Anyone work in a career field that won't last until retirement? What do you do?

[HugsForEeyore]

Anyone have the same problem I see happening for me in the future - do you work in a field that won't last until retirement?

Yeah I am a librarian, not a great field nowadays! I can't see us surviving now that the e-reader has starting taking over (there are a billion threads going at any given time saying how much everyone loves their Kindle/Nook). There will be no point in having a library. I believe there will always be plenty of people who can't afford these ereader/tablet devices and data plans, but they will be left behind when libraries are no longer seen as necessary, or services are slimmed down to the bare bones. I don't see a rosy future in my profession.

I think I have a couple of years before the effects are really seen at my library, so I am trying to figure out what to do. Ughhh. Hate thinking about this.

Anyone else worked in a field that is not going to survive? Are you re-training or trying to go back to school? Or are you going to be like me and put your head in the sand!!!

 

[prncess674]

I think you need to help redefine the impression that a librarian does much more than a person who reshelves books. Many librarians are degreed professionals (Library Science) and are the holders of tons of information. Here is an excerpt from an article I just read.

Campus Librarian:

In case the library is not a frequent stop, now is a good time to visit and meet a modern librarian. The professional who greets patrons is far more than a storyteller (although storytellers are an especially fascinating group of specialists). The 21stcentury librarian is the information professional who is a technology leader on campus. The librarian possesses a comprehensive understand of the entire curriculum and assists every teacher, conceptualizing interactive, blended lessons, resourcing lessons with electronic content, locating and reviewing web sites, creating online search guides, helping teachers learn about and use electronic resources and productivity software, helping to select and arrange a wide array of digital hardware tools, and working with students and teachers in a variety of web and technology-based instructional applications. One of the biggest employers of information professionals around the world, aka librarians, is Google, exactly because it is librarians who bring together the necessary 21stcentury skills that employers say they most want: independent, self-sufficient, effective, and efficient workers who continue to learn after they are hired. The library is the heartbeat of an effective school.



Continue reading on Examiner.com: What could be on the Chopping Block? - Houston K-12 | Examiner.com http://******************/k-12-in-h...ing-block-cypress-fairbanks-isd#ixzz1LyF6s4WD

 

[crisi]

I work in an industry that will be obsolete over the next decade - maybe 20 years in a niche. I won't retire here.

But my skills are adaptable to other industries.

 

[soxfan11901]

I may be naive, but I don't think libraries are going to be made irrelevant by e-readers.
I think the publishing industry will take a bigger hit from this just like the cd business is getting killed by the mp3.
My wife loves her kindle, but we still use our local small town library. All the new popular books still cost money through the kindle, but I can still read those books for free from the library.
I still love holding a book and the biggest advantage to me for the kindle is not having to pack a bunch of books on vacation. Saves a lot of space just packing the kindle.

The biggest threat I see to our local library is funding. Everyone wants to keep taxes low and one of the first places the town looks for budget cuts is the library.

Just my two cents on your situation.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Yup! I'm a high school Drafting/CAD/Engineering/Architecture/Interior Design teacher. I thought I was good, I thought I was safe. But honestly with the massive budget cuts, stricter HS graduation requirements, the move to break up unions, eliminate tenure, etc, etc, etc, I don't foresee having a job for more 10 years. If things keep up at the current pace, I say less then 5.

I've been teaching for 12 years, and with 13 more I can "retire". I'm at least vested in the state's retirement system for now.

This summer I'm brushing up on my "real world" skills. I've never worked as a CAD designer. I started teaching at 22 years old. But I know I possess skills that could be transferred to a 9-5 job. So I'm gearing up for the possibility that it might become my reality.

 

[bettymae1121]

Well, it may not be as bad as you think. I'm a travel agent, and while my industry as a whole isn't what it was 25 years ago (or even what it was when I started 14 years ago), there is still a demand for our services. You'd think with the internet we'd be extinct...but there are still a lot of people who'd rather not take the time or effort into researching their own vacation travel, and rather let someone else do it for them. And corporate travel services (which is what I do) is doing quite well, as companies (generally speaking) often don't want their employees to book travel on their own, they want an agency to handle things and make sure their employees conform to the company's travel policy (the agency is given the company's policy and will only book travel that adhears to it, unless authorization is given that allows the traveler to deviate). In addition, we also offer perks like negotiated airline/car/hotel discounts, assistance to travelers that have issues during trips (ie canceled flights that need to be re-booked) and a host of other services that are either hard or impossible for an individual company to obtain on their own. Sure, a company can just do it themselves (or allow their employees to), but we make sure we offer so much more that it's worth it to use us rather than Expedia.

I think libraries are going to go through a change, no doubt about that. But I don't see them going away as they can often offer services that can't be done through an e-reader (and if they don't, they should add some!). But as with any profession, having one or two "back-ups" in mind is never a bad thing.

 

[ssawka]

What do you do when you think you might become obsolete? You switch focus, learn new skills, and adapt. I'm a programmer in IT. Although my profession is not going anywhere, I'm not so sure I want to do this for the next 20+ years, so I'm trying to change focus to IT security. People change and professions come and go. What is important is how easily you can adapt to the changes.

 

[Soben]

This summer I'm brushing up on my "real world" skills. I've never worked as a CAD designer. I started teaching at 22 years old. But I know I possess skills that could be transferred to a 9-5 job. So I'm gearing up for the possibility that it might become my reality.

Would it be easier to switch teaching in a different area, like basic math or something. Teaching is a great skill and can be transferred to other classes. If you just did the designing, you might not be using all your skills. And if you keep teaching, you'll still have the summers off.

OP, libraries may be changing, but it won't happen overnight. You've got to stay alert and keep learning and growing so that you're prepared. Just like the rest of us.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Couldn't you become a digital librarian?

We have them here at work.

 

[NotUrsula]

Our profession isn't dying; it's just changing -- REALLY fast. I don't do anything that I did 20 years ago anymore; heck, I barely do anything that I did 6 years ago anymore.

Move into acquisitions as quickly as you can, and make sure that you know a fair amount about web tool development and social networking. If your MLS isn't finished, either finish it or shift into the IT side,. because that part of the industry will still need techs.

What is dying is in-person public service positions, but with the exception of circ clerks the work will still be there, we will just be using different tools to do it. (Also, hardcopy books will not be leaving school or public libraries anytime soon; there is too much invested in monograph collections. Special and academic collections will go digital much more quickly.)

 

[Owlpost23]

My husband and I are in the hospitality industry -he's an executive chef/food and beverage director,and I'm a kitchen manager at a private preschool.People will always have to eat,so we're pretty good.

 

[mom0299]

I am a school librarian with 15 years in the field. I have 15 more to go before I can retire. I don't see my job going away, but I do see it changing rapidly. I do so much more than just check in and check out books. Libraries are not kept within four brick walls. Libraries exist wherever the information is. It is the job of the librarian to know where the information is and access it for the patron in a timely manner. The information might be in a book, magazine, or journal, but it might also be on the Internet, in a database, or within some type of technology. We, as librarians, have to evolve with the job or we surely will become extinct. If we don't make sure we are irreplaceable then we will be replaced.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Anyone have the same problem I see happening for me in the future - do you work in a field that won't last until retirement?

Yeah I am a librarian, not a great field nowadays! I can't see us surviving now that the e-reader has starting taking over (there are a billion threads going at any given time saying how much everyone loves their Kindle/Nook). There will be no point in having a library. I believe there will always be plenty of people who can't afford these ereader/tablet devices and data plans, but they will be left behind when libraries are no longer seen as necessary, or services are slimmed down to the bare bones. I don't see a rosy future in my profession.

I think I have a couple of years before the effects are really seen at my library, so I am trying to figure out what to do. Ughhh. Hate thinking about this.

Anyone else worked in a field that is not going to survive? Are you re-training or trying to go back to school? Or are you going to be like me and put your head in the sand!!!

You've gotten some great advice so far. I do disagree with your statement that there will be no point in having a library with the advent of e-readers.

I live in a city (over 100,000) and we have a wonderful, vibrant public library. Yes, there are electronic resources, but the library staff has developed it into a destination - it's always crowded and full of families attending events, using resources or just browsing.

I'd see what kind of education you can take to continue to be relevant as e-readers become more popular. To me, a library isn't just a collection of books -- it provides educational resources in print and electronic form.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Funny you should post this, as I was just at a conference on Friday where the keynote speaker talked about how we need to change what the library is about. Her general idea was to focus more on the community.

I work in the youth department in a primarily lower-middle class neighborhood and the number one and number two thing that bring children and their parents in are the use of the computers and our programs followed closely by reference questions. Don't get me wrong we still help patrons find plenty of books but I think it's more important to focus on the patrons as opposed to the books nowadays.

I love working at the library. I have a teaching degree but after getting into the field it just wasn't for me. I think it's YEARS down the road before libraries close their doors-if ever.

Plus, we have kindles, nooks, and are even getting iPads for patrons to check out! A good portion of the budget is now devoted to these. Surprisingly, people aren't checking them out as frequently as thought.

 

[sookie]

look at universities. our librarians are CRAZY BUSY - especially our librarians that are assigned to our medical libraries.

i keep my librarians pretty busy myself by having them help me pull articles and information for me when i can't find it myself.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Would it be easier to switch teaching in a different area, like basic math or something. Teaching is a great skill and can be transferred to other classes. If you just did the designing, you might not be using all your skills. And if you keep teaching, you'll still have the summers off.

OP, libraries may be changing, but it won't happen overnight. You've got to stay alert and keep learning and growing so that you're prepared. Just like the rest of us.

To get an additional subject endorsement, I'd need to get another Master's in that area. I looked into this to become an art teacher and teach photography in addition to my other classes.

A Masters will run me at a minimum $10K. Not to mention the time crunch w/ 2 kids, a husband who's a CPA (in other words I can't take Winter/Spring classes) and a FT job. Not to mention the ONLY other subject area I'd be looking at is Art (I started my college career in Art School). I'm NOT a math wiz (shock to many people considering my field).

So for me, it's better to take my subject area and enter the workforce then try and get another Masters at this point.

 

[yoopermom]

Another librarian here (there are LOTs of us out here), I was a school librarian, position eliminated, spent the 10K to go back for sp ed certification, taught a year, and was laid off again, so, you're right, additional certification is no guarantee that you'll get a job (or keep it). I don't regret doing it, since it got me to my ten year vestment here in MI, but I'll be paying it off for a long time.

Notursula always has good advice. I'm currently in a small tech college library and like it very much. Think of your skills in broader terms than just library, I'm sure you have many people and computer/tech skills. Consider working with a resume expert to show this.

Good luck to you!
Terri
da yooper librarian

 

[horseshowmom]

I am a school librarian with 15 years in the field. I have 15 more to go before I can retire. I don't see my job going away, but I do see it changing rapidly. I do so much more than just check in and check out books. Libraries are not kept within four brick walls. Libraries exist wherever the information is. It is the job of the librarian to know where the information is and access it for the patron in a timely manner. The information might be in a book, magazine, or journal, but it might also be on the Internet, in a database, or within some type of technology. We, as librarians, have to evolve with the job or we surely will become extinct. If we don't make sure we are irreplaceable then we will be replaced.

I'm also a school librarian and am very secure in my job. I do agree with adapting to change. I view making my services relevant to teachers and students as part of my job. I provide curriucuum resources for busy teachers to supplement what they need in the classroom (per their requests) and assist students with learning how to access information. Part of that includes training in recognizing what information is reliable on the internet (and what is not).

I know that the downturn in the economy has made our local library even busier than usual. People use it for inexpensive entertainment - books, of course, movies, computer access, public service programs, etc.

We're very rural though. I realize that some city areas are definitely consolidting services in order to save money.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Anyone have the same problem I see happening for me in the future - do you work in a field that won't last until retirement?

Yeah I am a librarian, not a great field nowadays! I can't see us surviving now that the e-reader has starting taking over (there are a billion threads going at any given time saying how much everyone loves their Kindle/Nook). There will be no point in having a library. I believe there will always be plenty of people who can't afford these ereader/tablet devices and data plans, but they will be left behind when libraries are no longer seen as necessary, or services are slimmed down to the bare bones. I don't see a rosy future in my profession.

I think I have a couple of years before the effects are really seen at my library, so I am trying to figure out what to do. Ughhh. Hate thinking about this.

Anyone else worked in a field that is not going to survive? Are you re-training or trying to go back to school? Or are you going to be like me and put your head in the sand!!!

I think you have to start thinking now, but not necessarily changing careers, just keeping your skills up-to-date and relevant. Maybe your current employer can help with that.

My kids' school libraries are being converted into what they are calling "learning commons" and the librarians are taking on new roles and repsonsibilities along with that.

 

[Cin]

I can't see e readers as replacing printed books anytime in my lifetime. At least I certainly hope not! I love printed paper material and much prefer it to reading on a computer or phone or ipad. I still subscribe to printed magazines and buy books on a regular basis. I frequent the library and so do my adult "kids". I loved the programs that our local libraries put on for the kids like the reading rewards programs or the classes and adult book clubs and story hours that our library has. My kids grew up on those programs and so did I. How can a computer or machine replace that?