"Working on Monday"- Are You Training for The Future?

I was asked to do an interview with a local news station.  WDIV News 4 selected me to discuss the President's State of the Union Address and my reactions as an unemployed American.  I was humbled, nervous and excited.  I had to arrive at the at 5:45am, know the presidents speech and look good!  I have a new respect for early morning news casters. 

President Obama's speech was inspiring.  As a blogger, I look to the internet for the continued success of my blog.  The President's message to me... I am going in the right direction.  His continued emphasis on information technology seem solid.  President Obama also made it clear that research, education and energy would be significant strategies to ensure employment.  The world is changing.  The work place is becoming virtual and manufacturing plants are producing different types of products.

I am a 40 year old woman with many work years ahead of me.  Not only is the workplace changing but the entire infrastructure is being re-molded.  Are you training for the future?  If you are lucky enough to be working in an auto factory, are you looking at different products to assemble, make and produce?  If you are a gas station owner are you educating yourself on alternative forms of fuel?  If you are a secretary, are you learning how to become a virtual assistant online?  If you do not prepare yourself for the forward movement of the world, where will you be tomorrow?

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video begins at 8 second mark

Changing careers or navigating a new direction can be very difficult.  The challenges are even greater if you are comfortable and are forced to move.  If you are a working adult of any age know your options and train for the future.  Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1. Research your current field of employment or interest.  See where it is going and if it has the ability to manifest in the future.  Find out how the job may change and prepare a plan to get the needed training.  If there is not a lot of information available you may have to predict the outcome based on jobs that directly effect your own.
2. Read up on information technology, energy and biomedical technology.  You certainly do not have to be an expert in these fields, but be aware of what is happening in the world.  See how these areas will effect your future career plans. 
3. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket.  If you anticipate your job will be around for the next 200 years, still learn new skills.  The only guarantee we have in life is change.  Transitions are much easier when you have another means of making a living. 
4. Try to remain optimistic.  These are some very difficult times for many people.  Although we have a future direction, today can still be daunting.  Review your goals and plans to find employment or transfer to another career.  If you need to make adjustments, it is okay.  It is best to be flexible.  If you do not have a plan, review "Working on Monday" parts 1 through 5.  It is an excellent guide to help you plan and prepare for your career.  
5. You can compete in the future, even if you do not like or were never good in school.  The thought of going to any type of training is difficult for many people.  They feel as if they are unable to learn or hate training.  Adult education is very different from high school.  The instructors are generally very understanding.  They will work with you and help you achieve your goals.  If you have to take a college course or earn a degree, you can do it too!  Take advantage of tutoring services and have confidence in yourself.  All things are possible, even education!  

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Until next Monday...