If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that flexibility is absolutely essential in the workplace. Light industrial jobs, in particular, are going through rapid evolution as organizations start to embrace technologies such as autonomous robots and machine learning. To ensure your continued career success, here are some ways you’ll need to adapt.
Learn New Skills
One of the easiest ways to boost your flexibility and prepare yourself for the future is to learn new skills. Take an online course in AI to learn what it’s all about. Practice working with spreadsheets and databases. Sign up for any voluntary training your employer offers. Find a mentor or ask your boss about any upcoming changes to how you do your work.
Be Open and Curious
It’s easy to get into a rut, especially in a highly structured industry such as manufacturing. But change can be a good thing for everyone. Rather than clinging to what you’ve always done, tap into your curiosity. How can you do your job more efficiently with the help of new technology?
Explore Different Job Titles
Machines are not coming for our jobs—that’s still well in the realm of science fiction. But jobs may change over time, so it only makes sense to prepare now. As you consider your future path, look into job titles that may be unfamiliar to you. Get some experience in several different areas, either through temp jobs or job shadowing with your current employer. Figure out where you want to go in the long run with your career, and start gaining the necessary skills now.
Practice Patience and Humility
Flexibility isn’t always easy. It might mean throwing out longstanding ways of doing your work in favor of newer, more streamlined processes. It could mean taking on new challenges. And you will likely experience some bumps along the way. Patience and humility will help you navigate an ever-changing workplace without falling victim to burnout. It’s okay not to know everything right now. Just take each change as it comes, one step at a time.
Ready for a new job?
If you’re ready for your next role, start searching for a new job with SURESTAFF today! We can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
