1. Planning For an Unpredictable Future:
4/5/2019
Planning For an Unpredictable Future:
How to Respond to a World of Constant Change
Presented by:
Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., CCSP, FCD-I
Independent Education/Career Consultant
Your Dreams & Goals
Presented to:
Clients of:
Orange County One-Stop Center
Kathleen E. High, Cypress College - Career Planning Center

2. Planning for an Unpredictable Future
4/5/2019
Overview
Today’s job seekers need to make life decisions in a world of constant change.
You will understand what factors affect career decision making, which factors are stable, and which are not.
You will understand what you can control and what you can’t.
You will learn how to make effective decisions in a world of uncertainty and constant change.
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High
Kathleen E. High, Cypress College - Career Planning Center

3. Why This Workshop World is in a state of constant/rapid change
People still operate on unquestioned expectations/ assumptions
Many don’t see how this rapid change is affecting those expectations/ assumptions
Many don’t see how this rapid change is affecting their lives
Individuals need new “life skills” to cope with this change
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

4. Today’s Assumptions: (Do you have any of these?)
There are “one-size-fits-all” solutions to problems
There are “experts” who can give me the “right” answers to my questions/problems
A college education automatically leads to a better way of life
Once I have that “piece of paper”, I’ll be set for life
Once I have that “good job”, I’ll be set for life
There are “recession-proof” jobs out there
I have job security because…. I work for the government, have seniority, have union protection, etc.
Common Theme?
There is one unchanging foundation (“absolute truth”)
upon which I can base my life decisions
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

5. Reflect Question: Share with your neighbor your thoughts
“What assumptions of an ‘unchanging foundation’
do you hold about the world around you?”
Share with your neighbor your thoughts
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

6. What is Wrong with Holding Such Assumptions?
To Answer that question, we will have
Hands-On Activity Time:
Task:
You Have Been Given a Map
Identify “Vila Borba Park”
Start from the freeway (top of page)
Using a Highlighter Mark a Route:
From the Freeway to the Park
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

7. Why Was That Activity Harder for Some People?
What Just Happened?
What is the Difference between the Maps?
How Does This Relate to Your Experience?

8. Why Was That Activity Harder for Some People?
Differentiation Failures - Frozen Evaluation1:
Viewing a Current Situation Based on Past Experience
Assuming Nothing Has Changed
Trying to Navigate the Current World from an Old Map
1 Haney (1992)

9. The Challenge: We are living in a world of constant, rapid change
Today’s Reality
The Challenge: We are living in a world of constant, rapid change
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

10. Today’s Reality
Following Videos Illustrate These Changes and Consequences
Generational Differences
Shift Happens
Technology is Replacing Jobs
Responding to Change
(from the movie, “Life As a House”)
Trends Come and Go
(from the movie, “A lot Like Love”)
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

11. What is Causing This Rapid Change?
Today’s Reality
What is Causing This Rapid Change?
Demographic Shifts
Ethnic Diversity
Religious Diversity
Generational Influence Shifts
(Baby Boomers vs. Millennials)
Advances in Technology/Automation
Which Lead to:
Globalization
Sociological Changes
Cultural Values Changes
Institutional Upheaval
Fluctuating “Labor Market Trends”
Resistance to Rapid Change
Opportunists Further Complicating Matters, Leading to Regulation
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

12. What is the Effect? The Following Patterns and Themes Are Emerging:
Empowerment of the Masses
(Especially oppressed groups [i.e. minorities, women, LGBTQ, disabled, abused, etc.])
Generational Developmental Advances
(i.e. Mark Zuckerberg [Millennial] builds on Bill Gates’ [Baby Boomer] work)
Cultural Transformation (In the USA at least)
Conformity to Individual Expression (Collectivism to Individualism)
Thinking to Feeling Orientation (Decisions based on logic/rules vs based on concern for others)
Loss of Gatekeeper Control
(i.e.: Libraries [information] vs. Search Engines)
(Mass media vs. Social media)
(Fewer bosses have secretaries to control access and communication)
(Flatter organizational structures [fewer levels between leaders and bottom-level people])
Institutional Upheaval
Every man-made institution struggles to respond to changes
Integration and Forced Tolerance
(People Working Together - Online collaboration tools)
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

13. Today’s Reality Where is This Change Leading?
Reality is: No One Really Knows for Sure
Experts in Many Different Industries Continue to Make ‘Educated Guesses’ and Predictions
Current Labor Market Trends: Reflect What’s Hot and What’s Not
Future Labor Market Projections – Based on Demographic Changes and Anticipated Advances in Technology
No One Can Anticipate Changes Based on the Unforeseen
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

14. Today’s Reality: Is Anyone Trying to Address This?
Many Institutions Attempt to Address the Challenges Associated with Today’s Changing World:
Career Development: Connect Individuals with Career Satisfaction
Mental Health: Connect Individuals to Needed Support
Non-Profits: Connect Individuals to Other Forms of Support
Higher Education: Connect Education to In-demand Skills
Workforce Development: Connect Workers to In-demand Jobs
Economic Development: Connect Business Resources to Create Jobs
Government: Connect Laws and Funding to Assist Above Agencies
Mass Media: Connect the Public to the Message
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

15. Today’s Reality: Are There Places for Improvement?
Based on What is Already Being Done, Where Can Improvements Be Made?
Support for Individuals:
Most adults can see the change, but do not know how to respond
When those changes affect their lives, they may not know where to turn for help
Most of higher education is based on the assumption that the student has engaged in appropriate career development in the first place
Many may not make the best choices due to lack of information, resources or support
Many may waste time, money and energy pursuing ill-fitted or ill-informed decisions
Many may likely experience increased stress and anxiety due to feeling powerless
Faith-based Institutions:
Church leaders can recognize the pressure and affect on individuals and their need for support
Some small, limited, and non-connected faith-based non-profits and ministries for job search support
Faith leaders can provide the resources that empower individuals to become skilled helpers
Collaboration:
Different institutions collaborate to address limitations in their ability to respond to needs
The Key: Get the right help from the right person at the right time
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

16. Reflect Question: Share with your neighbor your thoughts
“How are these changes affecting your life, world, job,
career and/or industry?”
Share with your neighbor your thoughts
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

17. The Response: How Should You Respond to a World of Rapid Change?
Today’s Reality
The Response: How Should You Respond to a World of Rapid Change?
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

18. Coping with Constant Change
So How Can You Respond to and Cope with Constant Change?
Engage in Continual Self Awareness
Your Generation Will Affect Your Attitude
Monitor Your Attitudes and Expectations
Develop Good Life Skills
Accept Responsibility for Your Career
Accept a Need for Multiple Careers in Your Lifetime
Develop Good Job Search Skills
Accept a Need for Lifelong Learning
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

19. Engage in Continual Self Awareness
Who you are
How you are gifted
How you are NOT gifted
What are your interests and values
What kinds of careers/jobs will suit you
What kinds of careers/jobs will NOT suit you
How you change, grow, and adapt over time
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

20. Self Awareness Follow Up
Follow Up Activities:
Research Career Information & Labor Market Trends
OC One-Stop Workshops:
Empowering You: Job Seeker Strategies
Transferable Skills
Job Success Strategies: Attitudes and Body Language
Overcoming Barriers
Persons with Disabilities & Employment
Classes:
Consider taking a career class at your local college
Presenter’s Handouts, Workshops, and Consulting:
True Self
Generational Values
Success
Values Survey
Managing Conflicting Priorities
Career Assessments
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

21. Your Generation Will Affect Your Attitude
Matures (Born before 1946)
Baby Boomers (Born between 1946 – 1964)
Generation X (Born between 1965 – 1977)
Millennials (Born 1977 – 2000)
Follow Up Activities:
Visit Career Center
Workshop: Career Assessment & Interpretation
Classes:
Consider taking a career class at your local college
Handouts:
True Self
Generational Values
Success
Values Survey
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

22. Generational Differences
Grew up with: Technology, Diversity, Change, “No Child Left Behind”
Attitudes & Strengths: Adaptable, Tech Savvy, Tolerant
Weaknesses: Want a job on their terms
Millennials:
(1981 – 2000)
Grew up with: Uncertainty
Attitudes & Strengths: What’s In It For Me?, Want “Work/Life Balance”
Weaknesses: Not loyal to employers
Generation X:
(1965 – 1980)
Grew up with: Prosperity, Stability, Equal Opportunity,
Attitudes & Strengths: Value Goal Achievement
Weaknesses: Workaholics, Not Prepared for Changing World
Baby Boomers:
(1946 – 1964)
Grew up with: Great Depression, WWII, Big Institutions
Attitudes & Strengths: Value Tradition, Loyalty, Hard Work, Discipline
Weaknesses: Less Comfortable with Change and Diversity
Matures:
(Before 1946)
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

23. Monitor Your Attitudes & Expectations (The foundation of your decisions)
Are you still looking for that unchanging foundation upon which to base your life?
Recognize and accept the world in which you live
Are you still expecting job security in a changing world?
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

24. What Foundation Are Your Career Decisions Based On?
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

25. Develop Good Life Skills
Adaptability
Resilience
Resourcefulness
Strong work ethic
Self-discipline
Self-motivation
Knowing priorities
Ability to focus on a task/goal
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

26. Develop Good Life Skills (Cont’d)
Healthy boundaries
Coping skills
Stress management
Money management (budgeting and saving)
Relationship management
Interdependence
Respect for authority
Minimize Simultaneous Transitions
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

27. “Life Skills” Follow Up
Follow Up Activities:
Research Career Information & Labor Market Trends
OC One-Stop Workshops:
Empowering You: Job Seeker Strategies
Job Success Strategies: Attitudes and Body Language
Overcoming Barriers
Persons with Disabilities & Employment
Successful Financial Strategies
Classes:
Consider taking a career class at your local college
Presenter’s Handouts, Workshops and Consulting:
True Self
Generational Values
Success
Values Survey
Boundaries
Managing Conflicting Priorities
Meeting Financial Responsibilities
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

28. Accept Responsibility For Your Own Career
Expect The Unexpected
Allow Time to Process the Unexpected
Remember Unexpected Is Not The “End Of The World”
Think In Terms Of “Journey” Rather Than “Goal”
Continuously Maintain Your Employability
Cooperate When Your Employer Needs to Make Changes
Develop Good Job Search Skills
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

29. Accept Responsibility For Your Own Career
Follow Up Activities:
Research Career Information & Labor Market Trends
OC One-Stop Workshops:
Empowering You: Job Seeker Strategies
Overcoming Barriers
Persons with Disabilities & Employment
Labor Market Trends
Classes:
Consider taking a career class at your local college
Presenter’s Handouts, Workshops and Consulting:
Paradigm Shifts
The Journey
Reaching Career Goals
How to Get Your Dream Career
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

30. A Need for Multiple Careers
Today’s workers will hold jobs by 38 years old
The economy-driven needs will affect your job marketability
Be aware of how trends affect your career field
Follow Up Activities:
Research Career Information & Labor Market Trends
OC One-Stop Workshops:
Labor Market Information
Networking/Hidden Job Market
Veteran Networking
Classes:
Consider taking a career class at your local college
Presenter’s Handouts, Workshops and Consulting:
The Journey
Reaching Career Goals
How to Get Your Dream Career
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

31. Develop Good Job Search Skills
Be aware of the latest trends in job search
Maintain an updated resume and network
Know and where to find jobs in your profession
Have good interviewing skills
Know where to find “survival jobs”, etc.
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

32. Develop Good Job Search Skills
Follow Up Activities:
Research Career Information & Labor Market Trends
OC One-Stop Workshops:
One-Stop Center/WIOA Orientation
Empowering You: Job Seeker Strategies
Labor Market Trends
Overcoming Barriers
Persons with Disabilities & Employment
Veteran Job Search
Winning Resumes
Interviewing Techniques
Transferable Skills
LinkedIn-Beginner/Intermediate
Networking/Hidden Job Market
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

33. A Need for “Lifelong Learning”
Know the difference between transferable and technical skills
Develop strong transferable skills
Critical Thinking
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Engage in lifelong learning of technical skills
Equipment and operational processes – (including computer skills)
Know how to educate yourself
Receive input from technical experts loosely
Keep up with technological changes in your profession
Recognize when changes will require a paradigm shift
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

34. Lifelong Learning – Follow Up
Follow Up Activities:
Research Education & Career Options & Labor Market Trends
OC One-Stop Workshops:
Transferable Skills
Presenter’s Handouts, Workshops, and Consulting:
Learning Pyramid
Three Sensory Learning Styles
Rote Learning
Lifelong Learning Options
Paradigm Shift
Educational Choices You Won't Regret Later
Learning Strategies and Career Success
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

35. Reflect Questions: Share with your neighbor your thoughts
“Which of these coping skills do you already possess?”
Which of these coping skills can/should you develop?”
Share with your neighbor your thoughts
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

36. Summary The World Is Changing Rapidly
Note What You Can’t Control and What You Can Control
Can’t Control:
How You are Wired
Advances in Technology
Economic Shifts
The Marketplace and Its Trends
Can Control:
How You Respond to How You are Wired
Skills and Experiences You Choose to Develop
Your Education and Career Decisions
How You Prepare for Rapid Change
How You Respond to Rapid Change
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High

37. how it is supposed to be.”
Wisdom for the Ages:
“What screws us up
most in life
is the picture
in our heads of
how it is supposed to be.”
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Drlaura.com
4/5/2019
©2011 Kathleen E. High