How Our Professional Lives Will Change in 2015

As you prepare to make 2015 an excellent year, you might want to think about how the workplace is changing. Of course, it’s not like a switch flips on January 1, neatly dividing the corporate trends of 2014 from 2015. But the first month of the year is still a good time to think about how work is evolving, right before our very eyes — and what we can do to make our careers truly satisfying between now and next New Year’s Eve.

(Photo Credit: Temari 09/Flickr)

Here are a few ways things might change in 2015.

1. Full-time, benefited jobs will continue to diminish, and freelancing will remain on the rise.

A study from 2014, conducted by elance-odesk.com, found that 53 million Americans are now freelancing. That’s more than one-third of all U.S. workers. As high as that figure is, there is good reason to believe it will continue to escalate in 2015. Whether you’re considering a change or not, the shift away from tradition employment and toward freelancing will surely impact your industry, and probably your workplace as well, in one way or another.

2. There will be more career juggling.

Functioning professionally in two or more careers is becoming the standard, especially for Millennials who refuse to be confined by narrow or conventional labels when it comes to work. Unlike their predecessors, who often worked more than one job out of necessity, today’s workers often have one job that pays the bills, while others provide a creative outlet. The idea that interests, hobbies, or passions should be set aside in order to focus intently on one’s primary profession is a thing of the past. In 2015, this notion is seen as boring and out-of-date. Why not do it all?

3. You’ll need to adapt to new technologies even more quickly.

The days of hand-holding our way through the implementation of new technology in the workplace is officially over. You’re going to need to dive right in with new devices and systems practically as soon as they’re introduced, from now on. Companies realize that spending two months training, and allowing workers to adjust to new advancements as they emerge just isn’t practical. By the time everyone is on board, it’s time to implement the next, new, best thing. So, learn fast, be brave, and prepare yourself for lots of rapid change.

4. You’ll need to work smarter, not harder.

There was a lot of talk in 2014 about efficiency. Employers know that having workers commit to longer hours isn’t the best solution. Instead, workers are being asked to find ways to maximize the time they already invest. Of course, long hours will still be the reality for a lot of people, but perhaps greater flexibility about how, when, and where the work can be completed will give workers a bit more control. Opening up more options will surely help workers to maximize their working hours and increase productivity.

Tell Us What You Think

How will your professional life change in 2015? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.