What does career growth mean to you? Are your views of career advancement compatible with the changes and challenges of The Digital Age?

The Digital Age

Ongoing technological, economic, political and social changes are forcing us to rethink our views of work, success and career advancement.

Today, nothing is certain. The value of work is judged more by personal and job satisfaction and less by money and position. Success means different things to different people. Authenticity is paramount.

The Digital Age is characterized by the gathering and almost instantaneous transmission of vast amounts of information and by the rise of information-based global industries.

Automation continues to alter jobs. More work is done by automatic controls and computerized equipment, and less by their human masters. Emerging positions are in high-tech areas such as the computer and telecommunication industries. Jobs in the environmental and resource industries are accelerating as scientists explore the frontiers of oceans and space. Service jobs like sales representatives, maintenance and repair workers, and home health care aides are increasing. Manufacturing and unskilled labor jobs are decreasing.

Opportunities for creative entrepreneurs abound. New jobs such as brain signal decoder, robotician, business recovery planner, and cybersecurity technician are developing as the need for others diminishes. Creative people find innovative ways of using skills. They can add new skills to existing jobs (retrofitting) or combine skills and functions from different jobs to create new specialties (blending).

A spiritual reawakening is interconnected with the Digital Age. People are questioning the meaning and purpose of their lives. Experts representing diverse disciplines are turning to higher levels of consciousness to expand knowledge. Professionals in fields such as physics, health, psychology and religion are integrating information.

Edgar Mitchell, Apollo Astronaut and co-founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, postulates the world is part of a living, harmonious system. Mitchell and renowned scholars share research to help people realize their potential. Dr. Willis Harman, author of Global Mind Change and human potential pioneer, writes: “No economic, political, or military power can compare with the power of a change of mind. By deliberately changing their images of reality, people are changing the world.”

Thriving in the Digital Age

To succeed in digital times, we need to acquire skills that can’t be easily automated. We would benefit from strengthening Quester traits. Questers are described in my award-winning, groundbreaking book, Questers Dare to Change You Job and Life (6ed, 2015).

In tune with our changing world, Questers adapt by constantly polishing “meta-skills” like problem solving, lifelong learning, research and creativity. They're aware that trust, intuition and ethical leadership are important qualities to develop. In addition to perfecting computer skills, Questers maintain expertise.

We are all born Questers. However, as we mature we may set up barriers to growth that are manifested in expressions of resistance such as fear, denial and delay. Fortunately, we can strengthen these.

- Take responsibility for your career. Learn how to learn. Continuously update technical and professional skills.

- Know yourself. Periodically reassess values and goals. In particular, know your purpose. It's your compass that guides you through chaos. Identify personal and transferable skills. Abilities used in one occupation can be transferred to others.

- Explore compatible options. Investigate jobs in your organization and industry. Explore another field, self employment or the trades. Consider time out, study, travel or volunteer.

- Network. Create opportunities to meet people. Let others know what you want and can offer. Demonstrate how you can make or save money, manage people, improve products or expand markets.

- Strengthen mind power and other adaptive skills. Think and talk positively about what you want. Visualize desired outcomes. Develop openness to ideas, persistence, enthusiasm, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

- Expand horizons. Go beyond borders. Prepare for and welcome the unexpected. Innovate, adapt, explore and seize opportunities. Everything is possible! What's next for you?

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life provides additional ways to advance your career: www.questersdaretochange.com.