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Years ago, an episode of a TV show called The Twilight Zone was entitled, “The Man Is Obsolete.”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.

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.

Jobs come and go, as part of the normal economic life-cycle. Some readers may remember “full service” gas stations, where attendants filled your tank and cleaned your windshield, or stores with cashiers and “bag boys,” or banks with tellers. Self-service, ATMs, and other forms of mechanization and automation have rendered many jobs obsolete. Be creative, be persistent, and always keep your eyes on the prize.

Many people fear they will lose their job to mechanization, automation, or technological advances. Experts say we should not worry about Artificial Intelligence- such as robots and computers- replacing us in the nearfuture. They say Artificial Intelligence will make work easier and less mistake-prone, gradually replace us, set the stage for the emergence of new jobs, and force structural changes in the workforce and economy (e.g., four-day work week).

What does the future hold? The federal Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS) projects 8.4 million jobs will be created in the next ten years. This is one-half (50%) of the projected jobs to be permanently lost, due 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 occupation for Ohioans in the coming decade.

In conclusion, as you navigate these uncertain times, remember the parable of the “The Farmer’s Fortune.” It ends with these words: “We’ve all had experiences where the curse turns into a blessing; rejection turns into redirection, and the unanswered prayer is the best thing that could’ve happened to you. It’s important to have foundational beliefs that keep you composed, to appreciate and celebrate the good, and to process trials knowing they soon shall pass.”

William McCoy is founder of and principal consultant with The McCoy Company- a personal services consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, economic development, and training that helps its clients articulate and achieve their visions, solve problems and make decisions, and capitalize on their opportunities. He has served every level of government, foundations, nonprofit and forprofit enterprise, and others. Mr. McCoy is an award-winner, profiled in Who’s Who in the World and elsewhere. You can reach William McCoy at (614) 785-8497 or via e-mail at wmccoy2@themccoycompany. com. You can also visit his website at https:// wmccoy29.wixsite.com/mysite.