economy
These Americans are quitting before AI can take their jobs—and starting their own businesses: 'I just wanted to be in control'
Americans are incorporating new businesses in record numbers, as AI sweeps across many U.S. workplaces. That's not a coincidence, some new entrepreneurs say.
TL;DR
- Americans are starting businesses at record rates, with some explicitly leaving jobs due to AI concerns.
- Entrepreneurs like Michelle Yeung and Travis Di Lombardi-Spicer quit stable, high-paying jobs to pursue entrepreneurship, partly fueled by AI advancements and job market uncertainties.
- AI is seen by some as a tool that can make starting a business easier, helping with tasks like content creation, business plans, and financial forecasting.
- Workers cite concerns about AI replacing or devaluing their roles, alongside geopolitical instability and rising living costs, as reasons to seek control through entrepreneurship.
- While entrepreneurship has a high failure rate, the current job market is perceived as less stable, lowering the opportunity cost for starting a business.