The Future of Work 2026: How Ready Are You When the Work World Changes Faster Than Ever?

The labor market is never stagnant, but in recent years, the "speed of change" has skyrocketed.

Data indicates that 60% of jobs that existed in 2018 did not exist 80 years ago, and since then, the rate of change has accelerated even further, leading to new professions that we could not have imagined 10 years ago.

Data shows that only 31% of workers in the U.S. feel "engaged" with their current jobs, indicating that many people are ready for change. At the same time, over 1 million jobs are expected to be eliminated in 2025, forcing many professionals to change jobs unexpectedly.

AI is no longer just a buzzword, but a real job opportunity

Many view the job losses in 2025 as a result of AI, whether true or an excuse, but one thing is certain: AI is changing the way we work, and it is also creating new jobs.

The fastest-growing profession is AI Engineer, a position focused on developing and implementing AI models that can perform tasks previously requiring human decision-making. Software engineers, data scientists, and full-stack engineers are the groups most likely to transition into this role, with most jobs located in major cities like San Francisco, New York, and Dallas.

Other AI-related positions topping the list include:

• AI Consultants and Strategists 

• Data Annotators 

• AI and Machine Learning Researchers 

• Datacenter Technicians 

AI has moved from experimentation to real-world application, and companies are hiring to rapidly expand this technology.

As organizations expand the role of AI across all functions, understanding AI is becoming a fundamental skill, no longer just a specialized expertise, even for those outside these growing positions.

Growing Jobs Outside the Tech Industry

1. Healthcare: Demand Continues to Surge

The healthcare sector continues to have high demand, with nearly 2 million job openings projected annually over the next decade. This trend is evident in positions such as:

• Healthcare Reimbursement Specialists  Managers of billing and claims processes

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Evaluators and treaters of mental health conditions

People-focused jobs that require hands-on work continue to be in high demand and are likely to remain so.

2. Marketing: Connecting Brands with Consumers

Employment in the marketing field is expected to increase by at least 6% over the next 10 years. Growing positions include:

• Advertising Sales Specialists 

• Field Marketing Representatives 

These positions span multiple industries and attract individuals with backgrounds in communications, journalism, event planning, and sales.

3. Other Interesting Positions

In addition to healthcare and marketing, the list also includes positions across various sectors:

• New Home Sales Specialists 

• Travel Advisors 

• Financial Advisors and Planners 

• Construction Project Leads 

What these positions have in common is not the industry, skills, or popularity, but the demand. These positions are closely linked to real-world needs, not speculative trends.

The Era of Freelancing

Over 17 million workers in the U.S. are freelancers, or about 1 in 10 of the total workforce.

Advancements in technology and the growth of the gig economy have made freelancing more accessible and appealing. Amid ongoing uncertainties, such as mass layoffs in 2025, many professionals are choosing to leave traditional roles to become freelancers or business owners.

For some, the appeal lies in flexibility and independence; for others, it is about controlling income and stability in their careers.

5 Ways to Prepare for the Future of Work

1. Develop Skills Relevant to Your Field

Use the platform like Jobcadu to upskill according to your target job position

2. Build Understanding of AI

Even if it's not a technology job, basic knowledge of AI is becoming a necessary skill

3. Enhance Cross-Disciplinary Skills

Skills that are applicable in multiple industries, such as executive-level communication, project management, or data analysis

4. Build a Network

Connect with people in the fields you are interested in by attending various events or seminars

5. Learn Continuously

Always stay updated on news and trends in the industry you are interested in

Are you ready to adapt to the new job market?

Start your journey towards your dream career with Jobcadu Whether you are a fresh graduate looking for your first job or a professional wanting to change careers, we are ready to help you develop the skills that the job market demands

• Learn new skills that are essential for the job market in 2026

• Upskill in AI and technology

• Prepare for growing job positions

Start developing yourself today with Jobcadu because in a rapidly changing world, being prepared is the key to success

This article is compiled from information from Forbes to provide insights for workers and those looking for new opportunities in the labor market