Where Will All the Workers Go? by Nouriel Roubini – Project Syndicate

The social self. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Are you worried about work, for yourself, partner, children or perhaps grand-children? Then you must read this article by Nouriel Roubini, published in Project Syndicate.

via Where Will All the Workers Go? by Nouriel Roubini – Project Syndicate.

So what’s the advice of an old grey-board, like myself?

Firstly, education is still vastly important. Look at unemployment statistics across the world, unemployment is always much higher for the least educated. BUT, choosing the right education and subject specialization is still critical. Also where you live, in terms of state-education is paramount.

Secondly, be prepared to seriously re-skill. In terms of skills, apply some brainstorming. Imagine that you lose your job because you’re surplus to requirements or you have an industrial injury – increasingly many people can’t cope and it leads to drink, drugs or mental illness. So try to take some courses that spread your risk. Language courses are a great choice but try to match it to potential work opportunities. Practical training is always helpful too – by this I mean doing things with your hands not just your brain. You can save money by doing jobs yourself. Perhaps, you can consider a micro-business if you are down on your luck?

Thirdly, you must to your homework on technology development and how it will impact your job, career, industry etc. Remember the lower your education and skill-set, the higher the risk. Try to think laterally. If you have a pleasant, outgoing personality what about enhancing your selling skills?

Fourthly, think about taking some time out and re-inventing yourself. My wife and I are passionate independent travelers – travel will deepen your experience of life and gives you new ideas. Apart from anything else, you will meet new people.

Fifthly, you will probably need help from an independent and experienced mentor. Here there are a number of options. Pay top Dollar for an expensive branded solution. Rely on a trusted friend or family member but they’re not truly independent. Look up the latest trends on the internet and rely on social media – the problem here is that they are all peddling something and will try to hook you. My advice is to go for an old grey-beard like myself or John Gelmini – we are always happy to share our expertise.

Thoughts?