15 answers
Jacob
Student
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
868 views
How would you pursue a career in an area of employment where the future of the career isn't ensured?
We can't see into the future, but we can predict it. How would someone pursue a career where the future is unsure? Should the person change their career choice?
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15 answers
Melanie Anderson
Associate Director
46
Answers
Elmont, New York
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hi Jacob!
I totally get why you're worried. The world keeps changing with all the new technology and automation. It might seem like jobs are disappearing, but that's not always the case. I work at Verizon, the phone company. When I started about 30 years ago, people thought we wouldn't last, but now we're ranked 31 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list. We didn't just stick to phone services; we moved into internet and cable TV. Plus, the wireless market grew, and we made smart moves and partnerships to become a global company. Good leaders can plan for changes and find new paths. While some jobs, like elevator operators, are gone, many jobs don't just vanish—they evolve with technology.
Hope this helps!
I totally get why you're worried. The world keeps changing with all the new technology and automation. It might seem like jobs are disappearing, but that's not always the case. I work at Verizon, the phone company. When I started about 30 years ago, people thought we wouldn't last, but now we're ranked 31 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list. We didn't just stick to phone services; we moved into internet and cable TV. Plus, the wireless market grew, and we made smart moves and partnerships to become a global company. Good leaders can plan for changes and find new paths. While some jobs, like elevator operators, are gone, many jobs don't just vanish—they evolve with technology.
Hope this helps!
Matilde Soto
Project Manager
6
Answers
Canton, Michigan
Updated
Matilde’s Answer
The truth is, no career is ever 100% certain, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t pursue it—especially if you're passionate about it. It's important to focus on job security, but also focus on the skills you’ll gain along the way.
Even if a particular job role changes or becomes less common, the skills you develop—like critical thinking, adaptability, communication, problem-solving, or tech literacy—will always be valuable and can transfer into other roles or industries.
Also, stay curious and flexible. Learn how your field is evolving, pick up complementary skills, and keep networking. That way, you're not just tied to a single job title—you’re building a foundation that allows you to pivot when needed.
So no, you don’t have to change your career choice just because the future is unclear. Instead, pursue it with a plan to grow continuously. Careers are no longer linear—they’re built through experiences, and every step contributes to your professional maturity.
Even if a particular job role changes or becomes less common, the skills you develop—like critical thinking, adaptability, communication, problem-solving, or tech literacy—will always be valuable and can transfer into other roles or industries.
Also, stay curious and flexible. Learn how your field is evolving, pick up complementary skills, and keep networking. That way, you're not just tied to a single job title—you’re building a foundation that allows you to pivot when needed.
So no, you don’t have to change your career choice just because the future is unclear. Instead, pursue it with a plan to grow continuously. Careers are no longer linear—they’re built through experiences, and every step contributes to your professional maturity.
Leila Vono
Operational Manager
4
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Leila’s Answer
Hi Jacob,
This question is important not just for students planning their careers, but also for those already working. The world is changing fast, and technology offers new ways to do business.
Focus on finding what you're good at and what makes you happy. Look for opportunities around you that solve people's problems. Keep a growth mindset—remember, there's always more to learn, and being open to new experiences is key. Stay flexible to adapt and overcome challenges quickly.
Wishing you all the best!
This question is important not just for students planning their careers, but also for those already working. The world is changing fast, and technology offers new ways to do business.
Focus on finding what you're good at and what makes you happy. Look for opportunities around you that solve people's problems. Keep a growth mindset—remember, there's always more to learn, and being open to new experiences is key. Stay flexible to adapt and overcome challenges quickly.
Wishing you all the best!
Kris Ostvoll
Technology Consultant
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kris’s Answer
Rather than focusing on "I think I want to do X job/career," try to think about what it is about your skills/interests/passions that makes you interested in that job or career path. Focusing on your strengths and interests isn't a guarantee that you will find a job that gives you everything you want, but it will definitely make it easier. Furthermore, if you are able to distill what about a career path excites you, you will also be able to see how those threads connect to ostensibly unrelated types of work. That kind of thinking will help you set up for a dynamic lifetime of work where you are ready to seize good opportunities when they come along.
Monique Sonne
Administrative Consultant
3
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Monique’s Answer
Hi Jacob,
That's a great question that I think people in any career are thinking about these days. The job market is constantly evolving , but I think that as long as you keep learning and stay adaptable and continue building your skillset you will always succeed!
I think the key is to stay flexible and proactive!
Keep building transferable skills in the things you're interested in
Network and gain experience through internships, part time work, or side projects.
Stay informed about trends and changes in the field you're interested in so you can adapt or pivot if needed
No matter where the future leads keep following your interests and carve your own path!
That's a great question that I think people in any career are thinking about these days. The job market is constantly evolving , but I think that as long as you keep learning and stay adaptable and continue building your skillset you will always succeed!
I think the key is to stay flexible and proactive!
Keep building transferable skills in the things you're interested in
Network and gain experience through internships, part time work, or side projects.
Stay informed about trends and changes in the field you're interested in so you can adapt or pivot if needed
No matter where the future leads keep following your interests and carve your own path!
Stacey Lane
Accounting
4
Answers
Owasso, Oklahoma
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
Hi Jacob!
I think you should still pursue your career choice. You always want to align your career with what makes you happy as you will spend most of your time there. Many people complete a degree/tech school/etc. then end up doing something that has nothing to do with that. The world is always evolving. There may be unknown opportunities for you out there!
I think you should still pursue your career choice. You always want to align your career with what makes you happy as you will spend most of your time there. Many people complete a degree/tech school/etc. then end up doing something that has nothing to do with that. The world is always evolving. There may be unknown opportunities for you out there!
Ernesto Longhin
Psychologist
10
Answers
Mendoza, Mendoza Province, Argentina
Updated
Ernesto’s Answer
Hello Jacob,
Your question is the common denominator of many students of your age.
There is a predominant sense of anxiety and fear about whether the career they choose will have job prospects.
I think it's important to help you think more realistically.
My extensive experience guiding people in deciding their career paths is what underpins everything I have started to tell you in the paragraphs above.
It is a mistake to choose a professional career thinking about whether there will be job opportunities or if there will be a job market for that career. Why? Because the first thing you need to have in mind is what career you would like to pursue. What type of career do you FEEL CALLED to? What skills do you have for which career? First, answer these questions. Answer these questions with complete honesty. THEN, there is no path, the path is made by walking! There will always be a job market for the career you choose.
Before choosing a career (if you haven't chosen one yet), you need to observe its job market, BUT FIRST your starting point has to be the answer to the question WHO AM I? WHAT DO I WANT TO DO? WHAT DO I LIKE TO DO? WHAT DO I FEEL I AM GOOD FOR? Then, what university degree should I study to unleash everything I feel I can do in life? Once you answer all these fundamental questions with total and absolute honesty, you will begin your studies, AND ONLY DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR STUDIES will you get to know many more job fields and job markets that the career you chose will enable you to enter. During your studies, you need to keep an eye on the job market available for your career and your professional work. And if there start to be some obstacles or dark clouds in the job market for your career, NEVER, NEVER EVER abandon the career you chose. Why? Because if that career you chose REALLY INTERESTS YOU AND IS WHAT YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE, then it is time to explore market niches. The job market has niches that are often unexplored by most people pursuing this or that career. There is the next skill you need to develop during your studies: researching market niches, that is, areas of the job market where perhaps you and a few others are capable of performing your professional tasks.
Don't ask your career to give you a job market. It's the other way around; with your knowledge and research of the job market, you will find that place YOU HAVE TO GO TO BY DOING IT YOURSELF.
I'm going to give you a concrete example. Did Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman know they were going to be outstanding actors when they were studying acting? I don't think so. They both shared a very humble apartment but continued studying what they wanted, which was acting. And they auditioned and auditioned; they never gave up, nor did they quit despite the adversities. Why? Because they evidently liked it, they were passionate about acting. Until one day, guess what? Dustin Hoffman got the opportunity to audition for an independent film: The Graduate. Not only was he chosen, but he shot to stardom. He became a Hollywood star.
Another example. Steve Jobs received an honorary degree from a university. But he never went to college. He dedicated himself to what he was passionate about. And he himself recounted that there were moments in his life when he had no idea what his life would become. He went through hunger and hardship. Until he found the place that catapulted him to what we know him as today. When he received that honorary title, he said, Life is like a dotted line that, when you travel along it, you don't know what you are drawing, but when you look back, you realize that what you drew made perfect sense.
I could give you more examples, but stick with this message: Dream of what you want to BE, and NEVER, NEVER give up.
Each person makes their own path. And there are as many paths as there are humans on the planet. There are no two paths that are the same.
I hope everything I wrote to you didn't bore you and that it is useful for you.
I wish you the best.
Your question is the common denominator of many students of your age.
There is a predominant sense of anxiety and fear about whether the career they choose will have job prospects.
I think it's important to help you think more realistically.
My extensive experience guiding people in deciding their career paths is what underpins everything I have started to tell you in the paragraphs above.
It is a mistake to choose a professional career thinking about whether there will be job opportunities or if there will be a job market for that career. Why? Because the first thing you need to have in mind is what career you would like to pursue. What type of career do you FEEL CALLED to? What skills do you have for which career? First, answer these questions. Answer these questions with complete honesty. THEN, there is no path, the path is made by walking! There will always be a job market for the career you choose.
Before choosing a career (if you haven't chosen one yet), you need to observe its job market, BUT FIRST your starting point has to be the answer to the question WHO AM I? WHAT DO I WANT TO DO? WHAT DO I LIKE TO DO? WHAT DO I FEEL I AM GOOD FOR? Then, what university degree should I study to unleash everything I feel I can do in life? Once you answer all these fundamental questions with total and absolute honesty, you will begin your studies, AND ONLY DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR STUDIES will you get to know many more job fields and job markets that the career you chose will enable you to enter. During your studies, you need to keep an eye on the job market available for your career and your professional work. And if there start to be some obstacles or dark clouds in the job market for your career, NEVER, NEVER EVER abandon the career you chose. Why? Because if that career you chose REALLY INTERESTS YOU AND IS WHAT YOU HAVE DECIDED TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE, then it is time to explore market niches. The job market has niches that are often unexplored by most people pursuing this or that career. There is the next skill you need to develop during your studies: researching market niches, that is, areas of the job market where perhaps you and a few others are capable of performing your professional tasks.
Don't ask your career to give you a job market. It's the other way around; with your knowledge and research of the job market, you will find that place YOU HAVE TO GO TO BY DOING IT YOURSELF.
I'm going to give you a concrete example. Did Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman know they were going to be outstanding actors when they were studying acting? I don't think so. They both shared a very humble apartment but continued studying what they wanted, which was acting. And they auditioned and auditioned; they never gave up, nor did they quit despite the adversities. Why? Because they evidently liked it, they were passionate about acting. Until one day, guess what? Dustin Hoffman got the opportunity to audition for an independent film: The Graduate. Not only was he chosen, but he shot to stardom. He became a Hollywood star.
Another example. Steve Jobs received an honorary degree from a university. But he never went to college. He dedicated himself to what he was passionate about. And he himself recounted that there were moments in his life when he had no idea what his life would become. He went through hunger and hardship. Until he found the place that catapulted him to what we know him as today. When he received that honorary title, he said, Life is like a dotted line that, when you travel along it, you don't know what you are drawing, but when you look back, you realize that what you drew made perfect sense.
I could give you more examples, but stick with this message: Dream of what you want to BE, and NEVER, NEVER give up.
Each person makes their own path. And there are as many paths as there are humans on the planet. There are no two paths that are the same.
I hope everything I wrote to you didn't bore you and that it is useful for you.
I wish you the best.
Anne Maltese
VP, Workplace Consultant
4
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Hi Jacob! While the world is rapidly evolving, there are certain skills or competencies that will always be valuable - think things like time management, effective verbal communication, and strategic thinking. When you think of the potential careers that interest you, identify the core skills and competencies that will remain valuable. Building and practicing these skills can help you be agile as particular jobs or fields change.
AI and technology have changed my role dramatically in the past few years, but skills like what I mentioned above have remained important. Continuing to develop these, as well as learning new skills, have helped me grow in my own career and also makes me feel prepared as things continue to evolve.
Best of luck to you!
AI and technology have changed my role dramatically in the past few years, but skills like what I mentioned above have remained important. Continuing to develop these, as well as learning new skills, have helped me grow in my own career and also makes me feel prepared as things continue to evolve.
Best of luck to you!
Mel Dodge
Bookkeeper
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Mel’s Answer
When chasing a career in a field with an uncertain future, focus on skills that can be used in many jobs. Be adaptable, keep learning, and build a strong network. Stay updated on industry trends and always look for chances to learn and improve.
Michael Spain
Consultant, Manager
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jacob,
I assume you are referring to AI replacing careers. You could always argue that any job could be replaced by AI. While some careers are more susceptible than others, that fear is real and evolving daily.
My advice would be to continue pursuing that career if it is what you love or have a passion for, but with a different approach than others.
Develop your soft skills intensely (communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability). Learn how AI works, and if you can, begin to figure out how AI could best improve the career you are aiming for. Companies that are not using or implementing AI will be left behind. If you become the AI expert in your industry, you will be a valuable asset to any company in your chosen career. I believe the jobs, careers, and industries will always exist, but the people who implement and become experts in AI will be the employees who set themselves apart and will always be in demand.
You've got this! Best!
I assume you are referring to AI replacing careers. You could always argue that any job could be replaced by AI. While some careers are more susceptible than others, that fear is real and evolving daily.
My advice would be to continue pursuing that career if it is what you love or have a passion for, but with a different approach than others.
Develop your soft skills intensely (communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability). Learn how AI works, and if you can, begin to figure out how AI could best improve the career you are aiming for. Companies that are not using or implementing AI will be left behind. If you become the AI expert in your industry, you will be a valuable asset to any company in your chosen career. I believe the jobs, careers, and industries will always exist, but the people who implement and become experts in AI will be the employees who set themselves apart and will always be in demand.
You've got this! Best!
Jackson Adams
Corporate Tax Accountant
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
I've come to find in my life its not what you do, but it's how hard you do it. Nothing is guaranteed. If there is something you enjoy doing it, latch onto it and enjoy the ride as long as you have it. Just make sure to give your all to it.
Shruti Murumkar
HR Operations Advisor
3
Answers
Auckland, New Zealand
Updated
Shruti’s Answer
Pursuing a career in area of employment may relate to human resources management. Every organisation needs an HR professional, so there is always a career growth if in HR profession. HR is a vast area which includes Recruitment & Selection/Talent Acquisition, HR Generalist/employee life cycle process management, Learning & Development for developing employee training programs and tools, HR Business partnering for performance management, employee engagement, coaching managers and likewise. You can start applying for HR generalist roles within a start up initially to acquire experience over full remit of HR and then grow in specialist roles after you understand which aspect of HR you enjoy the most.
Bruna Pantarotto Souza
Finance Manager
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Bruna’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! Remember, the future is full of possibilities and always changing, just like we should be. Your career is a journey of constant growth, and learning never ends. It's important to be ready for changes as they come. So, while it's good to think about the future, don't worry too much about what might happen. Stay open and flexible, and you'll be able to handle whatever comes your way. Keep learning and adapting, and you'll do great!
Leela Adhvaryu
10
Answers
Updated
Leela’s Answer
This is the eternal question by people of all ages!
You have several great answers here but the key is to
a. Be open to learning
b. Be Adaptable and flexible to changes
As the saying goes " Change is the only constant" so as a mid career professional, I am always preparing myself for something different, something new and ready for a change.
Also some jobs are transferrable across many functional areas.
My only advice to you is stay focused, keep building your skills and be prepared to pivot if required
You have several great answers here but the key is to
a. Be open to learning
b. Be Adaptable and flexible to changes
As the saying goes " Change is the only constant" so as a mid career professional, I am always preparing myself for something different, something new and ready for a change.
Also some jobs are transferrable across many functional areas.
My only advice to you is stay focused, keep building your skills and be prepared to pivot if required
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2073
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. The demand of different careers change from time to time. The best is to find out what careers you have interest now.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
You interest may change in the future. You may change your career
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
You interest may change in the future. You may change your career
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!