Experts offer solutions for jobs lost to automation

By Dick Pelletier

      A recent World Future Society report states that technology is definitely a job killer. The whole idea of tools, machines, and systems is to do things easier, faster, or better than barehanded humans can. Industry, by its very nature, out-sources itself.

      Businesses are quick to adopt new technologies that reduce operation costs. While this practice usually results in eliminating some jobs, it often creates new higher-paid opportunities that require new skills. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report predicted the highest employment demands between now and 2020 will be in healthcare, education, accounting, and computer services; and these jobs will require Internet-proficient employees skilled in computer security, databases, privacy, and new media.

      Baby boomers held an average of 10 jobs between ages 18 and 38, according to government statistics. These career jumpers continue to take short-duration jobs even as they approach middle age: 70% of jobs started between ages 33 and 39 ended within five years. Most people will experience five or six careers during their lifetime, and many will study for their next occupation, while working their current job.

      Career consultant Eileen Gunn, author of Your Career Is an Extreme Sport offers the following tips on how today’s workforce can stay competitive:

      1) Become aware of popular technologies. Know the difference between instant messaging and text messaging; participate in blogs and read newsfeeds relevant to your field. Social networking websites can also help you land a new job or scope out potential customers. Your own website might be worth the trouble if there’s a lot of personal work for you to showcase.

      2) Develop a strong online presence. Surveys by job-placement firms like Execunet and Careerbuilder show that businesses use the Internet extensively to vet job applicants. Recruiters look favorably on candidates whose online material reflects a professional image, well-rounded skills, and a fitting personality.

      3) Build a network of professional contacts for schmoozing. Sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, and SecondLife can be invaluable tools for getting to know like-minded colleagues or finding a job. Get familiar with these sites and build a profile on one or two that seem most useful.

      4) Keep your record clean. A growing number of companies have fired employees for inappropriate use of blogs or IMs. If there are any regrettable pictures or postings on the Web that you don’t want colleagues to see, you might be able to expunge them, or at least lower their standing in search results.

      5) Courtesy and common sense. Yes, they still matter. The Web might offer a degree of anonymity, but that’s no reason to abandon discretion. Try to resist the temptation to deluge your boss with text messages. And be careful who you allow into your online network. Ask yourself, "would I respect this person as a friend in real life?" it's a brave new world online, but there are still a few old standards that apply.

      No one can predict exactly how automation will affect the world in the next decade, but one thing’s for sure; there will be many new high-paying opportunities for America's competitive workforce as we boldly enter into what promises to become an amazing "magical future."

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.