Problem at Work 7: Obsolete or Inadequate Skills

This continues our series on problems at work the could lose you your job or stall your career

Obsolete or inadequate skills stall careers. You must continually update and learn new skills. Technology and other factors force companies to upgrade what they expect. Consistent downsizing gives remaining employees the responsibilities of eliminated positions. Improvements in software allow people to do more than in the past.

The belief that younger workers possess up-to-date skills remains the number one reason employers eagerly recruit young workers. Older workers who add up-to-date skills to wisdom and experience offer a attractive package to weary companies.

Examples of Skills Needed to Do the Work Today

Look at the changes:

• Auto mechanics must calibrate computer chips and use computer-based diagnostics
• Secretaries now process accounts payable and receivables and other account work
• Managers, secretaries and other workers set up 10-12 station computer networks
• Machinists need to learn more than NC computing to operate multiple station robots
• Managers need to create production, sales, and other reports in various programs
• Sales representatives process sales on tablets or other handheld computing systems
• Graphic designers or animators use computer programs to draw, illustrate and design
• Retail workers use computers as cash registers and handheld scanners for pricing
• Automated inventory control systems move containers and pallets with fewer people

Upgrades and new versions require you to regularly enhance your understanding and skills.

How to Maintain Current Skills and Skills in Demand

Fortunately, you may maintain your skills and acquiring new ones relatively easily and inexpensively. You can:

• Join user groups or on-line chat rooms that share tips, work-around, & experience
• Complete online courses that you find or that others in your field recommend
• Attend seminars or workshops offered by manufacturers or software providers
• Study articles, reports, or videos published online in journals, blogs, or more
• Read books about topics pertinent to your work
• Enroll in workshops or short courses offered by community or trade schools
• Ask someone—who possesses the skill you need—to tutor and give you experience

Join me Wednesday to discover how work related drinking, drugs, & testing lose jobs