There's a technophobe hidden in every one of us. Leave out science fiction fantasies (or phantasms) of machines taking over the world. There is the much more realistic situation of your role being replaced by computers in the workplace. Or the simplistic reason behind why you find it hard to join Google+.
While Gen-Y employees savvily take up technology in their stride, baby boomers have been left reluctant and threatened. Sure, more than a quarter of Facebook users are above 35. Taht just tells part of the story. Well, this post has hardly got much to do with our social media-induced ADD. It's more on how older employees will have to take up technology to reinvent and reinvigorate their careers.
Our disinterest in technology has already affected out careers considerably. Those working for 20 years or more would know this matter, by experience. In the mid nineties, internet was just a fanciful fad. It was more of workplace convenience – for documentation, easy messaging, and efficient planning. Then the online revolution took place.
The rapid advances made in information technology changed the demeanour of the corporate workplace. A lot of jobs, then quite profitable and fashionable, were replaced by technology, and deemed obsolete. In other cases, the proliferation of social media left older employees, slower to take up the technology, isolated and faltering in their steps. Finally, the dot com bust and the mortgage debt crises in the past decade rendered other long-term workers unemployed.
In this scenario, a lot of professionals, who once saw a promising and lucrative careers ahead of them, have been left in mediocre positions. Their skills have gone out of vogue, their knowledge out of time, and often their companies out of existence.
At this juncture in time, wizened professionals should hold a step and take a moment to reframe their careers. Social media and associated technology can no longer be evaded. They are, and they are here to stay. If you feel stagnated in your current positions, you might need to consider a career change, that will help you use your existing skill set allied with relevant technological tools.
Start with a comprehensive evaluation of your skills and abilities. Once you have this figured, try to find out your scope, and level of happiness, in your current position. Is there any other job you would like to do which would leave you more satisfied?
You can, hereby, find a rather broad area of interests. Now, go through your previous achievements and experience. There will be instances where you had excelled at something which might lie outside your broader job description. Find an allied field where you can similarly apply your experience, while staying within your skills, and interests.
Once you narrow down in this manner, you will be able to fix a few areas where you would like to turn to. Find out the technological tools which might assist you in each of these professions. Try out a few of these softwares (You might be able to download free trial versions). Now, with the help of a trainer, or using several available online tutorials, you will be able to find out which of these platforms you are most comfortable in. Take you free time and be a virtual vitrouso at it!
Specialized skills in technology is much-sought after in today's job market. Backed by your level of experience, these skills will be indispensible to any organization. Or even better, with sufficient economic clout, you might even be able to work on your own. In any case, it will help you reach beyond your current position, to something more satisfying, and worthwhile.