Most people are preparing for a version of the job market that no longer exists.
AI, automation, and global competition are rewriting the rules of careers and job hunting at a pace most can’t keep up with.
Key Insights from the blog
- Old rules don’t apply: The market is split between companies with too little money (can’t take risks) and those with huge budgets — very few in between.
- Hiring for unlikely roles: Companies often hire for highly specific or “weird” jobs that traditional training doesn’t prepare you for.
- Proof of Work > Resume: Companies care more about demonstrable output (“proof of work”) than a resume or generic projects.
- Coding is not enough: The future isn’t just coding — it’s coding plus something else: automation, product ownership, systems thinking.
- Top-tier jobs dominate: Average jobs are shrinking; there’s a bifurcation into highly paid, highly skilled top-tier roles and fewer "just okay" jobs.
What is “Proof of Work”?
Forget CVs — companies want evidence that you can ship valuable things:
- Not just routine projects everyone builds, but tools actually used by real people.
- Demonstrate 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 actually works, gets you hired.
Why Average Jobs Are Disappearing
There’s a clear split:
- Top-tier roles: Massive salaries, intense expectations, rare skills.
- Mid/low-tier roles: Diminishing; only those with basic skills get "okay" pay.
- 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
- Build real products with real users, not just portfolios.
- Mix skills: Coding + automation, electronics + robotics, design + product thinking.
- Focus on foundational needs: food, comfort, entertainment, skills, health. Whatever solves these will survive change.
- Find “weird” niches — don’t aim for what everyone does; aim higher.
- Show companies you create measurable profit or value.
The “Reverse Job Portal” Model
Some modern companies let you apply based on your unique value instead of picking from standard listings. Example: shars.com/jobs, where you tell the company what you’re best at — and if they see value, you get hired.
Final Thoughts
The job market is evolving, and many are preparing for careers that don’t exist anymore. Focus on:
- Proof of work
- Real-world impact
- Unique skills/niches
- Continuous learning
Comment your thoughts below! What’s your take on the new job market?
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