New World of Work
Sometimes people expect that they will get one job and stay there for their entire work life. Or they expect their employers to take care of them. Be prepared for the new world of work.
The Job Market
- More jobs call for a degree or training past high school.
- In order to remain competitive, everyone needs to keep his or her job search skills up to date.
- Job seekers compete for jobs with people all over the world. Employers can move to another country. More workers can/are willing to live away from their work.
Relationship between Employers and Employees
- Employees tend to change jobs every few years. Each move offers more skills and opportunities.
- Layoffs are more common during a recession and/or when a business is in trouble financially. Workers see employers as customers. Full time employees act as contractors. Part-time positions are more common.
- Employees take their retirement plans with them when they change jobs. Employees are in charge of their own retirement plans.
Employment Realities
- Workers have many jobs in many occupations throughout their lifetime.
- Workers create their own career paths.
- Job duties change more often or match projects. Employers want workers who think for themselves, are flexible, and participate in continuous learning.
- More jobs are in the service or knowledge industries. Workers need to be creative. They need to provide good customer service and technical skills.
- Employees might work full time or part time. They might be short-term or contract workers. They may work for more than one company at once.
- Employees need to work hard and take charge of their own career goals. They get pay and training from many employers. Employees expand their field of knowledge from various sources.
- A successful job search is more dependent on the use of online job listings and finding hidden jobs using your network of personal contacts.
- During a recession be prepared to accept a job that offers less pay and/or limited opportunities for growth and advancement.
