“We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten.” – Bill Gates
As a mother of three children, an accountant and a business advisor who is a keen futurist it is clear to me that we are in times of unprecedented change where the only certainty is uncertainty.
Did you know that 5 million Australians (40% of the Australian workforce) are estimated to be replaced by computers in the next 10-15 years (CEDA)? These are our children’s jobs!
So what does the future look like for our children’s careers? And how do we safeguard them to survive and thrive in the future workforce?
The first step is to not do things the same way we have always done them. We need to think outside the box and develop skills that automation or artificial intelligence cannot replicate.
Our children need to harness technology as digital know-how will be critical. Most people born into the digital age seem to intuitively have some level of digital know-how, however, it needs to be enhanced through Digital Coding. This will be an integral skill like reading or writing.
Other skills that will be highly prized in the ever-changing technological future are:
- Innovation
- Creativity
- Entrepreneurship, and
- Problem Solving
And those that possess the ability to:
- Communicate
- Connect
- Lead, and
- Possess emotional intelligence
will set themselves apart enabling them to reach higher levels of success.
We can start by teaching Digital Coding in schools and giving them the time and space to nurture future skills through Genius Hours. Setting aside time for them to explore their passions and creativity and encouraging problem-solving and adaptability whilst also doing something they enjoy.
Although it may not seem like much, it is the little changes from repetitive and rote learning to creative problem solving and increasing digital know-how that will help equip our children to be prepared and successful for the future. Let’s not underestimate the benefit of small changes now otherwise we may not be prepared for the larger changes ahead.
Aly Garrett is a Mum of 3 and winner of the 2018 SA SMSF & Accounting Professional of the Year, Partner of the Year and Overall Excellence Awards. She is the founder and principal of All In Advisory and draws on over 25 years of experience to deliver customised accounting, taxation, advisory and cloud solutions for businesses. She is recognised as a leader in the cloud revolution space helping to elevate businesses to the cloud and deliver automation to future proof their businesses, delivering efficiencies and improving profitability.
The ultimate success for Aly has come about by combining her love for her work with her passion for her family & she has built her life around this foundation.
