More value must be placed on technical occupations, apprenticeships, trades, and other skilled work. People need expanded skills sets to succeed in the work place. Expanded skills sets are described in several sources. It is also be necessary to develop skills in marketing oneself, to enhance skills and attitudes that promote being flexible, and to foster skills for determining one's generic transferable skills. The needs of workers in transition must be recognized.
Many people are in life roles in which they feel trapped.
Such people as these who are between jobs, women returning to work, workers changing to more satisfying jobs, and workers wanting to renew their enthusiasm for their current jobs. Programs and methods need to be developed to assist these people in making transitions to more meaningful situations. The needs of older workers in retirement must be recognized. This may involve a gradual reduction of job hours while a worker explores other sources of satisfaction. The scope and practice of career development needs to expand.