Take our Ambition Test

Find a career counselor near me

Cognitive flexibility helps people adapt when work and industries change.

Transferable skills often outlast technical expertise.

Leaders who encourage learning build more adaptable teams.

Professional success depends on continuous learning, not technical expertise.

When I first started my career, I carved out a little niche for myself as being the online “guru.” At the time, the field of online education was exploding and that skill was incredibly valuable. I became known as the go-to person for online course and program development, instructional technology, trouble-shotting, etc. Job offers, promotions, and recognition came.

Then something changed.

Not because I got worse.

The world shifted. The pandemic hit and suddenly everyone was an “expert” in online teaching and learning. The market became oversaturated and what used to be niche was now mainstream.

The important lesson I learned is that possessing a unique skill does not mean the skill will be permanently valuable.

It’s a lesson many others have learned as well. Technology changes. Coding used to be incredibly valuable and sought-after. Now AI can generate large portions of code in seconds.

Economic conditions shift. During recessions, companies often freeze........

© Psychology Today