Many Americans are concerned about the future of their jobs. This isn't simply because of increasing competition and future trends in the economy, but because automation is a growing trend that impacts numerous industries and more tasks within them. We see this at self-checkout stations at grocery stores, screens at restaurants where customers place their orders, digital registration at hotels and medical offices, and much more.
If you are worried that you will become obsolete in your own line of work, here are some tips to consider.
1. Explore alternative jobs
The most obvious way to avoid becoming obsolete in your workplace is to find an alternative job. This could be looking for a new job entirely and focusing on a career path that seems less likely to be greatly impacted by automation or obsolescence. It could also be exploring other opportunities within the company you already work for. If becoming obsolete is something you are truly concerned about, discuss it with management and ask them about their future plans. Demonstrate that you are flexible and willing to switch jobs to help the business thrive. Be open to new tasks and become proficient in any that you find of interest.
2. Learn new technologies
Don't just look to learn new jobs within your company. Learn new technologies that apply to the job you already have. If you can find ways to make your current work more efficient, you can help avoid obsolesence. Don’t shy away from brushing up on your tech skills. Find out if your employer offers tech training programs, or ask for help from a co-worker who's familiar with the program you want to learn. If you're uncomfortable asking for help at the office, have someone outside of work coach you until you feel confident about your skills.
Follow tech sites and social media accounts - especially industry-specific ones. Be aware of new apps or other technologies that might apply to your work, and explore them.
3. Keep up with the trends
Keep up with industry trends so that you are always up on the latest developments. Read trade publications and follow industry-specific influencers, blogs, and news outlets on social media. Pay attention to what people are saying and what it’s about. The more you know about the current state of the industry, the better prepared you will be to apply developments to your actual work to help give you an edge.
4. Never stop networking
Take every possible opportunity to network, particularly within your industry. The more people you get to know, the more connections you will have when it matters. If you reach a point where you are rendered obsolete in your current job, you may find that a professional contact has work for you. The more people you know in your industry and within adjacent industries, the better chance you have of quickly finding work if a career change becomes inevitable.
5. Commit to high-level performance
Whatever job you do, you should commit to the highest level of performance possible. If you consistently do great work, it's going to be harder to replace you. That's not a guarantee that your job won't succumb to automation, but an employer is more likely to keep you on the payroll if you're truly great at what you do. It may mean finding a different role for you, but worker quality is an important asset to any business.
6. Make yourself available
On a related note, try to remain available around the clock. There is something to be said for a "work-life balance," but the reality is that if you are there when you're needed, even in off hours, this is valuable to your employer.
Business consultant John Graham says, "We may not like getting a text message at 2:11 a.m. that requires an immediate response, or our vacation interrupted with a crisis that demands attention. Like it or not, work demands upset the balance, just as can family needs and other personal issues. An imperfect work-life balance is the new normal."1
Automation is a real threat to the jobs of many people, and it's not going away. Technology continues to improve, and will make more human roles obsolete. That doesn't mean you have to succumb to obsolescence. If you turn yourself into a more valuable worker in your field, you can help avoid becoming obsolete.
1. https://businesspress.vegas/columns/experts-corner/how-to-avoid-becoming-obsolete-on-the-job-21071/