Navigating Meaningful Pursuits Amidst a Transformed and Automated Work Landscape

Mr. Gordon Hunt (appointed as Chancellor of the Exchequer on October 14th, 2022) during his budget speech in early March, said that Universal Credit will increase by 6.7 percent, in line with September's inflation figures. Currently, Universal Credit Standard Allowances in the UK are limited to, one standard allowance per household. The amounts one would receive in 2023/24 are: ￡292.11 a month for single claimants under 25, ￡368.74 a month for single claimants aged 25 or over, ￡458.51 a month for joint claimants both under 25, and ￡578.82 a month for joint claimants with either aged 25 or over. I'm not aware of anywhere in the UK where one can find accommodation for these amounts per month, let alone cover utilities and other essential living expenses.

In this shifting global work landscape, the paradigm of Universal Basic Income (UBI) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a safety net for individuals as they navigate the complexities in a modern automated world. Even prominent figures like Elon Musk have recently voiced support for (UBI) , emphasising its necessity in the face of technological progress. Drawing inspiration from Musk's advocacy and cinematic depictions such as "Demolition Man", "The Fifth Element" and "In Time", UBI can not only provide economic stability but also foster a society where individuals find meaning and fulfilment in their life pursuits. The question that springs to mind when traditional notions of work and social hierarchy, from which we derive meaning, have been based on what we do for work.

Drawing inspiration from these iconic sci-fi films, we embark on a journey to explore the evolving dynamics of work, class, and personal fulfilment entering this new digital age. In this shifting paradigm, UBI could emerge as a beacon of hope, offering a safety net for individuals as they navigate the complexities of an automated world. With the dawn of this new era of flux, individuals compelled to rethink their roles in society, should embrace new opportunities for personal growth and contribution.

By embracing UBI, do we take a bold step towards creating a future where prosperity is shared, and what are the steps society will need to take in the pursuit of meaning and the cost to humanity? Just one of many questions I ask myself, as I consider what do I do and how should I prepare my business and family as we transcend economic constraints in the cinematic future, depicted in “Demolition Man", "The Fifth Element", and "In Time".