I'll have to admit, as the country in general seems to be in a mild panic over the economy, I've often thought, "I wonder why it hasn't impacted us." Granted the investment end has taken a bit of a beating, and my nose is stuck to the markets more instead of the previous spot checking, but overall, we've been extrodinarily fortunate in the sense that we have job security. After reading an article in the New York Times this morning that provided figures of 1+ million jobs disappearing this year alone, any person in any job would be motivated to pause and consider their own position.
However, I think there is an obvious answer that Peter Weddle points out so well. Specialised positions aren't threatened. In fact, these "privileged workers" seem to be soaring up. This explains how Eric's specialties in the software architecting world don't seem impacted, and how my efforts in the instructional design of online studies don't seem affected. In fact, the demand for work in each of fields is in higher demand.
So, concerned about your job? This technological world doesn't allow for any excuses to not become specialised if you are motivated at all. Don't ditch your career or field, just become an expert in it, or even better, specialise in a specific point within your field.
I believe that while our economy is experiencing a recession, it is easy to blame the economy for how the career methodology has changed. There is no ladder anymore. Go where you want. Just as Peter says, it's an opportunity that each of has that was not there in the days of career ladders. We just need to recognise it and grab our seat in this special and chased class of workers that is completely free to join!
