The age of the freelancer is here. In fact, it’s been here for some time. Long gone are the days where the phrase ‘it’s a job for life’ struck any real chords with anyone, or indeed held any real weight. It’s now very rare for employees to see out their entire careers at one company. Instead, up to 35% of US workers are freelancers, as Forbes reports, and the number of freelancers has grown by 4 million since 2014, reaching 57 million in 2019.
The recent explosion of digital platforms onto the market has spawned an exponential growth in the new gig economy, and it would appear it is here to stay.
To what extent is the current workforce looking to future-proof their careers?
Even in the world of ‘permanent’ employment, job-hopping is now the norm, and it’s true that this way of progressing along the career path applies not just to Generation Z and Millennial workers but to Baby Boomers as well. Indeed, it would appear even these more seasoned workers would rather turn their backs on benefits and bonuses in favor of more challenging opportunities.
For the most part, job-hoppers, as with freelancers, are looking to future-proof their careers, searching for ways in which they can learn new skills that will stand them in good stead professionally and in the long run.
Humans possess an innate desire for stability – even the most free-spirited among us look to hold on to some kind of constant. That said, employed and self-employed professionals alike are working in a climate of uncertainty; this has been the case since the 2008 recession, and the uncertainty is only growing in 2020 with the global crisis in full swing.
Movement between roles – as well as between different sectors – is to be expected, and, in such a transitory environment, it is more important than ever to keep abreast of industry trends and remain equipped with the knowledge and skills that will take you beyond today’s job market.
One area where we can clearly see a seismic shift in advancement is that of technology. This is only set to continue and will affect all levels of industry in all sectors.
Keeping abreast of technology
Professionals will need to prepare to position themselves advantageously in the job market of the future.
Universities and educational institutions all over the world, such as https://onlinedsa.merrimack.edu/, provide master’s degrees that incorporate technology programs designed with input from industry professionals to meet the needs of the changing face of business.
From auditors and accountants to marketers and those working in healthcare leadership and management, all will require a knowledge of not only how technology works but also how it impacts their particular field.
Set goals and create a career plan
Studying for a master’s degree and keeping abreast of technology are just two of the ways in which you can future-proof your career. The key thing to remember is that whatever course of action you take, it will be driven by you.
