Have you future-proofed your income stream?

6 ways to protect future income

Have you future-proofed your income stream?

Six things that can help

 

It doesn’t take much of a Google search to get the feeling that employment is changing—and not for the better.

 

But here’s the thing: Not all those changes are doom and gloom. For instance, some will eliminate the “three Ds”: jobs that are dull, dirty or dangerous.[1] And others will create new opportunities—if you’re ready to seize them.

 

Here’s what one expert has to say about automation-related job loss

Management consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimates 90% of U.S. counties will take a hit, with 22%-27% of jobs potentially affected by automation. And that number could be as high as 33% in some areas, especially those in low-growth, rural areas. But there’s good news too. Read more.

 

So, resist falling into a binge-watching funk and do these six things to protect your future income stream.

 

  1. Be a lifelong learner. This doesn’t mean going back to a formal classroom. But it does mean you should keep growing and learning. Lucky for you that’s easier than ever thanks to things like MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses—many of which are free and available from leading universities. Check out this link) and even Think of a topic and it’s pretty likely there’s a video out there to teach you all about it.

 

  1. Be open to technology and learn how to use it. You must know how to use the tools your peers and co-workers rely on. Exactly what those are will depend on your job, but now isn’t the time to decide you’re too old/non-tech-y/or whatever is keeping you from gaining those skills. And tech can make your job easier or more pleasant. For instance, welders are using Iron Man type backpacks to lessen fatigue and injury.

 

 

The only job entirely eliminated by automation. Here’s a fun fact: According to a study by Boston University,[2] only one job category has been entirely eliminated by automation: elevator operators. In other situations, automation was more likely to change, not entirely replace, a job, and those changes often led to more jobs.

 

 

 

  1. Make yourself visible and indispensable. We know, we know: Everyone can be replaced. But if you work hard to be the person no one can imagine the company operating without, you might stand a better shot at sticking around say thought leaders here and

 

  1. Be willing to relocate. This isn’t a possibility for everyone, but if it’s a possibility for you, at least consider it. Urban areas are likely to have the highest job growth. But there’s opportunity in other smaller, more accessible areas too including college towns, cities that attract retirees and places that have focused on creating industry hubs.[3]

 

  1. Go into a field that isn’t likely to be automated. Clergy, teachers, software developers and economists are just a few of the jobs that aren’t expected to be automated any time soon. Check out more here (scroll down for the embedded slide show).

 

Which 7 key skills set you apart from the robots? Not up for a career change? Certain human skills aren’t likely to be replicated by a robot anytime soon. Check out what this expert has to say.

 

  1. Use insurance to protect your income stream. We won’t sugarcoat it: some jobs are going away and if your job relies on repetition and repeatability, you’re probably more vulnerable. Plus, no one knows what the future holds. Insurance can help protect you in the event of involuntary layoff or being forced to take a job that pays less than your current position.

 

Automation might not replace you just yet. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be planning ahead.

 

 

 

Wondering what kinds of coverage are a good fit for you now?

 

Check out the benefits of Wage Protector® for yourself. Its just-right mix of disability, involuntary unemployment and salary gap protection could be just the coverage you need.

 

If you are a business interested in offering Wage Protector to your employees, members, customers, etc. please contact Bill Jolicoeur at bill.jolicoeur@jars-llc.com or go to salarygappartners.com to learn more.

 

 

Wage Protector® and SALARYGAP® are registered trademarks. The use of trademarks without the express prior written consent by SALARYGAP Partners LLC is strictly prohibited.

 

[1] Heater, Brian. 2017. “Technology is killing jobs, and only technology can save them.” March 26, 2017. Techcrunch.com Accessed October 4, 2019 https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/26/technology-is-killing-jobs-and-only-technology-can-save-them/
[2] Bessen, James. E. 2016. “How Computer Automation Affects Occupations: Technology, Jobs, and Skills.” Oct. 4, 2016. Boston University School of Law as cited by Heater, Brian. 2017. “Technology is killing jobs, and only technology can save them.” March 26, 2017. Techcrunch.com Accessed October 4, 2019 https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/26/technology-is-killing-jobs-and-only-technology-can-save-them/
[3] McKinsey & Company. 2019. “The future of work in America: People and places, today and tomorrow.” July 2019. Accessed October 4, 2019. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-in-america-people-and-places-today-and-tomorrow

 

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