Welcome to the Stop Sabotaging Your Success Podcast, episode seventy-eight. I’m your host, Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

Future-proofing your career is becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-changing job market where technological advancements, economic shifts, and societal changes are disrupting industries and reshaping the way we work. To stay relevant and competitive in your career, it is crucial to be continually updating your skills and knowledge to adapt to these changes. 

In this episode, we will explore the steps needed in future-proofing your career by adapting to change. As the job market evolves, you may find that your skills are no longer in demand, or maybe your current role is becoming obsolete. In such cases, it is important to be open to change and willing to learn new skills or consider pursuing a different career path. 

Future-proofing your career is about preparing yourself for a lasting professional journey and career opportunities that challenge you in the face of uncertainty. What will your job look like five years from now? Will it even exist in 10 or 20 years? The truth is, we don’t know what the future will hold. Your job description could be very different or even irrelevant in the very near future, or you may have years before you need to worry. Your guess is as good as mine. 

If your skillset or experience is behind the times, you may struggle to find work or be promoted. There are strategies that you can put in place now to ensure that you don’t hit a career dead end. 

One way to adapt to career changes is by pushing yourself to keep your technical skills current, even if the new developments don’t seem directly related to your current role. This means cultivating a growth mindset, which involves viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. This can help you approach career transitions with a positive attitude and a willingness to take risks and try new things. 

In addition to staying current, another way to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to career changes is by building a more diverse set of skills and experiences. This can involve taking on new responsibilities, volunteering for projects, or pursuing cross-functional training opportunities within your organization that push you outside of your comfort zone.

Future-proofing is not new. Yes, there are new pressures threatening to disrupt the way our knowledge jobs get done. Some might even say what’s happening with technology will improve the way we do our jobs. You’ve probably already seen this in action, maybe without even realizing it. You could become overwhelmed and stressed out by the idea of technology replacing your job, or you could take the smarter approach to make sure you survive by future-proofing your career.

This requires a willingness to be flexible, adaptable, and open to change. Protecting your earning potential isn’t something you can do in one step, and it’s not something you can knock out overnight, but it is something you can start preparing for. By staying ahead of the curve, adapting to career changes, and continually updating your skills and knowledge, you can position yourself for success in today’s fast-changing job market. Otherwise, you may need to catch up a huge amount before being forced to head off in a new direction in the future. 

It is unreasonable to think in this day and age that you’d lock into one job or position and do that for the rest of your life. Future-proofing your career involves simply taking the extra steps to prepare yourself for a changing workforce, one that’s going to rely even more heavily on the use of technology. Rather than waiting for technology to replace your position, it’s time to take a more proactive approach, to put yourself in the best position possible, to secure your place in the workforce alongside technology, instead of getting edged out. 

You may have noticed that technology is here to stay and it’s only going to keep evolving. While we may not know exactly how, we do know that this change is inevitable. It’s the people who are more adaptable and resilient who will be the ones who will come out on top. 

Now is the time to prepare for the future by being ready to change course at a moment’s notice. When your environment begins to change, try to keep an open mind about what this transformation may bring. I invite you to be ready to embrace it instead of resisting it and clinging to your old habits.

I’m sure we’ve all encountered those who just throw up their hands in defeat and say, “Technology is not my thing”. It’s been happening for years, if not decades, and sometimes that has nothing to do with their age. If you are losing your desire to stay current, now is the time to learn more about the technology you are currently struggling with, especially if using it effectively can improve your results in the workplace. Ask yourself how working with technology can improve your productivity. 

The strength of this latest technology revolution is to speed up the retrieval of information and complete many of the computations necessary to further our designs, but the strategy behind these processes is, and will remain, human powered. Are you willing to become more fluent in technology instead of averse to it? The truth is, the more you advance your knowledge, the stronger your resume becomes. 

You don’t want to become just one of many who can do all the same things and eventually become redundant. It’s time to embrace what makes you unique, with your combination of skills and experience, with an emphasis on what you can do that others can’t. Sometimes, you need to follow your curiosities and see where that leads, in combination with the knowledge and skills you’ve already acquired.

At this point, technology may be able to automate the technical aspects of your job, but skills like leadership, communication, collaboration, and time management are currently tasks only humans do well. Those soft skills, that no one was paying attention to years ago, may be what keeps us relevant in today’s workplace. Since technology does not yet have the same emotional intelligence as humans, these are the skills that will continue to be in high demand. 

As humans, we’re wired to respond to genuine emotions, so being able to read people and understand what other people think and feel will set you apart. Project management is another area where technology won’t be able to compete with the human touch, so you might want to brush up on your project management skills too.

Technology is not going to completely disrupt the need for in-person connections with others. The past few years have taught us that reducing or eliminating our real-life interactions with others lowers our sense of well-being and must be managed with care. Those things we once took for granted, having meals with colleagues, attending in-person conferences, even initiating a conversation with a stranger, have greater importance after having gone so long without them. These are the things that represent an opportunity to build connections and gain insights that just aren’t as effective through a screen. 

It’s time to recognize that spending time together represents a unique competitive advantage that we still possess because actually talking to people and sharing new insights is critical to our success as individuals and for our organizations. This kind of connection allows you to tap into your experience and share information where you may be adding something genuinely new to the experience. So far, technology can only connect the dots with information that it’s already been presented with. So, creativity and innovation is where we still add value. 

If I had to guess, people will continue to pay a premium to work with people who are considered to be at the top of their field, partly as a statement about whom they associate with and what they value, and partly as a desire for the best quality. 

While you may be happy and feel secure where you are currently, don’t rule out having to make a move in the future to keep progressing in your career journey. Most people don’t regularly google themselves, but you might want to get in the habit of doing so, every so often, to see what your digital footprint reveals. It is a common way for prospective employers to get a little insight into who they might want to interview for a new opportunity. If your search returns some unfavorable links to your past life, it’s time to create a better digital portfolio that shares a more mature, more professional version of you. 

Now’s the time to consider contributing professionally on social media and publish content that shows off your expertise in your profession to update or change the narrative. You still only get one chance to make a first impression, so don’t let your past come back to haunt you. 

While technology can summon information almost instantly, unfortunately, some of that information isn’t always factual. At this point, it can’t always be trusted to deliver accurate results. This is good news. It means that it is still valuable for you to develop recognized expertise in your field. Technology may still have a role but, at least so far, it needs to be verified by a trusted and reliable source. If that’s you, you’ll continue to be sought out as an authority to vet the responses or results generated. 

Technology will also create a need for higher skill levels, so that reinforces the point that we should never stop learning. Developing new skills will help you get ahead in the eyes of your employer, and since they are transferable, they will ensure your career is set up for success in the future too, wherever that may lead. 

Do you understand the latest trends in the job market and how they could affect your career? Well, as we keep hearing, the job market is constantly evolving, and frankly, it’s up to you to future-proof your career, if you want to stay current and employable. No one else is responsible for your success, so get ready to roll up your sleeves and do the work. 

First off, let’s talk about automation. Machines and algorithms are taking over some of the tasks that were previously done by humans, which means some jobs will become obsolete or require new skills. I’m not saying we’re all going to be replaced, but this is having an impact and accelerating the speed at which this type of change happens. If you’re willing to up-skill and re-skill yourself, you’ll be in higher demand, so put on your learning cap and get ready to adapt. 

Globalization has created a more interconnected world, which means demand for workers with cross-cultural communication skills and expertise in international trade and logistics is on the rise. Employers are looking for workers who can work in diverse teams and adapt to different cultural norms and business practices, so it’s time to embrace diversity and hone your cultural competence. 

Remote work has been widely embraced. While it’s likely here to stay in some form, there is a push by some to get us all back to the office. Workers are increasingly demanding more flexibility and work-life balance, so employers who can offer remote work options or a hybrid approach, while providing the necessary technology and infrastructure, will be more attractive to a wider selection of job seekers.

If it’s important to you to live wherever you want and work from home, then you will likely have many choices as a knowledge worker. But remember, things keep evolving. So, who knows what’s coming next or if they might require more face time in the future. The gig economy is also growing, which means more short-term contract and freelance work opportunities. 

Employers are always looking for workers who possess a mix of technical and soft skills. The particular flavor of technical skills that are in high demand is always changing, so it’s important to be continuously learning and staying current with the latest innovations in your field. But employers are always seeking workers with strong communication, collaboration, project management, and problem solving skills. So it’s time to become more versatile and develop a more diverse set of skills. It’s your unique combination of skills and experience that will set you apart and give you the leverage to future-proof your career.

Employers are also looking for workers who are hardworking, adaptable, resilient, and willing to learn new skills. As the job market continues to evolve, workers who can adapt to changing circumstances and take on new challenges will be more valuable to their employers. So it’s time to become a chameleon and learn how to leverage the skills you have in new ways to stay current and future-proof your career.

Staying up-to-date with industry trends and changes is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in their career. By being aware of what’s going on, you can try your best to anticipate and adapt to shifts in the job market. You can also enhance your skills, build your network, and identify new opportunities. So, it’s time to put in the work and stay ahead of the competition.

Another consideration is building a strong professional network. It’s not just about collecting connections, it’s about building relationships with people. But again, don’t expect anyone else to do this for you. It’s all on you. It can be a game changer for your career growth and development. It can open doors to job opportunities, provide mentorship and guidance, and offer support throughout your career journey. 

So, how do you build and maintain these relationships? Start by engaging in meaningful conversations with people you meet at networking events like industry conferences and trade shows. Offer your expert advice in online groups. Make connections. Consider volunteering for leadership positions or committee work to increase your visibility and build relationships outside of your organization. 

Remember to be authentic, listen to what they have to say, and follow up to build meaningful connections well in advance of when you might need them. Make the effort to stay in touch. After meeting someone, send a brief message thanking them for their time and express your interest in staying in touch. Share interesting articles or invite them to coffee or lunch, every once in a while. 

Building strong professional relationships is a two-way street. It’s not just about what they can do for you. Offer your help and support to others in your network when you can. This can include making introductions or sharing job leads. 

Keep a record of what you do well, the accolades you’ve received, and the results you’ve been responsible for. You want to make it easy on yourself to recall your successes and strengths, so having an accurate, up-to-date list will prove invaluable when the time comes. You’ll be prepared to demonstrate what you’ve done in the past that provides the evidence for what you claim you will be able to do for them now. 

Start by tracking your duties, projects, and results, as well as the professional development activities you’ve participated in, and any training you’ve completed. Note any volunteer work too. Keep a file of emails that mention your stellar performance. 

Having a clear and objective list of your strengths and accomplishments can also help boost your motivation and belief in your own abilities. It’s a great way to overcome imposter syndrome and convince yourself that you can meet the next challenge. Because sometimes, the biggest obstacle to moving on and moving up is not having that belief that you can do it. 

In a rapidly changing job market, it is essential to stay relevant and up-to-date with the latest skills in technology. By embracing a mindset of ongoing learning and growth, you can ensure that you are constantly developing new skills and knowledge that will help you adapt and thrive in the face of change. This means being open to new opportunities, being willing to embrace technology, and being able to pivot on a moment’s notice to ensure long-term success. 

Review your options for career progression and be proactive about recognizing and responding to a lack of opportunities, even if it means changing your job or your career path. You may be fortunate to work for an organization where there’s a clear, inspiring, and challenging career path laid out for you, but for many people, this will not be the case. 

Sometimes there’s no onward career path or your development may be blocked, no matter how hard you work. This can lead to frustration, boredom, and failure to achieve your potential, and you may then have to choose to try an alternative path in order to continue to be challenged.

Instead of worrying about being replaced by technology, take a proactive approach with your career. Show off what you’ve accomplished so far and build on those increasingly important soft skills. 

By taking these steps, you can position yourself in the best shape possible to embrace rather than avoid the next evolution in your career journey. 

And that’s it for this episode of Stop Sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Future-Proofing Your Career at cindyesliger.com/podcast, episode seventy-eight.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I’m on Instagram @cindyesliger and my email address is info@cindyesliger.com.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It’s my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what’s holding you back in your career, and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I’d love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective. 

Until next week, I’m Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.