarketers – AI-driven chatbots will replace cold calls.
- Factory workers – Robotics and automation will take over manual production work.
Jobs on the Rise
Meanwhile, new industries and technologies will drive job growth:
- AI and machine learning specialists – As AI becomes more embedded in everyday life.
- Cybersecurity experts – Cybercrime is already a $10 trillion industry.
- Healthcare professionals – Nursing, aged care, and speech pathology will be in high demand.
- Sustainability consultants – As companies shift towards net-zero emissions.
- Robotics engineers – Designing the machines that will run tomorrow’s industries.
Despite fears about AI replacing jobs, one thing remains clear: human-centered roles are safe.
Why Human Skills Will Matter More Than Ever
While AI can process data, automate tasks, and optimize efficiency, it still struggles with creativity, empathy, and leadership. This means jobs that require emotional intelligence and complex decision-making will remain resilient.
Careers in these fields are likely to flourish in the years ahead:
- Mental health and counselling – AI can’t replicate human compassion.
- Teaching and coaching – Personal development relies on human connection.
- Leadership and strategy – AI can advise, but humans inspire and lead.
Future-Proofing Careers: What Today’s Students Need to Learn
So how can today’s students prepare for a future that’s constantly shifting? The answer isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about developing the ability to adapt and learn continuously.
Key skills that will matter most:
- AI Literacy – Knowing how to work alongside AI, rather than competing with it.
- Critical Thinking – Being able to analyse, evaluate, and make sound decisions.
- Emotional Intelligence – Developing strong communication and leadership abilities.
- Creativity & Problem-Solving – Thinking outside the box when AI reaches its limits.
- Adaptability & Lifelong Learning – The half-life of skills is now five years—meaning half of what we know today will be outdated by 2030.
In the future, Adaptability Quotient (AQ) will matter more than IQ.
The Biggest Mistakes Parents & Educators Can Make
One of the biggest misconceptions about preparing young people for the future is over-emphasising university as the default path to success.
For years, parents have been guided by the belief that a degree guarantees stability and opportunity, but the world of work is changing fast. Vocational and trade education may actually be one of the smartest choices for an AI-driven future, yet there remains a cultural bias toward university.
The 2024 Future Tradie Report highlights this shift: within a decade, 16% of the current trade workforce will have retired, and by 2033, 75% of Australia’s tradies will be Millennials and Gen Z. These younger workers are being drawn to tech-enhanced trades, where automation, sustainability, and business technology are reshaping industries. Many are also seeking greater work-life balance, financial independence, and entrepreneurship—opportunities that traditional university pathways don’t always provide.
At the same time, governments are increasing support for apprenticeships, mentoring, and skills training in fields like clean energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing—areas that will see massive growth over the coming decades. Yet, many parents still push university as the “safe” option, despite the reality that some degrees now offer more debt than job security.
This bias can be dangerous. The best thing we can do for young people is to help them develop skills that align with the evolving job market—whether that’s AI and robotics, sustainable construction, cybersecurity, or digital fabrication.
Another key mistake? Expecting kids to follow in their parents’ career footsteps.
The world is shifting so fast that many career paths from 20 or 30 years ago may no longer exist—or will look completely different by the time today’s students graduate. Parents need to be careful not to hand their children a career map for a landscape that no longer exists.
Instead of steering kids toward what worked in the past, the focus should be on helping them build adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a mindset of lifelong learning. In a world where AI is automating routine tasks and industries are being redefined, the best preparation isn’t a single career choice—it’s the ability to pivot, reinvent, and stay ahead of change.
Beyond Work: The World of 2038
It’s not just the job market that will change—the way we live, travel, and experience the world will transform too.
- Longer Life Expectancies – Many in the Class of 2038 may live past 100 years, meaning longer careers and multiple reinventions.
- Supersonic & Driverless Travel – Flying taxis, driverless cars, and supersonic jets will redefine commuting.
- Sustainable Smart Cities – Expect vertical farms, AI-powered energy grids, and net-zero buildings.
- The ‘Internet of Senses’ – Digital experiences will engage all five senses, allowing people to touch, taste, and smell virtual content.
- Subscription-Based Living – The concept of owning phones, cars, or even homes may disappear in favour of on-demand, AI-managed access.
The Bottom Line: Thriving in 2038
The Class of 2038 will enter a world unlike anything we know today. The skills they’ll need to succeed won’t just be technical—they’ll be deeply human.
A great quote sums it up:
“In the past, jobs were about muscle. Today, they are about brains. In the future, they will be about heart.”
Technology will continue to evolve, but the ability to lead, connect, and create meaning will always belong to humans.
The best thing we can do for today’s students? Prepare them not just for a job, but for a lifetime of reinvention.
Article supplied with thanks to Michael McQueen.
About the Author: Michael is a trends forecaster, business strategist and award-winning conference speaker.
Feature image: Photo by Albert Vincent Wu on Unsplash