Future of Work — Surviving and Thriving Post COVID-19: Protecting the poor, black & brown by Jameson Bennett
Crisis brings change.
The year of 2020 has brought us a global health crisis and another recession. Existing inequities in resources, access to health care, education, affordable housing, financial stability and economic opportunity will only grow without action. Week by week, COVID-19 is rapidly amplifying pre-existing disparities. The Coronavirus is indiscriminate with whom it infects. However, there are stark contrasts on the impacts along racial lines and between the rich and poor. To make things worse, countless articles and viral videos highlight neglectful, inhumane treatment towards poor, black, brown, elderly, homeless, disabled and incarcerated people.
The COVID-19 pandemic could result in 8% of the global population living in poverty, according to a report from the United Nations University. Wage slavery and environmental racism is a reality for populations across the globe and the coronavirus pandemic is taking the largest toll on poor communities.
Radical reforms are required to create a just society that will work for all. Upward social mobility and reasonable living was a problem before the coronavirus. Decades of structural barriers have left low income, black and brown families even more in danger with this pandemic. The coronavirus could lead to the first increase in global poverty since 1990.
Every day counts. Globally we must expand Coronavirus prevention campaigns for all socioeconomic demographics. We must assess racial disparities on testing and treatment to allocate resources to the communities who need it most and save lives. Poor whites are included in the group of vulnerable communities and it is imperative they collectively analyze their circumstances with fresh eyes. They must resist blindly supporting white supremacist capitalist patriarchy to their own detriment. Job security is low, pay cuts threaten many, and job losses are affecting diverse millions. In the midst of this pandemic the U.S. should sincerely commit to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is a humane thing to do.
Do we have the moral and political will to break our caste systems around the world? A global response to this COVID-19 disaster demands a sharp paradigm shift, introducing processes that regenerate the health of people and planet. Solidarity, humanity, generosity and creative imagination will be the fuel to build a new future.
The world is off track politically, economically, environmentally and socially. In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. In order to realize each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, we need policies, innovation, and tools to protect vulnerable communities. With the Coronavirus and the rise of automation we must collectively confront issues of scarcity. In this piece we will look at how society is transforming, the future of work, and how technological advancements post-pandemic could aid poor, black & brown communities.
Tech is not a cure all but tech can be an equalizer. There are thousands of unfilled tech jobs. The world has changed at sonic speed over the last few months. Pipelines of talent to fill tech needs must be created as societies continue to change. In a declining economy, unclear career paths and unequal access to enrichment are entrenched barriers to reskilling but can be overcome. Examples of resourcefulness include smartphone optimization, social media networking, eLearning opportunities, utilizing YouTube University, books, podcasts, and articles. In addition, free platforms exist to expand skill sets and/or upgrade career prospects and are listed below. Robots, automation, artificial intelligence and President 45 do not care about your job loss or low wages. Some jobs are gone forever. This is the new reality and folks will have to adapt. Start where you are to improve your life chances during this pandemic. Poor, black and brown people took a major step back during the recession, can we really afford to let that happen again?
With social distancing and stay at home orders, we are stuck in the house for the foreseeable future. Self-care and staying healthy — spirit, mind and body is priority. Creating a future where the poor, black and brown survive and thrive post COVID-19 is not only possible but also a priority. We will have to save ourselves. It starts with skill development, vision, research and commitment.
December 2019 the world became aware of COVID-19 and this virus has completely changed the course of history. The “new normal” has yet to be established globally as all countries have been impacted by this pandemic. Poor federal leadership, erratic messaging, incompetence, cruel negligence and slow response policies that put profit over public safety have resulted in the United States having the highest amount of Coronavirus cases and a brutal rising death toll. The Coronavirus could last past the summer so we need a focused vision in the present and a public-spirited pathway for the future. Not all governments are created equal but best practices exist to treat, prevent, protect and empower citizens during this global health emergency. There is tireless work and innovation happening all over the world to combat COVID-19. Some countries are prioritizing a strong social safety net and successfully containing the Coronavirus. Sadly, the United States is not.
The U.S. could learn from the brilliance, compassion and fortitude found in South Korea, Germany, Senegal, Canada, Singapore, Liberia and Iceland to name a few. I will predominantly focus on changes in markets and shifts in consumer behavior in America but solutions highlighted can be adopted around the world to help vulnerable communities. We are all in this together. Skills of the future, emerging industries and technology can be at the center of building a better world.
How society is changing — Coronavirus: Worst economic crisis since 1930s depression. What does it mean for you?
Food
· Grocery delivery apps see record downloads amid coronavirus outbreak
· New Food Delivery Platforms Aim To Do Better For Struggling Restaurants And Workers
· By the Numbers: COVID-19’s Devastating Effect on the Restaurant Industry
Services
· Coronavirus Is an Economic Tsunami for Service Industry
· Industries hit hardest by coronavirus in the US include retail, transportation, and travel
Shopping
· How the Virus Transformed the Way Americans Spend Their Money
· Map shows how COVID-19 has a major impact on e-commerce
Education
· 4 In 10 U.S. Teens Say They Haven’t Done Online Learning Since Schools Closed
· 3 ways the coronavirus pandemic could reshape education
· The global impact of coronavirus on education
Entertainment
· How the coronavirus outbreak is roiling the film and entertainment industries
· CARES Act: Where music industry workers can find federal aid amid coronavirus
· Concert industry could lose $9 billion this year due to the coronavirus pandemic
Health
· Coronavirus Business Tracker: How The Private Sector Is Fighting The COVID-19 Pandemic
· U.S. home healthcare industry warns of possible ‘collapse’
· Why telehealth is crucial in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic
Resources
· COVID-19 Information and Resources
· A guide to helping and getting help during the coronavirus crisis
· F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan
Future of Work — There are currently 700,000 open tech jobs. Be future-proof and in-demand by learning new skills.
Skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
· LinkedIn says these 5 traits pose the biggest skills gap — and it’s a global problem
· The 101 people, ideas and things changing how we work today
· Future Skills You’ll Need In Your Career By 2030
· The 10 Vital Skills You Will Need For The Future Of Work
· Future-Proof Job Skills: What Employees Need to Know
· This Is the Most In-Demand Skill of the Future
Resources
· 5 Free Resources That’ll Help You Prepare for the Future of Work
· Automation, education, and the future of work: a reading list
Remote Work — Remote work is a luxury not everyone has. Reskill and work anywhere.
· Coronavirus Career Advice: 27 Best Work From Home And Remote Jobs
· Overcoming Remote Work Challenges
· The Top 100 Companies For Remote Jobs
· What we’ve learned about how remote work is changing us
· 18 jobs & skills that enable you to work from anywhere and travel the world
Resources
· 58 Must-Read Remote Work Resources
Emerging Industries — Plant new seeds and pivot. Adapt to the evolving job market and find work in growing sectors.
· Coronavirus Economy: These 5 Industries Are Currently Thriving
· The 10 fastest-growing jobs of the next decade — and what they pay
· Sustainable Business Model: What Every Business Leader Should Ask Themselves
· 8 Best Industries for Starting a Business in 2020
· This Year’s Fastest-Growing Freelance Industries
Opportunity Sectors -
The Coronavirus economy is unforgiving. Wages have been stagnant, bills haven’t stopped, furloughs are happening, paycheck to paycheck living is hard and most of the population is riddled with debt. How do you stand out and survive in a job market with hiring freezes and millions of people freshly unemployed? Stability is crucial and the safest answer for job seekers during a pandemic would involve a trade career, technical skills or becoming an expert generalist.
Without a doubt, the Coronavirus has accelerated the future of work and dramatically changed how we live. Before COVID-19 people were working full time jobs and still poor but now a lot of those low paying jobs might be permanently lost. The social safety net in America is quite thin and right now families are making tough financial decisions between bills or meals, while doing their best to stay safe. At some point the coronavirus will peak and end and life will return to some sort of normalcy. Do you have a plan for a fresh start if paychecks stop and your industry doesn’t recover?
In the fourth industrial revolution, every company in the world is a tech company to some extent. Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math careers will shape the Future of Work. A job in technology might not excite you or interest you and that’s totally fine. Once again, tech is not a cure all for all the woes of society but during a global financial crisis it is best to invest in yourself and give yourself options to pivot and adapt to market forces. We are in the age where people can learn a foreign language for free with their smartphone. A smartphone can also be used to learn skills for a career in technology. Let’s tackle the digital divide and practice intentional skill development. Data is the new oil, tech jobs aren’t going away anytime soon and with the right mix of skills and experience you can chart your own course in any lane you are passionate about. The goal is to become employable but we must also become creators, owners, producers, entrepreneurs, educators and collectively move into growth sectors to avoid falling well below the poverty line. There are technical and non-technical jobs in every field, take the time to research and find your niche or even better, your vocation.
Artificial Intelligence
Market Size: $169 billion by 2025
Artificial Intelligence Startups: $5M Average Valuation
Salary: Average Base Pay $114,121/yr
Careers: Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Developer, Research Scientist, Big Data Engineer/Architect, User Experience, Natural Language Processing, Software engineering, R&D engineer & Computer vision engineer
Imagine a world where we had personalized virtual assistants delivered by voice, text, AR and VR that aided in our overall education with eLearning, STEAM skills, financial literacy, civic engagement and history lessons. Knowledge is power and artificial intelligence optimized education could drastically improve life chances for all.
Fintech
Market Size: $305 Billion by 2023
Fintech Startups: $4.5M Average Valuation
Salary: Average Base Pay $111,501/year
Careers: Financial Analyst, Blockchain Developer, Apps Developer, Product Manager, Compliance Expert, Cybersecurity Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Culture Champions, Business Development Manager, Data Specialist
Imagine a world where you easily make your dollars count by financing solutions, ideas and community projects with ease and trust. With advances with equity crowdfunding you can empower and support community businesses. Earn equity, invest in your neighbors & fund ideas. Decentralization will provide new options of security, trust and peer to peer freedoms. Fintech allows people to tackle social issues and while making profit. Dollar circulation with transparency.
Health Tech
Market Size: $504 billion by 2025
Health Tech Startups: $4.5M Average Valuation
Salary: Average Base Pay $82,909/yr
Careers: Systems analyst, Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Product Manager, Product architect, Programmer analyst, Software developer, Software engineer, Chief security officer, Chief technology officer, Chief information officer
Imagine a world where everyone on the planet had access to free, high quality healthcare that optimize telemedicine, preventive and holistic treatment. Advances in technology will be paramount to creating cheaper, faster and more effective solutions. There are more options for better healthcare with assisted surgery, drug development, biometrics, trackers, wearables and sensors. Artificial intelligence will improve how your medical records will be facilitated and open the door to personalized medical options that suit your body.
Robotics
Market Size: $24 Billion by 2025
Robotics Startups: $5M Average Valuation
Salary: Average Base Pay $75,487/yr
Careers: Robotics Engineer, Robotics Technician, Software Developer, Robotics Operator, Mechanical Engineers, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians, Electro-mechanical Technicians, Sales Engineers, Computer and Information Research Scientists, Computer Programmers
Imagine a world with new industries where humans remotely work with robots to heal the planet. Automation is inevitable so we need industries where humans work with both robots and drones. Coexisting means productivity gains and new jobs for people looking for meaningful work. Green jobs for all, round the clock operations to improve air quality, soil quality, water quality, remove waste, stop pollution, assist food supply chain & aid species preservation.
Green Tech and Sustainability
Market Size: $29 Billion by 2024
Green Tech Startups: $4.6M Average Valuation
Salary: Average Base Pay $68,566/yr
Careers: Environmental engineers, Geoscientists, Regenerative Farmer and Educator, Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Construction & Building Inspectors, Environmental Scientists & Specialists, First-line Supervisors/Managers of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers, Industrial Engineers, Construction Managers
Imagine a world where humans only relied on clean energy and environmentally-friendly products. Green tech and sustainability tackles both waste & pollution above and below land, while providing innovation with our basic needs of food, water, shelter. Urban agricultural jobs will be a key area of transformation with Sustainable Development Goals. We need technologists, gardeners, activists, and food justice advocates to improve our food choices and options. And we need to develop community-based solutions to food access issues. If we only have 12 years to take climate action, why not start now?
3D Printing
Market Size: $49 Billion by 2025
3D Printed Startups: $4.7M Average Valuation
Salary: Average Base Pay $59,515/yr
Careers: 3D design, 3D computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, 3D mechanic, Body Part 3D designer and creator, 3D printing artist, Research and development, Biological and scientific modeling, Architecture/construction modeling, Education, Lawyers and legal professionals & Operations and administrative positions
Imagine a world where every home had the opportunity to create, manufacture essential items and also sell them. Eliminate unnecessary shipping costs and environmental harms of transporting goods while becoming a producer. Creative communities could build 3D printed homeless shelters, urban farming systems, organs and other medical supplies. The possibilities are endless.
In conclusion:
I’m here to spread strategies, resources and opportunities for the 99 percent. Last fall when I released my free Audiomack project with solutions specifically for black folk across the globe titled “Pan-Africanism — A 200 Year Plan: Sustainability + Future of Work + Community Revitalization’’ I did not foresee a pandemic at the beginning of 2020 that would ravage the world. Who could?
My 200 year plan audio project was created to inspire the next generation of black farmers, lawyers, urban planners, teachers, technologists and elected officials to improve, protect and serve our communities across the diaspora. If you haven’t heard it, please check it out — we need both hope and a road-map during times like this. When you look at the total death toll and global negative economic impact COVID-19 has created, the virus has done tremendous damage to all walks of life but especially the communities I seek to empower, provide strategies and actionable items for.
In the words of the great Kendrick Lamar, ‘We Gon’ Be Alright’. This too shall pass. One day this pandemic will be over but we will need a strong, collective, foundational game plan before this is over. We desperately need policy items to get things back on track. Reskilling for the future of work is crucial but just one angle to the advancement for the poor, black and brown.
During this pandemic we should also focus on making sure our neighborhoods have the proper resources by filling out the census, ensuring our family, friends and neighbors are registered to vote. We have another historic election this November, we must be ready and fully civically engaged. We need quality leadership, ‘day one’ demands, multiple strategies for holding elected officials accountable and a shared agenda to survive and thrive.
The Coronavirus has sparked a new conversation about universal basic income, living wage, empowering essential workers and a brand new labor rights movement. With COVID-19’s harmful impact we should all embrace the great work behind the Poor people’s movement. It is on us to create a positive paradigm shift so that means we must research, organize & raise awareness online and offline. We can make an impact before we go outside again.
All of these tactics and initiatives will help increase the odds that poor, black and brown people are not left behind after this pandemic and that we move forward as a nation and society to achieve our Social Development Goals.
Jameson Bennett is a New York based technologist, digital consultant, SiriusXM Radio producer and speaker. A serial entrepreneur Jameson has led product, creative and operational strategy for multiple startups.
