“Be willing to sacrifice what you think you have today for the life that you want tomorrow”- anonymous
Jay Ledesma
We now live in a fast changing workplace. And unless we make ourselves aware and prepared for these changes, we may end up leaving everything to chance, making us powerless. But do we need to be one? The answer is a big NO. We have the power to anticipate and ready ourselves for what lies ahead.
In the recent years, we often hear the word future proof. But what does it really mean? Future-proofing is making or keeping oneself updated and relevant so we remain employable in a rapidly-changing workplace. Major trends such as accelerated digital transformation, globalization, increasing younger population, health and wellness awareness, redefined jobs and growing middle class are shaping the futures of the workforce. Some of these have started years ago, but the recent covid pandemic accelerated them all. And while these trends have created new job opportunities, they also threatened some people to becoming irrelevant and obsolete. More than ever, people are realizing that the only way to find and secure their rightful place in the future is to adjust, adapt and adopt with the times.
So, how can you best future-proof yourself?
Start by doing self-exploration and self-awareness. Knowing what you’re good at and what you need to improve on is the surest way to move forward. When self-awareness is raised, it will create a mindset of continuous growth and development. Try asking yourself these questions: What are my strengths and how can they help me in the future? What are my weaknesses and how can they hinder me into the future? What are the changes happening in the workplace and how it may impact my job? What skills and competencies are needed in my future workplace? Do I have them now? If not, how do I start working on them? Your answers to these questions will have you prepared even before the future hits you.
The next step is to level up your employability skills. The workplace has become so competitive that it’s no longer enough that you possess the basic job skills. Employability skills require both soft and technical skills. While having a good grasp of basic writing and speaking skills is still preferred by employers, you will need more than this to make your resume more attractive. Technology and computer proficiency, not only literacy, is a must. Search online the probable “future jobs” and start brushing up on the required “specialized” technical skills. Learning, unlearning, and relearning are probably the most important work traits that you will need to survive and thrive in the ever changing workplace. It’s good to have the general know how but learning a specialized skill can set you apart from the rest. Work on a skill that is not easily replaceable by a computer machine or by another employee. While no one is indispensable, you can still make it very difficult for your employer to replace you.
One way to beef up your work experience and gain additional skills is by taking on those extra work loads or assignments or participating in project teams or committees. Noticed this line in your job descriptions “… and other duties and tasks that may be assigned from time to time”? Go for these. These “extras” are usually considered when selecting individuals to take on new or higher posts. Do not count the hours and amount of effort you put in. Management does. Bosses usually take notice staff members who are willing to learn, volunteer and take the extra mile. But even if these extras will not readily translate to a career move, you already get to keep the learnings and experiences with you, which may come handy in the near future. It’s still a win for you.
Joining project teams create for you your internal company network as you get noticed and connected with members of other units and departments. Nowadays, it is a common practice to transfer or crossover functions and departments. But this is not enough. As the outside world becomes smaller and more connected, you will also need to create your “external” professional network. No need to worry. With the different on-line platforms available, like LinkedIn, Meetup or Reddit, getting yourself visible and professionally connected is easy peasy. No need to hop from one HR office to another just to submit your resume. With these online networking platforms, you can easily “market” yourself and build valuable connections with experienced individuals or corporations from different industries that can connect you with prospective employers (and even clients). Building your professional network is useful and helpful whether you are a first time job seeker, starting a new business or side hustle, looking for a career change or creating a client base.
And finally, go with the flow and reinvent yourself. Being resilient is one of the best ways to survive, thrive and stay relevant in the changing times. Be observant of the development and progress happening around you and check if your trajectory is going along or against it. Change does not happen overnight but still you have to change. Though you may feel not growing and unhappy in your current job, still try to be patient, enjoy and learn from the experience, both the good and bad, and reinvent yourself. Have an attitude of a learner for they are the survivors in times of change while the so called “learned” (the know-it-all guys) usually find themselves with the knowledge and skills to deal with the world that no longer exists. Do not be limited by what you have done in the past. Rather, look at the potentials and be open to all the possibilities. You might be pleasantly surprised to see the New You!
There are endless ways to secure your spot in tomorrow’s workplace. There is an abundance of information, technology, platforms and subject matter experts that you can access to help you future proof yourself. The only possible reason why you will be left unequipped and irrelevant to the demands of the future is because you chose to.
The future will be here sooner than you expect it, and with it comes the changes, chances and challenges. So you either just wait and watch it happen or you do something and get started today. (Jay Ledesma)