Embracing Turbulence

In both the tech industry and larger work world, we are living in a turbulent time.

Industries are being disrupted by technology; the job market is uncertain; there is surge of migrants at the US borders, and the US government may shut down. This much change and uncertainty can feel destabilizing.

Reading the headlines it is apparent that the labor market is very unstable, such as:

• The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is on strike, demanding a 4x pay increase,

• The screen writers are striking because of wages and AI,

• Europe's airlines and train disruption are on strike and may expand to other sectors

• Public sector employees have announced a 24-hour General Strike throughout Greece

This unrest in labor is grounded in people trying to:

• regain a sense of personal control

• take action in order make their lives better,

• express disaffection with government leaders and corruption

• make improvements in working conditions, and

• react to the turbulence in their general and worklife

Turbulence often brings change and growing pains. It also surfaces opportunities to improve and forge new paths aligned with your goals. With the right mindset and strategies, uncertainty can be embraced as creating an environment that can set the stage for future growth.

On a personal level, many of us are having to adjust to new realities in our careers, relationships, and lifestyles. While change can be scary and destabilizing, it also presents opportunities for growth and reinvention.

What does this mean for folks in the tech world?

It means that we need to be prepared for change. We need to be resilient and adaptable. We need to be able to think critically and solve problems creatively. And we need to be able to work together to build a better future.

Here are some ways to navigate this turbulent period:

• Learn new skills

• Stay informed on workplace trends

• Network to find opportunities

• Develop new, relevant skills

• Be flexible and adaptable

• Take on new projects or initiatives to add value

• Build resilience through self-care and connections

• Expand your network and collaborate and share perspectives with new people

• Maintain perspective amid chaos, and

• Embrace change as opportunity

So, while yes, the macro environment and the advancements in tech – especially AI and data science – can cause angst, we really have no choice – adapt or die. Get out there and lean in, learn new things, meet new people and focus on what you can control: your attitude, your effort and your desire to succeed…

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