Alvin Tolfer, sociologist and futurist, in his 1970’s book ‘Future Shock’ said, “Future shock is the shattering stress and disorientation that we induce in individuals by subjecting them to too much change in too short a time”. In today’s reality this has turned out to be just as relevant and prophetic as George Orwell’s 1984. What Tolfer or Orwell didn’t anticipate was the quantum and speed of change that was to follow; nor our ability to cope it, possibly underestimating our capacity to adapt to the new world. But what significance does either have for the future of careers and more importantly for your career?
In the next 10 years we’ll experience the equivalent of 100 years of change! Belt up, because we’re in for quite a ride! This will have a massive impact on the future of careers
Today, technology is advancing at a rapid rate of knots. This is underlined by the Australian business futurist, Morris Miselowski’s, quote “We’ve experienced more change in the past 2 years than in the previous 20 years and in the next 10 years we’ll experience the equivalent of 100 years of change! Belt up, because we’re in for quite a ride!” You only have to take a look at the rise and rise of social media such as twitter, facebook and You Tube in everyday life, our wifi world and seemingly never ending applications of digital technology. If this isn’t enough, consider the explosion of so called ‘green’ jobs and the notion of space travel for tourists when contemplating what’s still to come down the funnel! It makes the Dick Tracy characterisation of video wrist watches definitely seem old hat.
The speed of technological developments is already and will continue to have a massive impact on the future of careers. It’s a sobering but exciting reality that many of the jobs and careers likely to exist in the next few years haven’t even been invented yet. Some believe that search engines are already passé with many now preferring to rely on personal networks on facebook and other social media to recommend the best restaurants etc. Moreover online retailing is actively competing with conventional retailing channels which is sure to challenge the existing employment paradigm in that sector. Recent innovations in technology have spawned a new breed of entrepreneurs that have had the courage to embrace new frontiers and a world with fewer geographical and social barriers to buying products and services. These ‘new leaders’ have a growing appetite for equally courageous followers who can share their vision of the future. This is just one source of new careers and new jobs.
“So what?” I hear you ask. What can or should I do when considering current and future career satisfaction? Well, starting with keeping an open mind is a good place to start. As John F. Kennedy said, “There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why… I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?”. Do your research – this has never been easier with the internet and the arrival of smartphones, iPads and the like. Stay up to date on how your industry and roles are changing. For instance if you are working in distribution, a sure fire way of recognising your company’s services are redundant, as highlighted by Dr John Gattorna’s research, is the rise and intensity of channel conflict. Markets work perfectly and channel conflict may not be a passing phase, but a sign of something more sinister about the future health of your industry. If you find your industry is experiencing significant channel conflict dramatic industry change is likely to be on your doorstep with restructuring and change a sometimes harsh inevitability for some and yet for others it may herald new beginnings and career reinventions. It may mean the demise of the old but equally the start of something new and an opportunity to get ahead of the rest by forecasting the ‘new’.
The way work and life elements are inextricably woven together drives a unique complexity in how we go about forecasting the jobs of the future
However, the way work and life elements are inextricably woven together drives a unique complexity in how we go about forecasting the jobs of the future. This extends from how we lead our lives, share our values and choose to socialise in a world that shares information like the speed of summer lightening together with the reliance we place on our online networks to help us make all types of decisions, not the least of all jobs and careers!
Combining industry and market research with self awareness, career preferences and advice from trusted advisors and networks provides a powerful platform to recognise potential career opportunities and drive successful transitions. In this way, dynamic, portfolio style careers become exciting and inspiring; not daunting and fearful.
It is worthwhile to consider professional assistance that can help you accelerate your career and recognise the emerging challenges and identify really exceptional opportunities. deliberatepractice’s career coaching services provides sound support to drive your career direction and satisfaction. Call deliberatepractice on 1300 deliberate (1300 335 423) for more information on how to identify your future career options.
Please leave a comment to let us know how your industry and/or career may be impacted by future change?
