25+25+25 no longer adds up

The changing math of learning.

(Yes, it's a highly simplistic view) :)

Life used to be simpler. Spend the first 25 years of your life studying and developing relevant skills and knowledge. Spend the next 25 years working, plying your trade, earning your keep and saving enough for the last 25 years of retirement to relac (Singapore slang for relax) and chill. That math doesn't add up anymore.

Speed of Revolutions (industrial ones)

With industrial revolution (IR) 4.0, digital transformation, worker 4.0, anything 4.0, technology is now embedded across every industry and everything that we do. The thing about this technology train is that it has only an accelerator and no brakes - fast will become faster. The speed of change of companies and industries also leads to a higher speed of change in jobs, job designs, job nature and the skills required of them.

Collective knowledge about the past 3 industrial revolution (IR) is that more jobs have been created (over time) than the total jobs lost. What's in the fine prints is that job creations have generally come AFTER job losses. The first IR in 1800s was associated with the advent of the steam engine and meandered until perhaps 1900s before the IR 2.0. IR 2.0 to IR 3.0 was a shorter runway until 1970/80s. The pace of change allowed for a more gradual transition of jobs and skills. 25+25+25 was still relevant.

Fast diminishing half life of technology skills

With this current bullet train of transformation, what you've covered during your studies would likely become irrelevant within your life time. This is more so the case for technology professionals. It's almost with certainty that what you've studied in the university (for computing) would likely have changed within the first 5 years of graduation. Yes, the foundation would still be invaluable but the specifics capabilities and skills will require refreshing. For example, database management evolved to Data Warehouse to Business intelligence to Data Analytics and now forms a close link with AI. It's same same on abstract levels but clearly very different skills are required. Another example, say you're a Python programmer, with the rapid advancements in code-less development tools, it's likely your current skills in today's form will need to morph in a few years. The half life of technology skills will diminish at a faster rate but the foundations and experience will continue to make a difference.

More +ves than -ves

Despite the challenge to continually learn new skills, there's more upsides and opportunities in store for those who ride this wave. More companies will require technology skills and capabilities to remain competitive and relevant, meaning there'll be a constant demand for tech skills and capabilities over foreseeable future. What's not predictable is that the type of skills required. Right now, if you are skilled/experience in data analytics, AI, cyber security, you'd be in demand. What's required in 5 years is harder to predict.

To learn a new skill/technology, there's plenty of options available in the market, ranging from eLearning platforms like Udemy, Teachable, Ruzuku to part time courses by Universities to platforms like General Assembly. Many options exist: short courses, long courses, part time, full time, job-integrated training etc. If you're in Singapore, you should look up the TechSkillAccelerator (TeSA) and Skills Future programmes by the Singapore Government where grants and support are generously available.

Changing the math

Life based on 25+25+25 doesn't quite add up in today's high pace of change. Continuous learning has become a necessity. The schools and university will provide a grounding and foundation for the first job. Once in the jungle of life, continuous learning will be as necessary as brushing teeth - a regular habit to maintain basic hygiene. Not easy as it'll require disciple of mind and time management to leverage the various resources available to learn ahead of the curve. But once this muscle is built and exercised regularly, it's a powerful differentiation. For good reasons, Learn, Unlearn, Relearn has become a refrain often heard at industry conferences and panels.

Lastly, perhaps it's also worthwhile to think of work (making a living) and relac (enjoyment) a lifelong endeavor. Tech has opened up opportunities for every segment (and age group) to create monetisable propositions, plenty of examples out there. Well, perhaps this is for another article another time. :)