The way we live and work has been dramatically altered over several decades. We have witnessed gradual and dramatic changes in the nature of work due to several reasons: globalisation, economic restructuring, the resulting downsizing, rapid increases in information and communications technology, and significant demographic shifts. The move to a knowledge economy means that new businesses, industries, and jobs are emerging involving tasks, services, and products that may not have existed previously. Concurrently, we are witnessing jobs disappearing. The concept of a ‘job for life’ no longer exists. Individuals are changing their careers seven to ten times throughout their lives, with many jobs in between. Additionally, alternative working patterns such as part-time working, flexitime employment, telecommuting, job-sharing, and compressed workweek mark the most important change in the nature of work in the 21st century.

As a career coach, we need to understand the current environment to assist clients in navigating this dynamic world and making informed career decisions that impact their work and life.