The world has turn upside-down in the 4th wave of Covid-19. Along with the rise of mobile and hybrid working come unprecedented shifts in the world of work, all thanks to AI and robotization. A report by McKinsey Global Institute predicts that 25% of the American workforce could lose their job to automation by 2030. Although slower, by no means can Vietnam run away from the same future.
Old school mottos like “earn a degree, choose a career, work hard, be steady” are now dead. What’s the new motto to navigate your career through the storm, then?
1. Redefine yourself and your goals – What’s waiting for you in the new future?
Journeys always start with a clear “from” and “to” point. The same rule is true for career paths. First and foremost, self-assessment is the vital part, but it’s not easy for anyone to objectively re-evaluate themselves, even for veteran executives. That’s when assessment quizzes come in. Try some simple and common tests like DISC, MBTI first for a better gauge of your personality, working style, and motivations that drive you ahead. If you prefer a deeper and holistic approach to self-assessment, we recommend taking the Cubiks 360 or the PAPI test.
The other half of a journey is the right destination. Although the future is unpredictable, we can always observe all possibilities and decide what’s down the road for us. Look for a destination, a goal, a piece of the pie, or whatever you call it. But the goal is to have a goal.
2. Align your skill with the goal – in a timeline
You had a map, an “A” and a “B” point. Now draw the path. How can you get from A to B? Do you need a boat, a motorbike, or a plane? Well, it depends on the terrain, of course.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report states that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025, as the adoption of technology increases. Here’re the top 10 skills needed in 2025: Analytical thinking and innovation, active learning, complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, technology use, programming, stress tolerance and flexibility, reasoning and ideation.
In Vietnam, Q2/2021 saw the rise in new job openings in E-commerce and Fin-tech, while the manufacturing industry (I.e. engineering, electronics, mechanics, and chemical) is still actively hiring.
It’s up to you how to align these skills and market demands to reach your goals, but never forget to bind the path with a timeline to avoid procrastination.
3. Build your networks
No matter how many robots we might have in the future, at the end of the day, the world is built by humans, for humans. In terms of hard skills, you will need to compete with robots. But unlike robots, humans always need a sense of belonging and affiliation. Developing a strong network not only gives you better chances of getting the right jobs but also provides mental company throughout the journey.
Last but not least, look for quality in the network, not just quantity. Maintain strong bonds with your family, friends, and coworkers first, before reaching out to other groups.
4. Brace yourself for the challenges
It’s undeniable that we’re in the era of VUCA - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. So, don’t expect a plain and smooth journey ahead. Brace yourself for ups and downs, be mentally prepared for unprecedented things to come the way they did in the previous year. Stay strong and calm, but don’t hesitate to seek external assistance when needed. If you ever think of a recruitment partner or a career coach, just drop our expert a message.
5. Juggling multiple career paths
There’s an old saying in the financial world that stays true for career development these days: “Never put all your eggs in one basket”.
Juggling more than two careers at once is not rare anymore. Particularly in Vietnam, we’ve seen entrepreneurs hustling as TV show guests and book authors, professionals creating their own training courses, or white-collar workers in IT, Marketing, Accountant, etc. pursue freelancing gigs.
Harvard Business Reviews even published a research on why people should have more than one career:
- It subsidizes your skill development;
- Grow your network in multiple circles;
- Discover real innovations.
Of course, this strategy is not a must for everyone, but if you’ve looking for a way to lower career and financial risk in the future, why not give it a try!
The pandemic taught us a good lesson about the fickleness of the world. Although seemingly frightening, in the end, it gives us a valuable chance to look back on ourselves, redefine our priorities, and seek limitless possibilities in the future.
If you need help. We’re here for you.