For years the vast majority of workers have all essentially been functioning as employees. We performed tasks on the job that pretty much anyone could do in our place. As one of the more cold-hearted bosses I once had put it: “We can replace you any time with any number of dozens of other boneheads who apply here.” Management, for the most part, did all the high level thinking and we simply did whatever we were expected to do. The model still exists, but over the past two decades, the knowledge worker has emerged more and more frequently on the scene.

Why should you care? Because knowledge workers are infinitely more employable than unskilled, (unschooled?) workers. Knowledge workers carry their tools in their heads and work wherever they stand. Others, sad to say, have virtually no edge to carry them through difficult times. Which are you & what can you do to change the pattern? Read on for more.

It really doesn’t matter where you have worked in the past. Somewhere in your employment history you have come in contact with true knowledge workers. There are plenty of them in the professional trades – you can spot the difference in top flight executive assistants – or those technology wizards who just seem to get it.

Here is my message: If you want to stay employable – not merely employed – in today’s workforce, it is vital that you become a knowledge worker. Quite simply, you have to work to become one of the most capable individuals possible in your given profession. One of the keys to accomplishing this goal is to take responsibility for your own learning – suck up and retain knowledge like a sponge. Find resources and mind-alliances wherever and whenever possible and haul your brain out of psychic deep freeze and into your future.

If, on the other hand, you decide to continue huddling in your cubicle, don’t be surprised if the next reduction in force – or merely the next “I don’t like you.” executive – targets you and your career (your future?) as disposable.

Did you find personal or professional benefit from this material? If so, please forward it to two of your friends. We would sincerely appreciate the gesture.