In our last post we talked about basic income and why we may need it some day. There will always be jobs however, so what will the jobs of the future look like? Will they be dependent on computers, or will labor jobs like construction still be a stable path for jobs? We can get some ideas from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They publish the Occupational Outlook Handbook which uses statistical analysis to look at jobs now and in the future. |
Not surprisingly, the most growth is predicted to be in Healthcare. This is driven by many factors, including aging population and programs like the Affordable Healthcare Act.
Service related careers are also expected to grow. Both retail and food preparation jobs are predicted to add over 300,000 jobs in the next ten years. This should mean a healthy job pool for at least the next few decades. Of course the question becomes, what will jobs of the future really be like?
I think if we could go forward 50-years, we would find a very different work environment than we have now. Computer automation and artificial intelligence will have replaced the need for human workers in many areas. Some may even be surprising, like doctors.
Perhaps jobs of the future will focus more on leisure and life-enjoyment. They may also be hyper-focused on quality. Healthcare is a prime example of this. Automation will not only make our health better, but it will make the healthcare providers more profitable. Workers with healthcare certifications in quality management will most likely have an advantage that other workers do not.
It will be critical for the college students of today to focus on the future. Far more than their parents ever had to. College degrees won’t be enough. Having a marketable skill coupled with education and people-skills will be most valuable.
Service related careers are also expected to grow. Both retail and food preparation jobs are predicted to add over 300,000 jobs in the next ten years. This should mean a healthy job pool for at least the next few decades. Of course the question becomes, what will jobs of the future really be like?
I think if we could go forward 50-years, we would find a very different work environment than we have now. Computer automation and artificial intelligence will have replaced the need for human workers in many areas. Some may even be surprising, like doctors.
Perhaps jobs of the future will focus more on leisure and life-enjoyment. They may also be hyper-focused on quality. Healthcare is a prime example of this. Automation will not only make our health better, but it will make the healthcare providers more profitable. Workers with healthcare certifications in quality management will most likely have an advantage that other workers do not.
It will be critical for the college students of today to focus on the future. Far more than their parents ever had to. College degrees won’t be enough. Having a marketable skill coupled with education and people-skills will be most valuable.