I feel like 26 is too late to shift my career into an industry with rising stars, where those still in college & graduating from college are making a huge impact.
I currently sit in an intern room as the oldest one. I’ve worked since I was 16 and this is not my first office job.
I’m starting out from the bottom of the ladder again.
What if, by the time I take the next step, I’m already obsolete?
That is my biggest fear.
I’m not from a generation where social media is covered in the classroom, and I am not fluent in HTML. Everything I’ve built so far in the last 2 years with my personal brand has been through trial & error.
Did I mention I’m still in school for my Bachelor’s? After that I might look into a masters in social work degree, but first things first.
I decided to take on another major, in accordance with my career shift, so let’s add that to the ‘disadvantage’ column.
I do love what I do. I’m a connector, and I love spreading the word via Social Media. I want to make a difference.
In 10 years, I want to take my experience, and start a non-profit. I do have a dream outlined in my mind. The execution methods may change by the time I make it a reality but the dream is there.
What if someone beats me to it?
Maybe someone already has.
Every morning, I wake up with hope, and fear. I’m afraid that I’ll always remain in the background. I may never make enough of an impact to become an expert in my field.
Then I remember that those in the background also make an impact. If I love what I do, and I am going after my own dream that will someday make a difference (even in one person’s life), doesn’t that count?
So that’s how I overcome my fears. With hope.
And a little dose of reality.
In a field that evolves every single day, all I can do is keep moving forward.
I educate myself.
I read.
I form opinions.
I listen.
I join in on conversations, and participate in groups such as u30pro.
I share my .02 since I am a little more experienced in some things.
Maybe I will become obsolete in the grand scheme of things. By moving forward, I just won’t be afraid of becoming obsolete.
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15 thoughts on “Becoming Professionally Obsolete”
I think that as long as you have a positive outlook and a realistic vision of yourself, you will not be rendered obsolete. Good insights 😉
María Helena Carey
Thanks 🙂
Berrak
Creativity never becomes obsolete. Hard work never becomes obsolete. Passion never becomes obsolete.
What does become obsolete: programming languages, social media tools, technology.
It doesn’t take much to learn the tools- it’s how you use them that makes the difference.
I’ve been there: http://bit.ly/givH0H
Anonymous
“It doesn’t take much to learn the tools- it’s how you use them that makes the difference.”
Love it!
Thanks!
Berrak
as long as you show your passion and stick to your guns, you’ll never be obsolete. especially if you work hard. that’ll NEVER go out of style. now go get it! 🙂
magnolia
I’m trying! 🙂
Berrak
I’m in the same boat as you. But I’m 30 years old and don’t even have my Associate’s Degree! But I went back to school this past fall. And even though I ask myself these questions all the time, I still just move forward with pursuing my degree because it’s what I want to do. You’re going to do great things!
Stephanie
It can be so frustrating! It’s awesome that you went back to school! <3
Berrak
Great post! I constantly wrestle with this feeling. But as my peers, friends and family continually remind me, as long as you continue to move forward, work hard and never stop learning, everything will work out.
Clement J. Bryant
Agreed! Good luck to you 🙂
Berrak
you said it, by moving forward you will not become obsolete. Mainly because most people have the chance to move forward on something but they don’t
@kylereed
So true! Thanks for the comment!
Berrak
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Just Catching Up
Ditto, ditto, ditto. I love the line “By moving forward, I just
won’t be afraid
of becoming obsolete.”
Your timeline may be different than the over-achieving younger college students, but k
eeping the larger purpose in mind, and knowing that ”
The execution methods may change by the time I make it a reality but the dream is there,” means you will absolutely achieve what you have set out to.
Grace Cunningham
It’s called life, now suck it up and stop sharing the whining. You are right, you are obsolete.
Futurest