In Part 1 of this series, we explored facing reality with compassion, rather than denial, watching trends, learning how to learn, and diversifying and future-proofing your skills. We also saw practical applications for each tip. Did you implement any of them? How has it been? Please drop a comment and let us know.
In Part 2, we explore 5 more ways to stay ready in the digital world of work. Read on!
5. Strengthen Your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand your own feelings, recognise other people’s emotions, and respond in a kind and helpful way. EQ is one thing that technology cannot copy. Tech can remind someone to take medication, but it cannot offer real empathy or emotional reassurance. Tech can analyse data, but it cannot weigh morals, values, or personal judgement. AI can mimic styles, but it lacks lived experience and soul. It can give instructions, but it cannot genuinely inspire, lead by example, or build human connection.
What are the human aspects of your job that technology cannot perform? Develop them and document evidence of the value you bring through them. These are transferable skills if your job becomes obsolete.
Develop your EQ by:
· Practising active listening and empathy in everyday conversations.
· Journalling about how you handle stress or feedback.
· Asking for feedback on your teamwork and communication.
Your ability to relate to others and work well in a team will always be in demand. You can often find this mentioned under desirable skills in job descriptions.
6. Live at Cause, Not at Effect
Living at cause means taking responsibility for your actions, while living at effect means blaming other people or things for what happens to you. Instead of reacting to change, be the one who shapes your future.
Try this:
· When faced with a setback, ask: What is one thing I can do today to move forward?
· When the trends show that change is coming to my job, how can I get ready to pivot to a new role? How can I expand my options?
· Focus on small, daily actions you can control, such as learning, creating, and connecting.
This mindset builds confidence and helps you to make forward movement. The opposite is to stay stagnant, remain in denial, blame technology for ‘taking’ your job, or other people in your life or workplace. What will it be for you?
7. Keep Your Locus of Control (LoC)
Locus of control is about what you believe controls your life. It is about whether you believe you are in charge of your life (internal LoC) or that outside forces like luck or other people control what happens to you (external LoC). Do not hand over power to uncertainty. Reclaim the power to make the choices and take the actions that shape your life.
How?
· Set goals you can influence: “I will improve my CV this week,” not “I hope I don’t get fired.” “I will learn a new skill this month,” rather than “I hope AI doesn’t come for my job.”
· Celebrate progress, not perfection.
· Build habits such as weekly planning or self-reflection, to stay grounded and direct your own way forward. No more leaving things to chance!
8. Expand Your Income Streams
Relying on one employer is risky in a fast-changing world. This may have worked in earlier times, but many are finding out that this is not for not today. What do you know or what can you do that you could package and sell? There once was a time, and there still is in some non-Western cultures, where everyone sold something and had several income streams. With what you have, what income streams could you develop?
Try this:
· Create and sell a digital product from what you know how to do, such as templates, worksheets, eBooks, or guides. I have seen templates for tackling house declutterring, meditation guides, themed colouring sheets for adults and children, sewing patterns, specialised recipes, ebooks teaching skills and more. You certainly have something!
· Start a low-pressure YouTube channel, blog, or paid newsletter based on a skill you have or something you enjoy doing – Houseplants? Gardening? Food growing? Crocheting? Quilting? DIY? These channels can be monetised.
· Teach a skill through platforms such as Zoom, Skillshare or Eventbrite. These could be online or in-person.
The overheads on digital products are lower than physical ones. You can create and open shop the same day. Use multiple income streams such as these examples to build confidence and freedom.
9. Build a Resilient Routine
Consistency helps you cope with change.
Examples:
· Start your day with 10 minutes of movement or reflection.
· Stick to regular sleep, meals, and digital breaks.
· Use apps to track healthy habits such as your daily step count, water consumption or time spent on the phone.
A strong body and mind can help you to be better prepared for anything.
10. Connect With Real People
Tech is powerful—but human connection is essential. So, regardless of what is going on with technology, keep on connecting with real people (not strangers online) everyday. Even if it is through a walk in the park, a trip to the shops or volunteering in your community.
You can take this up a notch by connecting to be a blessing, not just for what you can receive. When you focus on being a blessing to others—by helping, encouraging, or sharing, you build strong relationships that make you feel supported, valued, and more confident when facing change.
Try this:
· Join a local meetup, online community, or professional group.
· Start a peer support group or skill-sharing circle to help others on a cause that matters to you.
· Reach out monthly to someone you admire, asking for a chat or collaboration. Think of ways you can add value to them as they add value to you.
Remember, networks bring opportunity, support, and encouragement. By staying connected and being a blessing, you keep the doors of opportunity open.
The future of work will always include people. Your creativity, adaptability, and heart still matter. Do not fear change—face it with a plan and a powerful mindset. Remember to live at cause, rather than effect, and to connect and be a blessing.
Start with a few of these tips this week. Which ones will you start with? Share with us in the comments!
Click here for Part 1.
