Unplan your career

The world is changing faster than ever. You should give up long term career plan because:

1. AI & technology advancement are changing work skill requirements. Some careers will soon disappear. Skillset requirements may dramatically change for some careers (e.g. Patients no longer need to rely on doctors for medical advice. They may easily google their symptoms and get a list of recommended prescriptions before seeing the doctors)

2. Life expectancy is getting extended. We will live longer than we think. Conventional concept of retirement will change. We may stay in the workforce in another way (gig economy, consultant, etc.) after we turn 65.

3. Mobilization, global initiatives (e.g. Belt & Road), and in some cases, regional integration (e.g. 粵港澳大灣區) have made physical boundary less concrete. Opportunities beyond your geographical location are being created everyday.

How can you “plan your career”?

1. Embrace changes. Be prepared to abandon your successful past and disrupt your own career because you are being disrupted.

2. Be a life long learner. Continuously develop new skills.

3. Employ design thinking to explore career possibilities. Be open, test it out.