Outsource proofing
Can you outsource-proof your job? In my May Editor's Note, I cited fear of outsourcing as a factor that may dampen interest in careers in engineering. Most engineering jobs can be outsourced to any cubical anywhere with an Ethernet connection. (I'm aware that the same holds true for editors, though they also must possess familiarity with the language of their target audience.) If you’re a waitperson, though, your job won't leave the country, or the city for that matter.
But if you're a technologist, are there any areas particularly resistant to outsourcing? Folks at Omron Electronics LLC (the American division of the Japanese parent company) see the food and beverage packaging industry as one likely to stay put: food and beverages tend to be packaged close to where they will be consumed. Omron is looking to food-and-beverage packaging automation as a source of significant growth in the Americas.
How "outsource proof" is your industry? Use the "Comments" link above to post a reply. Tell me what country you're in and why think your job is or isn't outsource proof.
Also, let me know if you have considered changing careers (to another engineering discipline or out of engineering altogether) for more job security. My guess is that such a change can be as risky as staying put. You might join the food and beverage industry just in time to see an exploding consumer demand for imported food and drink. You may go into the restaurant business only to see the engineers who used to be your customers lose the jobs that financed their nights out.
It makes sense for companies to identify and serve potential local growth areas, but in my opinion, not for individuals. In response to my May Editor's Note, reader Kerry L. Adams, an engineer at TI, questioned whether there are any safe jobs anymore, and I tend to think not.
As for advising college-bound students to study engineering, he writes, "We need good teachers, doctors, lawyers (well, maybe not these), artists, musicians, writers, accountants, and others." His dream for his daughters is that they be happy doing what they want.
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