Experts offer solutions for jobs lost to automation
June 18 2008 / by futuretalk / In association with Future Blogger.net
Category: Business & Work Year: General Rating: 8 Hot
By Dick Pelletier
A recent World Future Society report states that technology is definitely a job killer. The whole idea of tools, machines, and systems is to do things easier, faster, or better than barehanded humans can. Industry, by its very nature, out-sources itself.
Businesses are quick to adopt new technologies that reduce operation costs. While this practice usually results in eliminating some jobs, it often creates new higher-paid opportunities that require new skills. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report predicted the highest employment demands between now and 2020 will be in healthcare, education, accounting, and computer services; and these jobs will require Internet-proficient employees skilled in computer security, databases, privacy, and new media.
Baby boomers held an average of 10 jobs between ages 18 and 38, according to government statistics. These career jumpers continue to take short-duration jobs even as they approach middle age: 70% of jobs started between ages 33 and 39 ended within five years. Most people will experience five or six careers during their lifetime, and many will study for their next occupation, while working their current job.
Career consultant Eileen Gunn, author of Your Career Is an Extreme Sport offers the following tips on how today’s workforce can stay competitive:
1) Become aware of popular technologies. Know the difference between instant messaging and text messaging; participate in blogs and read newsfeeds relevant to your field. Social networking websites can also help you land a new job or scope out potential customers. Your own website might be worth the trouble if there’s a lot of personal work for you to showcase. (cont.)
