Introducing FutureSkill 2.0

Alina Okun, Pablo Picasso Inspired, Midjourney (2024)

If you're reading this, it's likely because you’ve either subscribed to one of my previous newsletters or signed up on my website for updates.

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What kinds of careers will we have in the future?

I think about this question every single day. I also regularly interview experts, authors, and CEOs to get a sense of what's coming.

Where are we today?

Before discussing the future, let's take stock of where we are today. The phrase “future of work” is a bit misleading. It suggests something in the future, but much of it is already happening now.

In the upcoming Harvard Business Review book, Employment Is Dead: How Disruptive Technologies Are Revolutionizing the Way We Work, Deborah Perry Piscione lays out the facts.

When I interviewed Deborah, I asked her if the traditional 9-5 work model was obsolete. Her answer was an unequivocal yes.

“The death knell is ringing for the antiquated 9-to-5 grind and Taylorism's robotic approach to work. This industrial-era relic is not just fading—it's plummeting into obsolescence at breakneck speed…This isn't just change—it's a revolution in how we define productivity, success, and the very essence of work itself. Those clinging to these outdated paradigms aren't just behind the curve—they're in danger of becoming fossils in the new world of work. The future is here, and it's demanding nothing less than a complete reimagining of when, where, and how we contribute our talents and passions to the world.”

You can read the entire interview here.

Many are realizing the shocking reality that highly skilled and educated professionals are losing their jobs.

Unlike the 2008 financial crisis, when the entire financial system was on the brink of collapse, and companies were cutting jobs to survive, today’s job losses are different. Technology and Gen Z's entry into the workforce are the driving forces behind this rapid redefinition of work.

A recent IBM study found that nearly 50% of CEOs expect to reduce or redeploy their workforce in the next 12 months because of generative AI.

While this may seem like an exaggeration, I believe this number is actually low. In informal conversations with CEOs, they tell me straight out that they’re testing AI tools to drastically cut their current headcount.

What now? 

If everything we've learned about work is obsolete, what do we do now?

I'm relaunching this newsletter to address that very question.

I do not want you to be scared of what is to come - I want you to be prepared. You have more control over your professional future and more choices than ever before. You just have to know where to look.

My goal for this newsletter is to share the skills you will need to succeed in the future.

First Step

Let’s set you up for success. 

Make a promise to yourself: “I will learn something new each day, no matter how small.” Avoid divisive, toxic news. Instead, seek out information that expands your world.

The traditional education and work model assumes that learning stops after school. You might occasionally read industry news or leadership tactics, but that's often the extent of most people’s additional skill development. Limiting your knowledge to one field is dangerous.

In the past, people with rare knowledge were highly valued. Today, knowledge is a commodity. Anyone with a computer can access any knowledge they want.

People with rare knowledge are still needed, but their value has diminished by the latest technological advances. Jacob Morgan, a bestselling author and futurist, summarized it best:

“Staying relevant in today's ever-changing world requires continuous learning.”

He talks about the N+1 concept. Imagine you are currently "Version N" of yourself. Your goal should always be "Version N+1"—a better, updated version. Too many people are content with remaining “Version N.” Why upskill if you're already successful?

If you don't continuously improve as the world around you evolves, you'll fall behind, becoming "Version N-1" or worse.

Some call this learning agility—the ability to quickly learn, unlearn, and relearn. It's one of the most crucial skills to have in the future.

But where do you start? What do you learn? How do you fit learning into your busy life? That’s what I will discuss in my weekly publications.

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Job Search Tips

I focus on the future of work, skill development, and career design. I don’t typically discuss job searches, which require a different approach and immediate results.

However, I'm surrounded by brilliant people who offer valuable tips for those looking for work today. Sometimes, I read their tips and think, "I wish more people knew this."

That's why I'll be sharing job search insights from trusted sources. Check out these four posts from this week:

• If you need a job as quickly as possible, apply for jobs in government, education, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. These are the industries that are actively hiring now. Choose smaller companies with less competition. Link

• Leverage weak connections. According to a LinkedIn study, you're 2x more likely to find a job through weak connections vs. strong ones. Link

• A summer internship can lead to a full-time job offer, but only if you know how. Link

• Follow up. I landed two college jobs because I followed up. One hiring manager said, “You’re the only one who followed up after submitting an application. The job is yours.” Read how many follow-ups it took Austin Belcak to hear back from Google. Link

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I’ve been asked if I offer career consulting to guide individuals through these changing times. The answer is yes. Book a 1:1 call here.