Lifelong learning is a top priority in personal development discussions. I firmly believe in revisiting this topic repeatedly. From industrialization to the latest digitalization era, we’ve witnessed significant changes. Though some jobs have been lost, new ones have emerged, like the role of an influencer/content creator โ a career few could have imagined being lucrative.
Adapting to these changing times demands a sharp mind, creativity, and readiness to alter circumstances to remain employable. It’s disheartening to hear individuals over 40 struggle with employment despite having a flawless CV and strong motivation. Recently, a candidate shared their concern about losing job opportunities at 30 due to not being current with the latest state-of-the-art tools and approaches. The pressure is undeniable, but there are methods for keeping your mind active and aligning with job market shifts.
As a hiring manager, here’s my take on maintaining employability at any age.
Our great Liene also held a live Recruiting:112 on this topic ๐๐ผ
Invest time in areas you’re passionate about. Excelling in hobbies or interests can lead to expertise, beneficial even if unrelated to your current profession. This diversification can be advantageous, especially if industry shifts occur.
Stay informed about global events through different media, like podcasts and YouTube. This approach offers fresh perspectives and keeps you updated.
Dedicate regular time for learning new things. For instance, I spend Sunday evenings exploring topics like LinkedIn’s Algorithm, Social Media Selling, AI and Content Creation. This practice of developing new skills enriches my professional approach.
Traditional education, like returning to university, can be time-consuming and costly. Platforms like Google Digital Garage offer free skill development and certification. My favorite course was “The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing.” Also, explore Coursera, Udemy, Lynda, and Skillshare for affordable courses by top university lecturers.
This not only prepares you for travel but also enhances cultural understanding and keeps your brain active. Tools like Babbel are excellent for this.
Stay current with trends like AI, Chatbots, and Blockchain technologies. Understanding these can be crucial for staying relevant.
Dismiss the idea of being ‘too old’ for anything. The only limit is a lack of willingness to learn.
Build a strong personal brand on professional social media, like Xing and LinkedIn. This step is increasingly crucial for job seekers.
Being open to advice from industry experts can be invaluable. “Know it all” mindset not attractive.
Remember, it’s important to balance your eagerness for developing new skills with mental health. Continuous learning should be enjoyable, not a source of stress. Happy learning!
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