There has been lots of discussion recently about AI eliminating jobs. But what if the real fear is that AI will instead make existing jobs miserable? In this episode, Cal argues that LLM–based tools are poised to accelerate the worst aspects of pseudo-productivity to an absurd degree. He then shares five ideas for avoiding this fate in your own professional life.
More from Cal
Download Cal’s FREE guide to cultivating a deeper life: calnewport.com/ideas
Learn more about Cal’s books: calnewport.com/books
Listen to Cal’s podcast: thedeeplife.com/listen
Chapters
(0:00) How Do I Escape the “Busyness Singularity”?
(29:03) Reaction to Cal’s newsletter about LLMs
(33:35) Slow productivity for managers
(37:26) Efforts to improve cognitive fitness
(40:28) What Cal is reading
(42:21) What Cal is up to
Resources Mentioned:
Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow
Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/
Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba?
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/14/prepare-for-an-ai-jobs-apocalypse
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/21/technology/newsom-ai-executive-order-california.html
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/breaking-down-infinite-workday
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/15/burnout-2022-2023-slack-remote-work-future-forum
https://calnewport.com/on-god-and-llms/
Sponsors:
https://www.shopify.com/deep
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Credits:
Podcast Production: Jesse Miller
Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler
Theme Music: Jay Kerstens
