Most people are preparing for a version of the job market that no longer exists.
Artificial intelligence, automation and global competition are rewriting the rules of careers and job searching at a pace most cannot keep up with.
Key Blog Ideas
– The old rules don’t apply: the market is divided between companies with very little money (they can’t take risks) and those with huge budgets (very few in between).
– Hiring for unlikely roles: Companies often hire for very specific or “strange” jobs that traditional training does not prepare you for.
– Proof of work > Resume: Companies are more concerned with demonstrable results (“proof of work”) than with a resume or generic projects.
– Coding is not enough: the future is not just coding, it is coding plus something else: automation, product ownership, systems thinking.
– Entry-level jobs predominate: average jobs are shrinking; there is a bifurcation into highly paid, highly skilled entry-level roles and fewer “just good” jobs.
What is “Proof of Work”?
Forget CVs – companies want proof that you can send valuable things:
– Not just routine projects that everyone builds, but tools actually used by real people.
– Demonstrate that you solve real problems (automation, electronics, IoT, full-stack products).
– Get your project tested and used by “real users” – that’s proof of work.
Think: anything that adds value or profit to a company, that you can prove really works, gets you hired.
Why average jobs are disappearing
There is a clear division:
– Top-level roles: huge salaries, intense expectations, rare skills.
– Mid/low level roles: decreasing; only those with basic skills receive an “acceptable” salary.
– In the future, excellence in one area will get you paid; Being “average” is a risky bet.
How to prepare for the future of work
– Create real products with real users, not just portfolios.
– Mix skills: Coding + automation, electronics + robotics, design + product thinking.
– Focus on fundamental needs: food, comfort, entertainment, skills, health. Whatever solves them will survive the change.
– Find “strange” niches; Don’t aim for what everyone else does; aim higher.
– Show companies that you generate measurable benefits or value.
The “Reverse Employment Portal” model
Some modern companies allow you to apply based on your unique value rather than choosing from standard listings. Example: shars.com/jobs, where you tell the company what you are best at and if they see value, they hire you.
Final thoughts
The job market is evolving and many are preparing for careers that no longer exist. Focus on:
– Proof of work
– Real world impact
– Unique skills/niches
– Continuous learning
Comment your thoughts below! What is your opinion about the new job market?