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Semi-serious question: how do we help those too old to begin the training? When I went through profound burnout in 2019, the part of my brain that handles plan
by zackmorris 3y ago
Semi-serious question: how do we help those too old to begin the training?
When I went through profound burnout in 2019, the part of my brain that handles planning and execution shut down for about 6 months. I could barely get out of bed, brush my teeth, etc. The grieving process was rough, as well as the struggle to relearn how to function in a culture that doesn't allow breaks. And it was physical, perhaps brought about by sleep apnea and digestive warning signs from stress that I ignored. I survived by separating the planning from the doing, by keeping todo lists and forming habits over weeks that began to rebuild the wounded parts of my psyche so that I could task and adult again.
I've since regained my executive function, but the experience changed me. The stuff that used to be automatic became manual, so work takes an even higher toll than it did before, and may even even have all-consuming qualities. I feel, institutionalized, like Brooks in Shawshank Redemption.
I know that AI offers a way to automate much of the doing, and within 5-10 years the planning as well. All I have to do is use it. But I'm just so tired physically, mentally and emotionally that the potential benefit feels like a burden. I struggle profoundly to make long-term plans or deal with the logistics around that. I will almost certainly miss this wave of innovation, just like I missed the VR, mobile and gaming bubbles before that. Living my most laborious life instead of my best life.
What I'm feeling deep down is that this time is different. AI should not be about personal empowerment. It should be about lifting others who are too infirm after a lifetime of hard work to do it themselves, so that they can rejoin the human race and make the contributions in their hearts that fulfill the promise of their self-actualization. I just don't know where to go with that sentiment, or if my feelings are even relevant anymore.
- dumpsterlid 3y ago[dead]
- ilaksh 3y agoIt _is_ a "dog-eat-dog" world and AI _should_ make it possible to "raise all boats". For that to be possible then we need new paradigms for society. It's very difficult but AI should also help us move in that direction. As far as your particular problems, I hope you find the help you need. It sounds like you may have depression and/or some other psychological issues, but I'm not a doctor. The way I see it is that these types of opportunities in VR or AI have not actually passed by.
- efields 3y agoI feel your struggle. I can relate to it. I think I've gotten by in a way bc of the support systems around me, but I don't think any of them know just how much my relationship to work has changed since around 2020 or so. If you're able to think and type this profoundly, you, personally, are not too old to contribute to something that motivates you. I haven't found that yet, but I haven't given up hope yet either.
- lucubratory 3y agoJust wanted you to know that I read this comment and I get those feelings too. We as a society need to take better care of each other, using whatever technology and infrastructure we have access to. That should definitely include AI.