The World has Changed. Have You?
You might have noticed that job hunting, in the USA and globally, is dramatically different than it was a few years ago. With the full effects of globalization, out-sourcing, and Post-Industrial economies, traditional jobs/careers are becoming a thing of the past. The World Economic Forum's annual conference was last month in Davos, Switzerland. Many current and pressing global topics, including employment and the changing workforce, were addressed through seminars and workshops.
The panel discussion Re-defining Work was held January 28, 2011. If you are an American worker, you know that US corporations have already re-defined you, to the point where they make record breaking profits without you. What can you do to fit into the post-industrial labor market? Here are this week's Top Three Tips:
1. Understand Post-Industrial Job Markets
The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make the necessary changes to your career/job skills, or go back to school to learn a new trade completely. Some industries are gone forever (most manufacturing), some have greatly reduced labor demands (Architecture), and some are being transformed by technology (welding). Read this great article from Dan Voorhis, Wichita Eagle.
2. Record Profits v. Job Creation
US companies can locate their businesses anywhere in the world, and in most cases, they go where the labor is super cheap and the regulations are lax. Over a billion workers worldwide earn $2.00 or less per day. If you are making T-shirts in New Jersey at minimum wage for a US company, you are in direct competition with garment workers in Cambodia that are making $0.26 and hour. US companies are making record-breaking profits, yet there is very little (36,000 jobs gained in January 2011) job creation.
3. Career Paths for the New Labor Market
Niche careers and portable, knowledge based skills combined with flexibility are the keys to careers in the Post-Industrial age. Having an expertise and the ability to market your talents globally are essential to your future. Going back to school and gaining new skills or changing careers completely will be necessary for many US workers. Before you make a decision, be sure to do the research first. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good place to start.
Things change. Maybe you had your “dream job” or spent the last 25 years working as a welder only to be replaced by a robot. My advice is to get over it and move on. Putting your efforts into learning about today's new employment landscape, and how you can best fit in, is a productive use of your time. Lamenting what was is not.
Welcome to the Post-Industrial World.
About the "Post-Industrial" Author: Kristi Enigl is a Career & Job Search Consultant who brings over 20 years of Hiring, HR Management and Executive Recruiting across a broad spectrum of industries to her professional practice. She helps professionals identify, create, and market their personal brand so they reach their career goals – FAST. Email your resume to coachkristi@kristienigl.com for a complimentary, professional evaluation.
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