Gauging job market for a new normal

One of the key effects of Covid-19 pandemic has been the churning in the job market across the world. Amid the "heartrending" job losses and lay offs many of the traditional jobs and roles now seem to be on the verge of "extinction" and job seekers, current as well as those who will be looking for jobs five to seven years from now have to understand the changing job scenario well in order to remain job worthy in the new normal. Reimaging Jobs In A Fast Changing World by Rajiv Bahl published by Rupa Publishers gives useful insights into the challenges that the job market is going to pose to freshers as well as to the existing work force. The book focuses on the key 8 fields where technology will cause major changes in the future and how these can affect the job creation and management. It highlights the pros and cons of such a transition and how to curb any negative ramifications.The author discusses ways in which governments and societies can prepare for the imminent changes in the job market. 

Bahl, in an articulate manner, summarises the numerous spheres eg. energy, agriculture, health and well-being etc where the impact of revolutionised AI will be maximum and offers a two dimensional : theoretical and practical approach to what could be done to minimise the impact. He looks at ways of creating over a hundred million jobs in India alone, initially in the service sector. He proposes a universal supplementary scheme that will require some financial outlay, but demonstrates that the cost of the scheme is eminently affordable for the exchequer the scheme will have to be aided by improving the ease of doing business in our villages and small towns and ensuring that contractual enforcement is speed up and streamlined. 

The book is a very enlightening read and in spite of its reliance on data nad deep research it  doesn’t read like a textbook as the author keeps the tone informal and engaging at all timesby using examples and real life anecdotes. The author has answered some very crucial questions and brought to light matters of utmost importance. It will be a wonderful read for those looking to develop a new mindset regarding staying relevant in the job market.