Jobs. It seems like everyone’s talking a lot about jobs and employment for the past two years. Jobs are a hot topic with many Americans, whether they are looking for a job or just holding on to the one they have. In our rapidly changing economy, it is imperative that you ask yourself this question, “What will my job look like in 5 years?”
It is an essential question, and how you answer is likely to have a significant impact on long term success and happiness. Whether you like it or not the world is going to be very different five years from today, and it is important to think about the future, about how jobs may transform, and how you see yourself meeting both the challenges and opportunities that will come your way.
Being aware of upcoming employment trends and indicators may help when planning for the next career phase. Consider:
- New technology: The greatest catalyst for change is the creation of new technology that is now doubling every two years. Its impact on life will continue to be nothing short of explosive.
- Unpredictability: Today’s top-ten in-demand jobs didn’t exist in 2004
- Non-traditional work environment: Within the next 10 years, most office jobs will no longer be in the office, but done from home or another location
- Employer-employee relationship: Relationships are shifting rapidly from one of employer/employee to one of customer(former employer) /sub-contractor (former employee)
- The internet: The still unfolding power of the internet and its increasing mobility will continue to dramatically affect both how we work and how we learn
If these new realities haven’t affected you yet, they probably will—and perhaps sooner than you might think. It is now essential that and every person should step back to reexamine their job, their goals, and their dreams as they look to the near future. Preparing for the changes ahead may well provide a competitive edge in having the work and life you wish for.