I haven't read through all the responses, but there's been speculation in the past that COs would be dropped in favor of super-elders who get to fill CO responsibilities without actually being financially dependent on the WT. Maybe you have a superelder appointed to oversee four or five congregations. The WT could pick men who are retired, own their own businesses or otherwise have more time on their hands than the average elder.
With the GB's increasing embrace of modern technology, many of the former CO duties could be filled via direct videos with instructions from the GB. It would also help create separation (legal liability) between the various Watchtower corporations and the local congregations. Dropping COs in favor of scripted information direct from the GB would be in line with the general direction of the religion over the past decade or two.
As others have undoubtedly mentioned, COs couldn't be expected to work in addition to their current responsibilities. If anything, this conversation might reflect this particular CO's fear that his role is being phased out and that he'll soon be expected to care for himself in line with the way hundreds of lifelong Bethelites have been treated.