What to do when you love your job…and it’s becoming obsolete

One of the hardest scenarios for a worker to accept is being in a job that is meaningful and rewarding, then having it pulled away as the skill or position becomes obsolete. In the advancing age of technology, this is becoming commonplace. While the loss of a loved job can be upsetting, there are certain things an employee can do to put oneself in an admirable position as the inevitable changes in a workplace begin to take shape.

Change is inevitable

By design, many of us are creatures of habit. We put our pants on a preferred leg first on a daily basis, brush our teeth using a familiar routine, drive to work using the same route, etc.

While many of us grow defensive at the prospect of change, it is also true that the more successful employees are those who maintain numerous skills and accept change as part of the changing workplace. This allows for a more stable transition when a change is made. In the case of a job becoming obsolete, one must be aware of the future prospects for the job. Staying informed to trends in one’s industry and company is a way to prepare for any pending change.

This ability to “see around the corner” is a great skill to develop whether one is a worker or manager. It is better to be prepared for future change ahead of one’s colleagues.

Stay Positive and Adaptable

Regardless of internal strife, it is always best to project a positive attitude. Instead of looking at your obsolete job as an inconvenience, view the situation as an opportunity for change, a chance to develop new skills and gain professional training. Taking advantage of training in the present may keep a worker employed in the future. Show a willingness to adapt and always keep a positive mindset. This can go a long way in separating a worker from negative colleagues, which is a trait that bodes well in the eyes of supervisors.

Gain New Skills

Having the ability to “look around the corner” also includes having the skills to predict which jobs will be desirable in the future. As an employee, one should take advantage of every opportunity to learn new skills, especially technology-based tasks. Staying a step ahead of co-workers leads to more chances to obtain future positions with the company. Engaging in professional training, especially on a voluntary basis, shows a willingness to improve, and completing skill-based courses makes a worker more valuable to a business during a period of change. It also opens doors for the worker whose job is becoming obsolete.

Network

As the adage says, it is “who you know.” Maintaining an open network of colleagues and co-workers can prove to be valuable when one’s job becomes obsolete. In order to possess the ability to “see around the corner,” one must keep in contact with present connections. This does not mean sharing office gossip, but rather an open exchange of ideas. Staying involved with professional associations and networking groups (i.e. LinkedIn) is a great way to see what others in one’s profession are doing, particularly during a period of job change.