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Who fears that their career and education will suddenly be worthless?

Question Details: Technology takes jobs over in an instant. The economy can outsource and job security is unheard of now a days. Most employers want a Batchelors degree as a minimum, Masters is the new Batchelors. Does anyone else consider this before landing themselves into massive responsibilites like debts, children, and retirement plans? I fear that the economy flux impacts everyone, and very soon there is going to be a unexpected crisis in the world. I am not fear monger, I just see the trends as a whole. I am alone in this?

Public Comments

1. You are not alone. I've already seen this in action. My older brother worked for the local newspaper which is a huge company (Hearst Corporation). He was a pre-press supervisor (running the old workhorse printing presses). He was laid off when they shut down the presses and everything went computerized. He was in his early 50's, no experience with computers and the company said "See ya!". He suffered tremendously - he had put in years with that company and that's what he got in return. I'm mid 40's and have always worked as a secretary. I have no college degree but years of experience. I have been through several jobs recently in which my hours were cut back and I was treated like crap by my supervisor - he was abusive. I am professional and have always worked hard and have been dedicated to my job but to be treated with no respect, as a woman, I just can't put up with that. So I'm struggling to find another job and try to get back on my feet. I'm widowed raising a teenager which makes it even harder. Everyone is struggling which is causing violent crime to get worse because people are so desperate for money and the economy is tanking out. I think there is already an unexpected crisis - everyone is feeling fear and anxiety and you're right - the trends are taking a downward spiral. Things are not looking good.
2. Unfortunately, given current trends, this is unlikely to change. Reputable articles and personal experience has taught me that whatever degree (bacherlor's or master's) will be somewhat obsolete within 10-15 years. While the news may seem immediately dismal, but rather than throw your arms up in frustration, I would suggest a different approach to the new economy. I have come across a book - "The world is flat" by Thomas Friedman, which in essence addresses your concerns and proposes some new strategies to adapt in this new world. His hypothesis is that then convergence of the internet, the rising value creation in India and China as well as corporate aspirations for global growth has led to a led to a level competition in human resources never experienced before by the developed world. That is to say, in this day and age and the likely future, you and your children will be competing with the best talent in the world, regardless where they reside (be it in the US, China, India or Romania). And jobs will migrate very quickly to the region where they provide the best value (and not the lowest costs as the media would like you to believe). He also suggests that gone are the days where you can leave your schooling days behind after college or your Master's degree. There should be a basic expectation of change and the need to constantly learn new things and make yourself employable and adaptable to such changes. Given today's rapid advances in technology, more and more of the value chain seems susceptible for replacement by a machine. One should focus instead on the aspects of the value chain where the personal touch is needed and thus less likely to be replaced by a machine. While I understand and appreciate this concept of constant upgrading of skills and constant change may not be everyone's cup of tea; however, in this new economy, you'd be competing with the best minds and talent from around the world. It would be in your best interest to ensure that you're in the running.