Ever since Arnold Schwarzenegger first uttered the infamous words, “I’ll be back”, we have been steadily waiting for the day that robots take over. Yet, while robots are quickly reducing our place in manual jobs, the rapid advancement of online and mobile technology is serving to emerge jobs and careers that were never possible before today.
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Remote workers
As mobile and online technologies have advanced in speed, reliability and security, it is rare that a job requires you to be in a certain physical space to complete it. A combination of digitisation of documents and easy-to-use online communication tools and file-sharing often mean it is faster to complete assignments from home. Even confidential documents and secure software can be safely created, accessed and uploaded from anywhere in the world with the help of encryption and remote synchronizing smart keys.
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A truly rewarding work-life balance
The abundance of information online, the ease in which one can build their own business website and take payments, and the cheap cost of setting up and expensing an online company all serve towards one greater purpose: starting an online company is getting easier every year. While it has often been a dream for couples, friends and family members to save some money together to start that dream family business, it is now affordable, whatever your chosen venture.
Starting a business alone or with a chosen partner is easier and cheaper online: you don’t have to worry about renting an office; you can choose your own hours; and there is a wealth of information online to help, from how to drive traffic to your website, to opening an online bank account. All of this serves to make work a more enjoyable and balanced experience.
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Freelancing & the Human Cloud
The desire to avoid that morning commute or choose your own hours isn’t a new one; we just haven’t been able to afford to do it before now. However, with the rise of online human cloud websites, like Guru or Upwork, skilled workers can offer their talents to employers at hours that are convenient for them.
Recently, these human cloud sites have become more favourable for employers, with freelancer demand far out-stripping the number of jobs posted. Not only does this allow employers to negotiate cheap rates, but they can recruit faster and without spending costs normally associated with new hires (pension, sick pay, etc.).
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Changing traditions
Increased competition requires businesses work hard to constantly adapt to changing environments, simultaneously ensuring their employees are happy and valued. As a result, the traditional ladder model of a business, with the owner at the top, the bulk of the staff at the bottom, and middle-management in between, is starting to disappear. Instead, new businesses work hard to connect all employees via mobile forums, and frequently hold “town hall” meetings to ensure employees feel valued, and the company constantly adapts.
The changing tide of technology is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to only make traditional careers redundant. Online and mobile advancements are making it easier to fit work around our other priorities in life, changing what businesses are practical and possible in the process.
