work value Archives - Viet Bao Louisville KY

On the auspicious occasion of Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrated on February 10, 2024, Di Tran, a prolific small business owner, author, and advocate for human connection and cultural roots in the USA, offers a profound reflection on the intrinsic value of work. His thoughts, deeply rooted in appreciation for origin, history, and human-to-human connections, resonate with a timeless truth: the ability, opportunity, and willingness to work transcend mere financial gain. They embody a divine gift that enables individuals to contribute to society, discover their self-worth, and find genuine happiness in life.

Di Tran’s perspective is not just philosophical; it is lived. Today, he cherishes the unique opportunity to work alongside his mother, a vibrant and passionate septuagenarian who, even in her 70s, exudes an indefatigable spirit. Her dedication to her craft and her customers, many of whom have become like family over 20+ years of loyal patronage, exemplifies a deep-seated passion for work that goes beyond the conventional. Her ability to engage in lively discussions about ideas and art, while serving each customer with the care and attention they would receive from a loved one, highlights the human aspect of business that Di Tran holds dear.

This mother-son duo’s approach to work is emblematic of a broader ethos that sees labor not as a burden, but as a form of worship and a path to fulfillment. Their daily hustle, characterized by creativity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to their community, illustrates the profound connection between work, happiness, and the human spirit. For Di Tran and his mother, work is an expression of love—a way to serve and connect with others, to acknowledge their humanity, and to weave a tapestry of relationships that enriches both their lives and those of their customers.

As Di Tran works quietly alongside his mother, he is moved to gratitude for this opportunity to collaborate, create, and contribute. His reflections on this day are a powerful reminder of the beauty inherent in the ability to work. “God is beautiful, and we thank God that we can work and never stop working,” Di Tran muses, his words a testament to the deep sense of purpose and joy derived from his labor. His gratitude extends to the United States and its people, whose embrace of diversity and opportunity has allowed him and countless others to pursue their dreams and find fulfillment in their work.

In sharing his thoughts during the Tết celebrations, Di Tran not only pays homage to his cultural heritage and familial bonds but also offers a universal message of hope and inspiration. His story is a reminder that work, when embraced as an opportunity to contribute, connect, and create, becomes a source of happiness and fulfillment far surpassing the material rewards it may bring. It is a call to recognize the sacredness of labor and to approach our work with the same passion, creativity, and gratitude that Di Tran and his mother exemplify daily.

As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, let us reflect on the true value of work and its role in our lives. May we all find the same joy in our endeavors, the same sense of purpose in our contributions, and the same deep connection to our fellow humans that Di Tran celebrates. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of those who have paved the way but also forge a path toward a more fulfilling, connected, and joyful life.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was once thought to threaten blue-collar jobs first, displacing workers from roles characterized as dirty, dull, and dangerous. Surprisingly, it’s been the roles of writers, coders, and artists that have undergone the most profound transformations in the wake of this technological revolution. As the impact of AI continues to redefine traditional job roles, societies are grappling with new questions around the purpose of work, the implications for human value, and the necessary societal adaptations.

AI’s Unexpected Targets

While manufacturing and manual labor were presumed the most susceptible to automation, AI has demonstrated its versatility and capacity to learn, leading to remarkable advancements in fields requiring intellectual and creative skills. Codie Sanchez, an investment expert and entrepreneur, argued that AI’s intrusion into the white-collar job market illustrates the breadth of its capabilities.

Universal Basic Income: An Emerging Solution?

With AI transforming the job market, governments have started proposing radical solutions like Universal Basic Income (UBI). The concept of UBI seeks to provide each citizen with a guaranteed, no-strings-attached income to cover basic living costs. While a potential solution to widespread job losses due to AI, this measure also sparks contentious debates over economic feasibility, societal impacts, and philosophical underpinnings.

Rethinking Work Beyond Monetary Value

A key challenge posed by AI’s impact is not merely financial. Work extends beyond earning a living, contributing to individuals’ self-worth, sense of purpose, and life satisfaction. If AI were to take over all labor, we would have to reconsider what we do and how we find purpose in our lives.

According to Emad Mostaque, a renowned strategist and co-CIO at Capricorn Fund Managers, “The day everyone can be a programmer is here.” He notes that technology has democratized many fields, making everyone a potential photographer with their smartphone or a diagnostician using Google’s latest models. The most affected areas include healthcare and education, where personalized services can now be availed at a fraction of the traditional cost.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

The dawn of AI, while bringing benefits, also raises the bar exceptionally high for many professions. In fields heavily reliant on computer use, humans aided by AI could potentially outcompete those without such assistance. As AI develops the capability to write and improve its own programs, it can, hypothetically, also write its own virus if required. The implications are stark: once sought-after roles like coders could face the same fate as coal miners in the wake of AI advancements.

Di Tran, once a Principal Software Architect and now an author, echoes this sentiment. He notes that only three years ago, a significant gap existed in the IT industry for full-stack developers, with many U.S. companies outsourcing these roles. Now, and potentially in the near future, no programmers may be needed at all – a reality as disruptive for coders as mechanization was for coal miners.

The Future: Learning Fast and Embracing AI

According to Tran, the key to surviving and thriving in this new era is to “learn fast and get on board with AI.” Adapting to these changes requires a willingness to retrain and a determination to understand the world reshaped by AI.

As we journey into this AI-driven future, our societal structures, our jobs, and our very sense of self will continue to evolve. It’s an era where we need to drop our fears and focus on faith, echoing the title of Tran’s upcoming book. As we move forward, we must continuously adapt and redefine our understanding of work and purpose in the shadow of AI’s immense potential.