Hardwired adaptability

When our phase changes, so must our approach. Rebecca Minkoff

When Minkoff wrote this statement, she was talking about her reality with kids and balancing work/family time. Her words ring true regardless of what changes you are facing in your life. Whether you are transitioning from high school to university or nearing retirement, it is important to reflect on the changes necessary with this transition.  ​

The future is here

There is currently a lot of talk about what the future will look like.

• Which jobs will be eliminated?
• What are the skills that future jobs will require?
• Will the robots take over or will new jobs be created?
• How will changes in technology affect current position requirements?
• When will the new jobs be created?

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And just like everyone else, you are thinking

• Will you be ready?
• How do you prepare for a job market that is unpredictable/unfamiliar? 
• ​What skills should you be developing?

Whatever you do, do NOT panic

Looking at this list of questions is enough to get you in a mad panic to prepare for a future career or next job.

First and foremost, you have to accept that the world is entering a new phase. Many experts are predicting doom and gloom. However, I assure you that with the right attitude, these predictions can be reversed in your favour. You have your whole life ahead of you and you cannot (and really should not) live it hiding in your own bubble or the bubble of the pandemic. 

A positive attitude starts by contemplating your personal options. Working (for yourself or someone else) has many benefits including having the cash flow to buy whatever you want for yourself and others. Working gives you a reason to wake up every day and something to look forward to. You may add your own reasons here for working...Truth is that you will find work!

A new phase

It is very important to keep in mind that not only is the world entering a new phase but that you too need to adapt to the changes that the new phase will bring. Whether you are just entering the workforce or transitioning to a new career, now is the time to alter your preconceived ideas of work. Your current skills may still get you a job or help you start a new career and this is great. However, if you feel that there are no jobs out there that match your skills, then it is time for a new approach. It is time to hardwire adaptability into your routine.

Photo credit Hoda Kilani

What is hardwired adaptability?

A hardwired and reframed approach guarantees an easy adjustment to the new world of work. It entails looking at your current skills from a new perspective. For example, if you have a been a leader in an IT company for many years, you have developed leadership skills that can be taken to another field. Or if you love playing tennis and have experience leading summer tennis camps, you can easily use your summer camp organizational skills in other summer camps in-person or online.

A reframed approach requires you to embrace learning new skills by anticipating requirements for new job opportunities. For instance, if you are switching between companies within the same field you will need to familiarize yourself with the new company’s mission, values and way of doing things. Or if you just completed your university degree with no working experience, you can search your dream job postings for skills you do not have and seek opportunities to develop them. 

Final point

Remember (and I have detailed this in previous blog posts) that there is unanimous agreement on the value of transferable skills. Think of hardwired adaptability as one of the key skills required for the jobs of the future. Your ability to reframe, change your career course or adjust to new expectations will guarantee that you will be able to change your approach as the world inconspicuously enters a new unfamiliar phase.

Are you ready? Great, it is time to get started! Uncertain?? Ask questions in the comment section, DM for 1:1 chats or check our Events page for workshops on the topic. It really is TIME to get on the hardwired adaptability train.