BUSINESS
WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK? By William McCoy, MPA Is your job or profession headed for obsolescence or is it part of the wave of the future? Years ago, an episode of a TV show called The Twilight Zone was entitled, “The Man Is Obsolete.” Set in the distant future, the authoritarian state reviewed everyone’s status every one or two years to determine if they were “useful.” The central character (Romney Wordsworth) was asked what his occupation was. He answered, “I am a librarian.” The investigator responded, “A librarian? We have no books, so we have no need for libraries. You are obsolete. Mr. Wordsworth you have no function. You are a ghost from another time.” He was, then, sentenced to “liquidation.” In many ways, the future is now. Cartoons of yesteryear depicted futuristic gadgets that are part of our daily routines. The Jetsons had a television that they used to see and talk to one another. Today, we use cellphones and computers to “FaceTime” with others. How about Dick Tracy’s “two-way wrist-watch” (the inspiration for the “Apple Watch”) or his “compact video surveillance camera,” both of which are ubiquitous today? The list goes on and on. Scientists and inventors are working to bring the future to us, right now. “Artificial Intelligence,” “virtual reality,” robotics, and “agile development” are currently in vogue. Artificial Intelligence, which many associate with computers (think Intel processors), is being used to help people deal with stroke or brain injury, expedite shipping and inventory control, solve business problems and address problems (like combatting COVID-19), and accomplish other purposes too numerous to list here. Virtual Reality (VR) applications are commonplace, as well. VR applications are used to train people for combat, fly airplanes, perform surgical procedures, and many more. VR is being used to entertain, educate, and emotionally (and sexually) comfort people. VR simulations give people the experience of doing something without the consequences of failure. Robotics are increasingly taking over labor-intensive functions, ranging from manufacturing assembly, medical operations and procedures, to cleaning a carpet. Robots can do the work of people without the mistakes. They also are tireless and always do what they are asked. “Agile development” is another concept that has changed the pace of technological change. Agile development is the idea that small, incremental changes can be made to
a process or product without having to wait on the finished or final result. It is most commonly used in connection with the development of computer software.
to the pandemic. The BLS projects servicerelated jobs (especially in health care) will continue to grow. Remember: You only need one job.
The BLS projects the following jobs will experience the greatest growth over the next decade (with annual wage in parenthesis): solar photo-voltaic (solar panel) installers ($42,680), wind turbine service technicians ($54,370), home health aides ($24,4200), personal care aides ($24,020), occupational therapy assistants ($60,220), information security analysts ($98,350), physicians’ assistants ($108,610), statisticians ($87,780), nurse practitioners ($107,030), and speech language pathologists ($77,510). The BLS identified physicians’ assistants, which require a master’s degree, as the best Jobs come and go, as part of the normal occupation for Ohioans in the coming decade. economic life-cycle. Some readers may remember “full service” gas stations, where In conclusion, as you navigate these uncertain attendants filled your tank and cleaned your times, remember the parable of the “The windshield, or stores with cashiers and “bag Farmer’s Fortune.” It ends with these words: boys,” or banks with tellers. Self-service, “We’ve all had experiences where the curse turns into a blessing; rejection turns into ATMs, and other forms of mechanization redirection, and the unanswered prayer is and automation have rendered many jobs the best thing that could’ve happened to you. obsolete. Be creative, be persistent, and It’s important to have foundational beliefs always keep your eyes on the prize. that keep you composed, to appreciate and celebrate the good, and to process trials Many people fear they will lose their job to knowing they soon shall pass.” mechanization, automation, or technological advances. Experts say we should not worry William McCoy is founder of and principal about Artificial Intelligence- such as robots consultant with The McCoy Company- a and computers- replacing us in the near- personal services consulting firm specializing future. They say Artificial Intelligence will in strategic planning, economic development, make work easier and less mistake-prone, and training that helps its clients articulate and achieve their visions, solve problems gradually replace us, set the stage for the and make decisions, and capitalize on their emergence of new jobs, and force structural opportunities. He has served every level of changes in the workforce and economy (e.g., government, foundations, nonprofit and forfour-day work week). profit enterprise, and others. Mr. McCoy is an award-winner, profiled in Who’s Who in What does the future hold? The federal the World and elsewhere. You can reach Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS) projects William McCoy at (614) 785-8497 or via 8.4 million jobs will be created in the next e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany. ten years. This is one-half (50%) of the com. You can also visit his website at https:// projected jobs to be permanently lost, due wmccoy29.wixsite.com/mysite. What are you going to do if you are among the 40 million unemployed? This is a moment of decision for those who must find workparticularly if your job is permanently lost. It would be wise to focus on industries and jobs that are projected to grow rather than decline. Changing careers may require getting re-trained or going back to school. If this is not something you want to do, get creative in your job search and the use of your skill set. You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you may be able to trick a new dog with an old one.
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The Columbus & Dayton News African American • June 2020 The Columbus African American Journal • February 2015
