The real fear of becoming obsolete

Many professionals, especially in the non-profit sector, are quietly dealing with a growing fear, the fear of becoming obsolete.

This anxiety is heightened in these organisations where resources are often limited, donor expectations are evolving, and budget constraints make it difficult to implement new technologies. 
 
 The pace of change can feel overwhelming, and the pressure to keep up can be daunting.
 
 Before the pandemic, many employees experienced FOMO (the fear of missing out.) There was a strong emphasis on being physically present, networking and generally being seen. With the rise of remote work and AI, that fear has shifted to the fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) and people are more anxious about being relevant. Roles across all sectors are shifting with evolving skill requirements. 
 
 In our recent AI in Recruitment survey, 41% of respondents expressed concern that AI could replace roles within their organisation, particularly in administrative and recruitment functions. This fear was most pronounced among mid-career professionals.

This blog gives you practical steps you can take when experiencing FOBO.

Understand your fear

Start by acknowledging it. Is your fear about your entire role, or just certain tasks? Are you worried about being replaced or that you can’t keep up with the pace that it is emerging?

Ask yourself:

• What parts of my role could be enhanced by technology?
• What skills do I already have that are still valuable?
• Where do I feel least confident and why?

By asking yourself these questions and understanding the cause of your fear, you can take steps to overcome it.

See it as an opportunity

AI and automation aren’t here to replace humans. Although many roles will evolve, and entirely new ones will emerge, by embracing this change, you position yourself not just to survive, but to thrive.

AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing you up to focus on strategy, be more creative, and focus on human connections. What else can you achieve in your role that you couldn’t before? Perhaps it is more regular ways to stay in contact with donors about your work using automation.

Invest in your learning

There are lots of ways to upskill for free, many of which you can do around your work schedule.

• Explore platforms offering learning and certificates, such as Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.
• Attend webinars or sector-specific workshops.
• Attend shared learning sessions within your organisation.
• Look at mentoring opportunities.

Even learning basic digital tools or understanding how AI works within your field can make a huge difference and help remove the fear of becoming obsolete.

For job seekers

Employers recruit beyond hard skills and look for soft skills, such as adaptability and curious mindsets. If you’re looking for a new role, use this to reposition yourself.

• Audit your skills and values: What’s transferable? What’s unique?
• Show how you adapt:  How have you evolved? Don’t just show what you have done
• Stay curious: Follow sector trends, join online communities, and network. 

Technology will redefine roles

AI will ultimately replace certain tasks, but it cannot replicate empathy, creativity, or lived experience, which are essential within the non-profit sector.

New roles will be created that don’t currently exist. Others will evolve in scope and focus. By staying curious, embracing change, and upskilling where you can, you will remain relevant.

Although the fear of becoming obsolete is valid, it is certainly not inevitable.

Whether it’s signing up for a webinar, mentoring a colleague, or simply exploring a new tool, these small steps will help ensure you stay relevant and avoid any fear of becoming obsolete.