Unfortunately for some and fortunately for others, some industries are failing while others are becoming more automated. This can result in massive savings for some companies and highly profitable opportunities for new industries that take advantage of evolving technologies. The biggest problem with this kind of evolution in our society is unemployment.
With new technology, labor is less needed and old industries are becoming obsolete, hence the term technological unemployment. A lot of people have a problem with this progression in society, but don’t know how to address it.
Technological Progress is Unstoppable
Technology has a life of it’s own. Innovation is influenced perpetually by current technology and will always continue to grow. It’s a mistake to get mad about technological progress and try to stand in it’s way. You can’t stop it, you can only slow it down. Uber is better than the conventional taxi services. They tried pushing Uber out, but no matter what they do, it’s not going to happen. All they’ve done was slow it down, but the inevitable was still coming.
With new technology, Uber was able to take the old taxi business model and reform it to one that fits with the current times and technologies. Uber was the natural progression to regular taxi companies. Self driving vehicles will be the natural progression to drivers. It’s just evolution.
Getting mad at this process is something we sometimes can’t help, but we can control our actions. Picketing or getting emotionally attached to an old business model is going to make life that much harder for you.
How to Cope with Technological Unemployment and the Impending Doom of your Industry
Not all industries will suffer the same. Service industries are the last ones standing, but like I mentioned above, some of those jobs are still at risk. If you’re a truck driver, you’re going to have to worry about autonomous driving trucks replacing you. What can you do about this and what should you do?
The first step is to stay informed. Keep up to date with tech blogs and other publications that pertain to your industry. You’ll want to know ahead of time if your industry is starting to fade slowly. Also, staying informed can give you the relevant data to make smarter forecasts of future shortcomings in your industry.
The second step is to learn a new skill or trade. At least think about it. The tech field, especially AI is booming. If you’re good with your hands, you might want to consider engineering of some sort. Either way, have a plan B for the next transition or evolution in the world. Otherwise, you’ll just become obsolete along with your only skill.
The last step is don’t fight it. Fighting the change or putting up any resistance is a waste of time. You could be using that time to grow and evolve into a new industry. Like I said above. Technological evolution is inevitable so your resistance is futile. Spend that energy doing what’s most effective for you and your family. Instead of fighting change, embrace it, grow with it and allow it to benefit you!
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