As you know, there has been a seismic shift in the nature of work and workplaces that was triggered by the worldwide pandemic in 2020. In a myriad of industries the expectation of “going to work” has been flipped on its head. Even the notion of retirement has changed. More and more people are working from home; more and more people will not be able to afford to retire as early as they might have liked. So what are the future implications for kids? What can they expect when they hit the workforce? With all of the unknowns, when recommending what our students focus on for their future careers, I remain firm on one thing…(which I reveal at the end of this blog post!).

Let’s consider what we know about today’s workforce and projections for the future. While many businesses, service providers and organizations do not have the flexibility to offer a remote or hybrid work arrangement to their staff (i.e. hospitals, service/hospitality industries, primary schools), many other industries do. And, for employees, there appear to be so many benefits associated with not having to travel into work. Every commuter has done the calculation of time to be saved if they do not have to warm and clear their car of snow (welcome to Canada!), battle traffic on icy highways, park, walk to the office, etc. It is not uncommon for people who live just outside of Toronto to devote at least two to four hours of their day, five days a week, just getting to and from work in the city! And, what about the cost of gas, parking, etc.? Also, we cannot underestimate the benefits of having fewer cars on the road resulting in a reduction in traffic congestion and environmental impacts!

For many, the re-thinking of how they work creates a domino effect and can lead to a re-thinking of how they want to live their life, and where they want to live. Simply put, their options open up.

Employers, too, are seeing advantages of the new workplace remote and/or hybrid models. There are benefits to expanding the talent pool of possible employees and expanding the diversity of their staff. Most companies (that are in the position to offer remote work opportunities) are seeing an upswing in productivity when their staff are working from home. Businesses are now measuring output and value added, rather than “supervising” people at work and determining their employees’ worth based on their ability to socially interact.

Whether you support this change in the work environment or not, it is appearing that a hybrid work environment is here to stay. And, many more jobs will become entirely remote.

So, back to my original thesis question: what do you tell your kids in order to best prepare them for the future?

It is no surprise that I still favour education, and the obtainment of additional qualifications, as the most important advantage to have when facing uncertainty. If kids have a high school diploma, I encourage them to then get an undergraduate degree. Then a graduate degree. And, then, sign up for anything – courses, certifications, experiences – that could enhance their skill set. Once in the workforce, young people should consider that many companies will support, for example, second language training, conferences, workshops, professional development courses and/or additional qualifications in your particular field. But, regardless, search out those opportunities for securing qualifications!

It was said to me years ago, that “nobody can ever take your qualifications away from you.” Being qualified in the area of one’s interest is the foundation for further growth and job security, wherever one may work.

So, being a lifelong learner is the key.

And, by the way, this approach will best support one’s retirement plan, too.