THE technology disparity is high for Caribbean professionals in comparison to global market demands. This is due to not only a lack of resources, time and mental focus for upskilling, but systematic issues that stifle innovation in both our private and public business environments. However, the future is sparing none who remain in the traditional mindset of get a degree, get a job, and remain at the same cognitive level until retirement.

Here are three ways you can design your career which allow for adaptability, flexibility and profitability.

You are not just one thing

Previously, the practice was if you were a teacher, all you needed was to be able to teach. Now, the successful teachers know that being able to integrate AI skills in instructional design will allow them to be more marketable. Another example is, the sharing of industry expertise in the form of digital products such as course and guides is a common trend. This means a doctor must also understand how to earn income outside of a traditional means of promotion that may take years while inflation climbs each second. Whatever your main profession is, pursue complementary skills in order to compound results. Invest in these skills through
YouTube, TikTok, mentorship, courses, or formal education.

Build a personal brand

Being visible at work was encouraged in the past. This is still good advice, yet with unpredictable job markets, and a world on the edge of global wars, your employment cannot be confined to a particular geographic region. So, be visible at work but also start building an online presence. You don’t need to go viral every post or have millions of follows — you just need a curated community that has the ability to offer alternative means of income.

Diversify your income

Having multiple streams of income can be exhausting to build, especially in the beginning stages, nevertheless, it is essential to financial stability. Your income streams can be passive or active. Many persons rush to resign from their 9-5 role hoping a side hustle will miraculously turn into millions of dollars of monthly income overnight. These income streams may take years to build in order to see any real profit — and even then, you may still want to hold down your day job for other benefits.

Tough times are here and ahead of us but we don’t have to fold our hands and complain without action. Yes, we should advocate for change and better social policies for our tax dollars. However, while we advocate, let’s advocate for our future and our children’s. Let us design a career for the future. Let us invest in ourselves.

Shanann Williston is an instructional design consultant and human resource professional with expertise in learning and development, organisational training, and talent management. She is an instructional designer at Northern Caribbean University.