Automation – Where Have the Jobs Gone?

An article in January 28, 2013, edition of The Dallas Morning News on page 1A, “Man vs. Machine a Losing Fight”, written by Paul Wiseman, Bernard Condon, and Jonathan Fahey of The Associated Press presents an important message to job seekers and perhaps to job holders as well.  The article’s subtitle is “Millions of workers are becoming obsolete as technology advances.”

The article states that between 2000 and 2010 the following jobs disappeared:

·        1.1 million secretaries

·        64 percent of telephone operators

·        63 percent of typist and word processors

·        46 percent of travel agents

·        26 percent of bookkeepers

As further proof of this trend in the workplace, Fresno, California, had 50 full-time meter readers six years ago and now it has six.  Meter readers’ earnings are up to $67,000 per year. 

The article identifies these factors that are behind this trend:

·        Big data – Improved management decisions using information

·        The cloud – Almost unlimited access to data within an organization at affordable cost

·        Smarter machines – e.g. Voice recognition and voice response

·        Smarter users – e.g. self-banking, online ordering, travel booking

The article continues with more future developments such as driverless cars, trucks, and trains.  But is the continuous move for innovation and technology new?  No, since the industrial revolution productivity resulting in new jobs and the phasing-out of other jobs has been constant.

Here are some suggestions for job seekers:

·         Accept and embrace new methods and tools

·        Evaluate your skills and capitalize on them

·        Get trained

·        Actively pursue job opportunities in your strength areas     

Please share your ideas for job seekers dealing with this age of automation or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn

Entrepreneurs Meet in Dallas

On January 23-24, 2013, over 100 entrepreneurs representing all 50 states met in Dallas at an event sponsored by Score and Sam’s Club.  I had the opportunity to meet with many of these eager and excited individuals and to host a roundtable discussion.

So what are my impressions of this group?  With no exception, they were all passionate about their individual businesses.  Here are some examples of the businesses represented at the conference:

·        Cloud based information system for small business

·        Classes for expectant mot hers and fathers

·        Children’s toy store

·        Ladies clothing store

·        Online fabric store

·        Architect 

·        Wedding Photographer

·        Art appraisal

·        Graphic design

I spent some time with a lady who rented portable storage units to individuals and businesses.  She operates the company from her home.  She has trucks and employees that delivery and pickup the 20 X 8 feet units.  The interesting thing is that she is a mother of four special needs children.  While her husband helps, he also has a full-time job.

Do these entrepreneurial have problems?  Yes, they are seeking ways to get more customers and how to obtain additional financing.  Very little time was spent discussing the economy.  Clearly these individuals are self-starters and dedicated to their businesses.

If you are thinking about becoming an entrepreneurial, I suggest that you choose a business in which you have some experience and a genuine passion.   In addition, you should seek advice from experienced individuals such as SCORE mentors which provide mentoring at no cost.  (http://www.score.org)

Please share your suggestions and experience with individuals who are considering opening their own businesses by commenting in this blog or emailing me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn

Workers Are Optimistic About Career Prospects

Here is some positive news for job seekers in 2013 that was published in the baselinemag.com by Dennis McCafferty: 

More is more. As in, more promotions. More job opportunities. And more raises. Is all of this wishful thinking? Time will tell. But the prevailing sentiment among employees today remains increasingly optimistic about these matters, according to a recent survey from Randstad. The findings cover a vast range of topics, including anticipated compensation, job security, benefits, employer expansion plans and the overall economy. While no one can accuse today's professionals of being Pollyannas, their projections about the year ahead are certainly encouraging. And employers should note that many workers are ready to explore new options if the job market bounces back as they expect. "With the election and economic issues at home and abroad, a cloud of uncertainty had caused many employees to remain skeptical around future jobs and employability in 2012," said Jim Link, managing director of human resources for Randstad US. "Today, we see that employees are very positive about their future prospects. This is why it is so valuable for employers to analyze and understand what motivates their most important asset—talent." More than 3,400 adults took part in the research.

http://www.baselinemag.com/careers/slideshows/workers-are-optimistic-about-career-prospects/?kc=EWKNLCSM01222013STR2

Notice the emphasis on the word talent!  My suggestion to job seekers is to identify your talents and capitalize on them. 

What are your talents?  Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com how you plan to put your talents to work by getting a job!

Thanks, Glyn

Idiom: It's an ill wind that blows no good

There is an old idiom that an ill wind is one that brings no good.  This saying got me thinking about the advances in technology and innovation.  It is certainly true that automation has replaced many jobs with computers and other machines. The automobile and airplane have put many out of work.  There are no longer hitching postings in front of homes.  On the other hand, such innovative products and systems have created many, many jobs for us all.

 

So how should we deal with advancing technologies?  Are they ill winds?  I do not believe that ignoring technological change is a good answer.  Many large companies have tried this approach and are no longer viable.  Think about Block Buster Video and perhaps newspapers and magazines publishers.  Many jobs no longer exist.  Secretarial jobs that type letters from drafts and answer phone calls are part of the past.  Customer self-service with limited interactions with organizational representatives are common, e.g. online ordering.  

 

One key to the success of the new technologies is increased productivity.  How can an organization maximize its output without increasing costs?  Organizations have been able to increase sales and reduce cost by using new techniques and automated systems.  

 

I encourage job seekers to investigate how they can increase their productivity and value to potential employers.  They can master computer skills, learn how to operate advanced testing and manufacturing equipment, and/or become proficient in social networking. 

 

As I have written before in this blog, it is most important that all of us workers stay abreast of the rapidly changes work environments.  There are many job opportunities today that did not exist a few years ago.  

 

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com how you are dealing with the environment of the future.

Thanks, Glyn

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/it%27s+an+ill+wind+that+blows+no+good.html#I5OQPOii6GJz1vS2.99