Becoming a Human+ Worker for Jobs that Don’t Even Exist Yet

What if traditional education and high school graduation are just the starting point of your learning journey? In her book “Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet,” Michelle Weise presents an inspiring vision of the future where education and work go hand in hand throughout life. As we move into a world where people live longer and technology advances rapidly, one thing is sure—learning is not limited to the confines of a classroom. Whether you anticipate being in the workforce for many years or adapting to roles that have not yet been conceived, the value of lifelong learning will be pivotal to your success. So, what does this future look like, and how do you prepare? Let’s break it down.

Education: No Longer a One-Time Ticket

Imagine education used to be like buying a one-way ticket. You’d go to school, learn a trade, and that knowledge would last you for your whole career. But in today’s world, it’s more like a rechargeable pass you’ll need to use repeatedly as you switch tracks throughout life.

With the increasing lifespan, more of us will be working into our 70s. It’s not just about holding a job—it’s about staying adaptable in a job market where new technologies are constantly reshaping industries. According to Weise, the traditional four-year college degree is no longer sufficient. Like updating your phone’s software, you’ll need regular ‘upgrades’ to your skills throughout life to stay relevant and resilient in the face of change.

The Human+ Worker: Your Tech Sidekick

In the world Michelle Weise imagines, you aren’t just competing with machines—you’re working with them. Enter the “Human+ worker”, a term that refers to someone who can combine their natural human skills with technology. Think of it like having a supercharged sidekick. Just as Batman uses his gadgets to take down villains, you’ll use technology to boost your abilities and tackle complex tasks.

Being Human+ means mastering the skills machines can’t do—like creativity, empathy, and judgment—while learning to work alongside the latest tech tools. Imagine you’re a chef, and the kitchen gets a new robot that can quickly chop vegetables. You wouldn’t feel threatened; instead, you’d use that extra time to focus on perfecting the taste and presentation of your dishes. The robot becomes your teammate, and together, you create something better than either of you could alone. That’s the power of becoming a Human+ worker, where your unique human skills are not just valued, but integral to the team’s success.

Why Hybrid Skills Matter

The future job market is all about hybrid skills. These skills blend technical knowledge with essential human abilities, like problem-solving and communication. Imagine you’re playing a multiplayer video game. You’ve got your unique set of skills, but to win, you also need to know how to use the tools and technology at your disposal. A good player isn’t just someone who plays well; they also know how to use in-game equipment to give their team an edge.

In the workplace, it’s the same deal. Employers seek people who understand tech and can communicate, adapt, and make intelligent decisions. Think of it like combining a sword with a magic spell—tech alone isn’t enough, but paired with your human skills, it becomes a winning combo.

Building the Future of Learning: A GPS for Your Career

According to Weise, staying ahead means we need a brand-new learning ecosystem. Picture a GPS that doesn’t just guide you on a single trip but continues to adjust the route as new roads are built and your destination changes.

This new system should be “navigable” (easy to understand), “supportive”(helping you balance work and learning), “targeted” (focusing on skills that matter), “integrated” (built into your job), and “transparent” (with fair hiring practices). It’s about creating a path where you’re never lost and where learning new skills doesn’t feel like starting from scratch.

Companies like Walmart are already figuring this out. They’ve built learning into the workday with bite-sized training programs so employees can grow without taking time off. It’s a win-win: workers gain new skills, and companies save money by training their teams instead of hiring new talent.

The Problem with Today’s Education System

Right now, the education system is like an old house with doors that don’t fit everyone. It’s tough to even get through the door if you don’t have a top-tier degree. Returning to school feels impossible for many working adults, especially those juggling jobs and family.

Weise argues that universities need to rethink their approach. Imagine trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it doesn’t work. Traditional education needs to adapt to learners at all stages of life, especially those who can’t afford to return to school full-time. The future of learning should be more flexible, affordable, and accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.

Hiring for Skills, Not Just Credentials

One of the big takeaways from Weise’s book is that the job market is obsessed with credentials. It’s like judging a musician based only on what school they went to without ever hearing them play. However, Weise argues that hiring should focus on skills, not just degrees. Imagine going to a talent show where the judges decide who wins before anyone performs—it doesn’t make sense.

To fix this, companies should adopt hiring practices focusing on what people can actually “do” and not just where they studied. For example, some employers now use “blind auditions” or skill-based tasks to test applicants. This helps level the playing field and gives everyone a fair shot.

Michelle Weise’s “Long Life Learning” is a wake-up call. The future is coming fast, and staying relevant in the job market will require more than just a one-time education. Learning is a lifelong process, and becoming a Human+ worker—someone who combines their human skills with the power of technology—will be vital to succeeding in this new world.

Just like a video game character levelling up and gaining new abilities, you have the power to grow, adapt, and succeed in a job market that’s constantly changing. So don’t see education as something that stops when you finish school – it’s your super “rechargeable pass” that you’ll need to upgrade throughout your life.

#LifelongLearning #FutureOfWork #HumanPlus #HybridSkills #ContinuousEducation #Upskilling #Reskilling #MichelleWeise #EducationReform  #CareerDevelopment

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