FOBO, aka the fear of becoming obsolete is a new phenomenon plaguing skilled, degree-educated workers.
As the world rapidly advances its technologies alongside the rise of AI, many individuals are grappling with the worry that their jobs and skill sets will become obsolete.
Equitable Anxiety
A recent poll saw almost a quarter of all U.S. workers fear that technology will make their jobs obsolete, up 7 per cent since 2021.
Interestingly it was college-educated workers responsible for the jump, seeing their concerns rise from 8 per cent to 20 per cent in just two years. However, their non-college-educated peers’ fears remained unchanged at 24 per cent, demonstrating that having a degree offers little reassurance in today’s changing workplace.
The poll also showed that both men and women equally expressed concerns and fears of being replaced by technology.
While some industries may be more exposed to risk, including IT and marketing, it’s important to note that FOBO can impact professionals at all stages of their careers, and rightly so–this year Goldman Sachs reported that 300 million jobs could be lost or diminished by AI alone.
Combatting FOBO
It is understandable to be threatened by the rise in AI and the tech advancements that are responsible for creating automation in certain areas.
While the future is unknown, it’s crucial to develop and deploy a strategy of career insurance when overcoming the fear of being obsolete.
For starters, embrace change. By reframing how you look at FOBO you can learn to use it as a driver to learn new skills and trends. It could also keep you interested and passionate about the industry you’re working in.
You should also lean into soft skills as developing and honing your soft skills is an excellent tool in your arsenal. Currently, AI is not capable of experiencing or displaying the human version of these soft skills, so human emotional intelligence and strong communication skills are more essential than ever. By working on your adaptability, empathy and teamwork you’ll stand out in a changing workplace in the age of AI.
Additionally, celebrate continuous learning. Adopting an attitude of change can be helpful alongside on-the-job learning to continue upskilling and help boost confidence in your abilities. Look to areas of high growth and job opportunities in tech that could help deepen your skill set and protect your future.
Self-reflection is also an important step and refocusing inward, setting small goals and celebrating wins to keep you motivated may help. Look to mentors of senior management to help guide your growth and engage with HR for possibilities around training and progression.
Take control
Finally, manage your stress. It’s vital to look after yourself to perform to the best of your ability, especially in times of uncertainty. Engage in healthy practices that lower your anxiety such as a walk on your lunch break which has been proven to boost dopamine and serotonin levels lowering anxiety and stress.
With an ever-evolving workforce and FOBO gaining momentum among workers, the need to adapt and pivot has never been more important in future-proofing your career.
A proactive approach could pay dividends in protecting your professional future and there’s never been a better time to get ahead and start looking at high growth areas in your industry. We’ve hand-picked three exciting and progressive opportunities from The London Economic Job Board with huge potential for advancement.
Senior Cloud/Systems Engineer – Fintech, London (Hybrid)
Are you looking for career progression with a rapidly growing, award-winning fintech company? An opportunity has opened up for a talented and experienced Cloud/Systems Engineer who has a strong background knowledge of AWS and proficiency in Python to join their busy London team. As a Senior Cloud / Systems Engineer, you will develop and deploy cloud-based infrastructure for the core trading analytics platform in exchange for a robust benefits package (health care, pension, competitive salary) alongside the option to WFH three days per week, with the remaining two based in the company’s London headquarters. If you’re passionate about your future in fintech you can read more about this role here.
Law Reporter, PA Media, London
PA Media is on the hunt for a highly experienced Law Reporter. As a Law Reporter you will contribute to PA’s first-class written coverage of the Royal Courts of Justice and the Supreme Court. You will produce accurate, fast, impartial, and written copy in line with the PA news agency’s core standards alongside making written and legal arguments while challenging reporting restrictions. Experience in covering UK court cases is essential as is a minimum of 100 wpm shorthand, an NCTJ or equivalent qualification, and the ability to perform exceptionally well under pressure. You can find the full job spec live over on The London Economic Job’s Board.
Senior Tax Manager, Technology, Liberty Global, Hammersmith, London
Do you have a proven track record in a large group environment with finance and technology experience and the ability to recognize complex issues and implications? As a Senior Manager of Tax in Technology, you will manage the roadmap for use of technology within the Central Tax team as well as managing the estate of technology solutions used. The right candidate should be experienced with ERP systems and consolidation software such as Hyperlon while also possessing first-class communication skills with the ability to partner with peers, local operating companies, Tax leadership, and the wider business. If this sounds like the right move for you, more information on the role applications can be made here.
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