The Future of Work

The year 2023 started with lay offs. This is not to scare you as this is passing a message to us. Let's be realistic, everything happening right now will help us to plan ahead and be ready for what the future has in stall for us.

Google laid off 12,000 employees.

Meta - 11,000 employees.

Microsoft - 10,000 employees.

Amazon - 18,000 employees.

Often, people who get fired blame it on the company, management or the economy, not asking the most crucial questions.

- What makes me replaceable and not the other employee of this same company??

- How can I make myself irreplaceable?

The only answer to this is acquiring relevant skills.?

Job security has always been a myth, thus not guaranteed and with the emergence of Technology such as Artificial Intelligence, it is imperative to be proactive, stay abreast and armed with relevant skills so you don't flop in 2023 and beyond. Invest in yourself. Don't limit yourself. Diversify your skills.

Furthermore, the world is evolving and technology is taking over. With the emergence of AI tools such as ChatGPT, it is likely that more layoffs might occur in the future as technology is on the rise and gradually replacing human. According to You're Hired, "World's first AI Interns was hired for 3-month trial job alongside 106 humans". This is the beginning of the era of Artificial Intelligence. This is passing a message, take heed and be on your toes.

Here are some key nuggets to learn about all that is happening in the world of career and technology right now.

? Personal development is priceless. No job is guaranteed. Invest in yourself.?

? Learn relevant skills and stay abreast with latest trends and technology.

? Have a plan B, get a safety net.

? To be realistic, the future of your current job is uncertain, be proactive so you won't be taken unawares.

? Always keep learning, preparing and growing so you're ready if the bottom drops unexpectedly.

? Get out there, talk to people you find fascinating, build quality relationships and valuable network.

? Start that side hustle, build a business.

? Build an emergency fund. It's a must in 2023 and beyond.

? Create your own financial security, not anyone else.?

? Provide value and opportunities will come your way.

Amazon laid off 1.2% of their workforce. Job security has always been a myth. Nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen. Reason why you should prepare and be on your toes.

Starting a business or having a side hustle is a no-brainer. The best time to start was 10 years ago. The next best time is right now. Just start, take action today!

It is understandable that layoffs can be depressing. Strength to everyone going through layoffs right now. See this as a phase and this too shall pass.

The future of work is rapidly evolving as technology continues to disrupt traditional industries and create new ones. This is a topic of much discussion and speculation, as technological advancements and shifting societal norms continue to shape the world of employment.?

Here are some of the most significant trends that are likely to shape the future of work:

Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Automation and AI will continue to change the way work is done, from repetitive tasks to more complex ones. This will lead to increased productivity and cost savings, but it also means some jobs will be replaced.

Automation and AI are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of work, replacing certain tasks and creating new jobs in the process. As machines become more intelligent, workers will need to reskill and adapt to new roles that require human skills such as creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

Remote Work:?

The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, and it is likely to continue in some form even after the pandemic subsides. This means that people can work from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have a stable internet connection.

It is likely that many companies will continue to offer flexible work arrangements in the future. Remote work offers employees greater work-life balance, reduces commute times and increases productivity, but also poses challenges for maintaining workplace culture and collaboration.

The Re-emergence of Lifelong Learning/Upskilling and Reskilling:

The rapidly changing job market, lifelong learning will be critical to staying employable. People will need to continuously learn new skills to stay relevant and employable. Workers will need to continuously upskill and reskill to stay relevant and Companies/Employers will also need to invest in employee training and development to keep their workforce up-to-date.

The Gig Economy:?

The Gig Economy, which refers to the growing number of people working freelance or part-time jobs, is expected to continue to grow. This trend is driven by a desire for flexibility and the increasing number of jobs that can be done remotely.

The Gig Economy, or freelance work, is expected to grow, with more people seeking short-term or project-based work, rather than long-term employment. This trend provides greater flexibility for workers, but also raises questions about job security and benefits.

Increased Focus on Mental Health and Well-being:?

With remote work becoming more common and work-life balance becomes more increasingly important, employers/companies will need to pay more attention to employee mental health and well-being. This includes creating supportive work environment, offering flexible schedules, providing mental health benefits, and encouraging a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, the future of work is likely to be shaped by technology, changing societal norms and the needs of both employees and employers. It is about flexibility, adaptation, and the ability to continuously learn new skills. Those who are proactive about to these changes will be well positioned for success in the future job market.

As technology continues to change the way work is done, it is important for individuals and companies to embrace change and find ways to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.