The recent restructures announced at Bluescope Steel and Qantas resulted in some 2000 workers losing their jobs and their associated unions asking or in some cases demanding “job security” clauses in their contracts.
What followed were media interviews with the affected staff, clearly shocked by what had happened, but with nowhere else to go.
The writing was on the wall a considerable time ago. Job security is non-existent. The Government sponsored age pension will not exist in 20 to 50 years time. Shopping is now done online.
The New Paradigm is Adaptability, Versatility and Flexibility.
This demands that your skills are matched to those in the market place; sometimes even ahead of what the market wants. Many of these skills are acquired by attending certified courses or working in different roles.
It also may require working interstate and overseas; such has become the nature of the global market.
It also demands that we are vigilant in watching the movement in trends – what is happening locally and globally, assessing opportunities and using them.
The reason for this is, the rate of knowledge is now doubling every 18 months. This means we have to keep learning and be more flexible in our approach, just to maintain our current standard of living.
The Phils_osophy
The key now is flexibility – more than ever before. What this means is:
- Keeping abreast of current trends.
- A “self check” or “self audit” of yourself; write down everything you know and can do (this includes reading, speaking and writing in English.)
- Deliberately investing in improving your level of knowledge and skills; this involves reading a minimum of 30 minutes a day in your chosen fields and other fields of interest.
By doing this, you will become more valuable. When you are seen as more valuable than others, then and only then, can you increase the price that others pay for your knowledge, skills and expertise.
Become adaptable, versatile and flexible while holding on to those things that are important to you. This gives you the best chance of capturing the opportunities that will come your way!
Best success!
Phil
