Technology is rapidly transforming the world of work and raising fears of exacerbating unemployment. However, new jobs are emerging, old ones are disappearing, and existing roles are evolving. This shift creates opportunities for some but also challenges and frustrations for others. Many people, young and old, are in dire need of a job. How can we cope with these changes, maintain peace and stability, and prepare for the future?
In my opinion, we should actively engage with new technology and learn how to use them successfully and ethically. It is vital to develop skills that will complement machines, such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. These human-centered abilities will enable us to adjust to shifting labour market needs and find meaningful and gratifying jobs.
Nonetheless, technological changes can have both positive and negative impacts on our adaptability. Time and gain, technology has enhanced our skills, knowledge, creativity, and productivity while providing more flexibility and access to information. However, it can also overwhelm, distract, and stress us, creating uncertainty and anxiety about our careers. It requires constant learning and skill updating.
To deal with these changes and prepare for the future, we must not dismiss technology or use it as an excuse to postpone studying. When used intelligently and responsibly, technology may be an extremely effective instrument for human progress. We should be aware of its possible benefits and threats, and make informed, ethical judgments about how to use it in our work and personal life. It is critical to strike a balance between technology use and other areas of well-being (physical, mental, social, and spiritual). This balance will allow us to capitalize on technology opportunities while maintaining our dignity and values.
Instead of focusing on where technology displaces people, we should explore areas where it creates new employment opportunities and prepare for the change. Recognize that technology is not a deterministic force but a human-made and controlled one that we can influence through our choices and actions. We have the power and responsibility to shape technological changes in ways that align with our values and promote human dignity and well-being. By doing so, we can create a future of work that is sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful.
Our adaptability to technological changes depends on factors such as mindset, motivation, resilience, curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. A growth mindset, driven by intrinsic motivation, helps us engage in meaningful activities. Resilience allows us to cope with stress and adversity, curiosity encourages exploration and learning, creativity fosters innovation, and collaboration enables effective teamwork and problem-solving.
Emerging jobs are created or significantly changed by technological advances like artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. New jobs such as data analysts, software developers, digital marketers, cybersecurity specialists, biotechnologists, and nanotechnologists emerge with these technologies. These roles require a mix of technical, cognitive, and social skills, along with the ability to learn and adapt quickly.
When looking for a new career, it is important to establish one’s own abilities, interests and values. Alternatively, seek expert advice, enrol in online courses, create a portfolio, network with professionals, apply for internships or volunteer opportunities, and maintain a flexible and open mindset. This method will assist you in developing relevant skills, broadening your network, and embracing the difficulties and opportunities of new positions.
Several key areas of opportunity can lead to emerging jobs. For example, the green economy which seeks to address climate change and environmental degradation, demands workers in renewable energy, clean transportation, sustainable agriculture, and other green sectors. The International Labour Organization estimates that transitioning to a low-carbon economy could create 24 million new jobs by 2030 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving human health.
The ever-expanding care economy, encompassing health, education, social work, and personal assistance, requires human skills and empathy that machines cannot replace. Factors like an aging population, chronic diseases, and expanding education increase the demand for care workers. The World Health Organization estimates a 40% growth in the global health workforce by 2030, creating 40 million new health-related jobs.
Technology also fosters creativity and innovation, leading to new occupations and industries in the creative economy—media, entertainment, design, arts, and fashion. This sector generates economic value and social benefits, promoting diversity and inclusion. According to recent (2024) the UN estimates, the cultural and creative industries account for 3.1% of global GDP and 6.2% of employment worldwide. The creative economy industries generate annual revenues of over $2 trillion and account for nearly 50 million jobs worldwide.
The digital economy offers opportunities for workers with digital skills to perform tasks involving information, communication, or computation. Jobs in this sector include software developers, data analysts, web designers, digital marketers, and e-commerce operators. It also enables new work modes like freelancing, online platforms, and gig work, offering more flexibility and autonomy. The World Economic Forum predicts that 133 million new roles may emerge due to the new division of labour between humans, machines, and algorithms.
Finally, is the development and expansion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that is vital for economic growth and social development could provide meaningful employment opportunities, especially for women and youth, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. However, it needs to be digitalized to overcome existing barriers and improve productivity, quality, and competitiveness. As a result, create new jobs requiring higher-level skills in programming, maintenance, and management.
Therefore, we need to balance the opportunities and challenges of technology and find ways to make it work for us, not against us. We need to be proactive, resilient, and lifelong learners who can navigate the complex and dynamic world of work. Technology can be a powerful tool for human development, but only if we use it wisely and responsibly.
