For Independent Professionals Building Practice on Their Own Terms

Bullshit jobs, learning and shifting to self-employment

Hello,

The world of work is now an uncertain challenge for all. We're healthier and living longer than any previous generation. Our challenge is to make sure we have the resources to continue the lifestyle we'd like as we age. Hence the focus on work, maybe, into our 80's or even longer.

My mother used to be a secretary, using manual typewriters, then electric. Secretaries are now long gone, replaced by computers and programs.

This week the National Australia Bank announced 4000 jobs will go to spend more on automation and IT. New jobs will be in robotics, AI, and data science. Jobs continue to disappear as the information component of a job gets built into an app or program. We've seen it with manual work where a machine replaces muscle, and now robots.

Bullshit Jobs
David Graeber, an English anthropologist, calls some of those disappearing jobs 'bullshit' jobs. Jobs that have little meaning, take little time to do, are candidates for automation and fill up a week. See David's interview on YouTube: https://wiseprnr.com/2gZH43u

Gig Economy
When older workers lose their jobs, finding comparable work is hard and can take a year or more. It's the reason for the 55 plus age group either setting up their own businesses and or joining the gig economy.

The gig economy is growing. In a sense allowing participants more autonomy and control. But this will depend on what you can do. If unskilled, the gig economy will offer the freedom, but the pay will be low, and there will be competition for work. Think Uber, Airtasker and a range of other online labor platforms.

Transitions, Learning & Expert Knowledge
I've written about making the transition to self-employment while still working. While you are still working it's important to take the opportunity for learning, continuing to build up your expert knowledge and know-how.

Continuous learning, and varying your practice, including changing jobs in your field, helps build deeper expert knowledge. To think and see the patterns, using tacit knowledge to recognise and solve problems. It’s this experience, over time, that develops deep learning. And makes you the expert.

Self Employment
Self-employment does away with 'bullshit' nature of some jobs. But it’s no easy gig. It requires work; a lot when you start out. It will take time and energy away from your current lifestyle. In the long run, it may help take away some of the uncertainty that goes with having a job. The largest benefit is providing for your future self-sufficiency and lifestyle.

More to come on the gig economy. Any thoughts on this?

cheers
Nigel Rawlins
Wisepreneurs

Working with Experts
As you know I now work with professional women who are experts in their field. They have knowledge and know-how from 20 plus years of working in their field. They know how to get things done, but often need help and support with the business and marketing side of things. It's taken me 20 years to to build the knowledge and insight to help them.

I also provide consulting and coaching and run workshops from time to time

Please consider linking up with me on Facebook or twitter
I post interesting articles and ideas that I come across daily
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