Summary of the Key Points
This article addresses the confusion many young people are experiencing due to changes in the times (such as the decline of globalization, the rise of AI, and the failure of traditional stable pathways). It offers six practical suggestions for breaking through this situation: reduce internal strife, seek high-level external support, enhance business understanding, broaden career options, maintain resilience, and prioritize health. The main goal is to help young people adjust their mindset and find a direction for survival and development in an uncertain world.
1. The Times Have Changed: Why Don’t the Old “Stable Plans” Work Anymore?
Have you noticed that the old formula of “work hard to get into a prestigious school → join a large company → buy a house for appreciation” is becoming less effective? The reasons are simple:
- Decline of globalization: China used to integrate into the world by joining the WTO, but now the global landscape is more fragmented, and foreign trade and investment are less stable than before.
- The Rise of AI: AI doesn’t just replace blue-collar jobs; it can also take over repetitive tasks for white-collar workers (such as writing reports or creating spreadsheets).
- “Stability” has Become a False Proposition: Working for the government may seem stable, but local governments lack funds, and job competition is fierce. Layoffs and restructuring are common in large companies, and buying a house is no longer a sure investment.
The sense of certainty from the past is gone, which leads to confusion among young people. However, the author believes this is not your fault; it’s just that we have reached a new stage in the cycle of change, much like when he was young facing the challenges of the WTO and the internet—everyone was navigating through uncertainty.
2. Stop Guessing! Reducing Internal Strife Is the First Step to Breaking Through
Many young people’s anxiety stems from internal strife, such as overthinking a boss’s comment or worrying about their partner’s tardy response. The author suggests:
- Either don’t worry too much: Focus on your own tasks; others’ words may not be directed at you.
- Or ask clearly: Directly ask the boss what needs to be improved or your partner if they are busy. Overthinking only consumes your energy without providing solutions.
Internal strife can drain all your resources, leaving you with no time to think about how to move forward. As long as China doesn’t go to war and you are healthy and willing to work, you’ll be fine (which is much better than the situation during the author’s childhood when rationing was common). Not enrolling your children in extra tutoring classes or not getting a promotion doesn’t mean the end of the world. Accepting that life has ups and downs will help you stay focused.
3. Seeking the Right Help Is More Useful Than Guessing Alone: Look for Truly Expert External Support
When faced with problems, people often turn to friends who are similar to them for advice, but such advice often provides only emotional comfort without practical solutions. The author recommends seeking help from someone who is at least ten times better than you and doesn’t make a living by giving advice:
- In the tech industry, look for seniors who have reached managerial positions; in traditional industries, find entrepreneurs who have successfully launched businesses.
- Avoid those who rely on giving advice (e.g., some online mentors) because their suggestions may not be suitable for you.
- For students, associate with those who perform best academically or are most proactive; they could become valuable mentors in the future.
The key to getting good help is face-to-face communication. Online discussions are often superficial; only through personal interactions can you gain real insights (e.g., understanding the pitfalls of a particular industry). However, don’t aim for someone who seems unattainable; look for people who understand your situation and can offer tailored advice.
4. Even AI Needs a Commander: Business Understanding Is Your Shield
Many people wonder if transitioning to the AI industry is feasible. The author advises that ordinary people should avoid technical roles (like algorithms or chips) as those are for experts. However, AI will empower all industries, and what you need is business understanding:
- AI can perform tasks, but you need to know why they’re being done and how to make them effective. For example, in healthcare, someone must understand the diagnostic challenges doctors face for AI to be useful.
- Business understanding means knowing the industry’s rules, challenges, and goals. If you can’t follow your boss’s instructions, it might be because you don’t understand the context (e.g., the company’s performance targets).
- How to improve? Research the industry, ask seniors, and work on projects. There are no quick fixes, but AI won’t replace this skill anytime soon (senior experts can immediately spot mistakes in AI-generated answers).
5. Don’t Get Stuck in Your Comfort Zone: Broaden Your Horizons, Be Resilient, and Maintain Health
The last three suggestions can be summarized as a “risk management guide”:
- Broaden your horizons: Don’t stick to one job. For example, those laid off by large companies can try traditional businesses that still use Excel for data management. Consider expanding internationally or sharing your skills online.
- Be resilient: Allow for mistakes but don’t lose too much. Set stop-loss limits for entrepreneurship or side hustles, diversify your investments, and keep in touch with recruiters. Paying for professional communities is worthwhile; successful people often find opportunities through trial and error, but don’t invest recklessly.
- Maintain health: This is fundamental. Eat regularly, avoid staying up late, exercise, and reduce anxiety. Without good health, you won’t be able to seize opportunities.
Conclusion
This article isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about teaching you how to thrive in uncertainty. By reducing internal strife, seeking the right help, enhancing your skills, broadening your options, managing risks, and maintaining health, you can adapt to any changes and find your place in the world. No matter how times change, as long as you’re willing to adjust, you’ll always find your way.