White-Collar Jobs Train AI, Risking Obsolescence

Professionals in fields such as social work, medicine, and law are increasingly working part-time jobs training artificial intelligence systems. Companies like Mercor recruit these experts to help AI models learn complex tasks, offering them substantial compensation.

Mercor, a startup founded by three college dropouts, has rapidly grown, securing significant venture capital and reaching a $10 billion valuation. The platform allows professionals to earn up to $190,000 annually by working on AI training projects.

This trend is partly driven by anxieties over job insecurity and underemployment among skilled workers. Many see this AI training work as a way to supplement income while navigating a changing job market.

However, the practice raises concerns about professionals eventually being replaced by the AI they are helping to develop. Some contractors worry about their long-term career prospects as AI capabilities expand.

Mercor has faced criticism regarding its contractor treatment, including accusations of misclassification and chaotic project management. Legal challenges and a recent data breach have also surfaced, impacting client relationships.

Despite these challenges, Mercor's founders believe AI will create new job categories, with training AI agents becoming a significant future role. The company is expanding to assist corporations in integrating AI into their workflows.