Evolve or Expire: The Art of Staying Relevant in Your Career and Life
Let’s be real… life isn’t static. Neither is your career. Everything around you is shifting, advancing, transforming. So, the big question is: Are you evolving with it, or are you stuck in a loop, clinging to old ways, hoping they’ll still work?
Introduction
Let’s be real… life isn’t static. Neither is your career. Everything around you is shifting, advancing, transforming. So, the big question is: Are you evolving with it, or are you stuck in a loop, clinging to old ways, hoping they’ll still work?
I’ll paint you a picture. Imagine a tailor in the 90s, the best in town. Everyone swears by his work. He stitches suits with impeccable detail, knows every measurement by heart, and his hands are like magic on fabric. Fast forward to today, fashion has changed. Customers want digital fittings, online orders are the new norm, and social media is where businesses thrive. But our tailor? He refuses to adapt. “I’ve always done it this way,” he says. Slowly, his once-bustling shop becomes a ghost town. Why? Because he chose not to evolve.
This isn’t just about tailors. It’s about you and me. The student chasing a degree but ignoring the changing job market. The professional relying on skills that are slowly becoming obsolete. The entrepreneur refusing to embrace digital tools. The world will not wait for you. Either you evolve, or you become irrelevant. It’s that simple.
Why Adaptability is Non-Negotiable
Think about the tech industry in Africa. A decade ago, if you knew basic programming, you were a hot cake. Today, AI, blockchain, and cloud computing are the new giants. If you’re still stuck on what worked in 2015, you’re already behind. The same applies to every field—medicine, finance, media, even agriculture.
In fact, a 2023 report by the World Economic Forum revealed that 44% of workers' skills will be disrupted within five years due to advancements in AI and automation.
Companies aren’t just looking for smart people; they want people who can learn, unlearn, and relearn. Those who can pivot when needed, take on new challenges, and embrace change. Recruiters in 2025 aren’t asking if you have a degree. They’re asking if you have relevant skills. Do you?
Kingsford Obeng
The ChatGPT Image Generation Debate: Are Designers Cooked?
Recently, in a group discussion where the topic of ChatGPT’s new image generation model came up. The debate was intense. Some people argued that graphic designers are "cooked", that AI will replace them entirely. Others believed that AI is just a tool, not a replacement for creativity.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t the first time technology has threatened an industry. When photography was invented, painters thought their craft would die. When Canva became popular, people said graphic design was finished. Yet, today, designers who adapted to new tools are thriving. The same applies now–designers who embrace AI as a collaborator, rather than a competitor, will have the edge.
A report by McKinsey states that jobs requiring creativity and human intuition are less likely to be fully automated.
So, the real question is: Will you adapt or resist?
The Art of Staying Relevant
So how do you ensure you’re always in demand, always growing? Here are some battle-tested strategies:
1. Be a Lifelong Learner
If you’re waiting for your university degree to secure your future, you’re in trouble. Learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Read books, take online courses, attend workshops. Stay hungry for knowledge because industries are evolving every day.
A LinkedIn report in 2024 showed that 76% of professionals who upskilled in emerging technologies saw career advancements within a year.
The evidence is clear – continuous learning pays off.
2. Stay Curious, Stay Open
The biggest enemy of growth is a closed mind. Don’t be the person who dismisses new trends as “just a fad.” AI? Crypto? Remote work? These things were once doubted, yet they’ve reshaped the world. Keep an open mind, experiment, and embrace new ideas.
3. Network Like Your Career Depends On It (Because It Does)
Your skills will open doors, but relationships will keep them open. Surround yourself with forward-thinkers. Join communities, attend networking events, and connect with people who challenge and inspire you. Opportunities come from people, not just qualifications.
I recommend you join the CtznAfrica Community.
4. Develop Soft Skills: They’re the New Gold
Technical skills will get you noticed, but soft skills will keep you relevant. Communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability; these are what set you apart in a crowded market.
In a 2024 survey by LinkedIn, 92% of hiring managers said soft skills are just as important, if not more important, than technical skills.
Companies are looking for people who can lead, collaborate, and navigate change.
Find out more on the new gold.
Kingsford Obeng
5. Be Willing to Reinvent Yourself
What if your industry becomes obsolete tomorrow? Would you sink or swim? Reinvention isn’t failure; it’s evolution. If one path closes, find another. The best professionals aren’t afraid to pivot when necessary. Keep exploring, keep growing, keep evolving.
Final Thoughts: The Choice is Yours
At the end of the day, the choice is yours. You can resist change, remain comfortable, and slowly fade into irrelevance. Or you can embrace the unknown, adapt, and carve out new opportunities for yourself.
Think about where you want to be five years from now. Will you be someone who evolved with the times, stayed relevant, and thrived? Or will you be reminiscing about “the good old days” while the world moves forward without you?
The world is changing, so should you. Because in the game of life and career, you either evolve or expire.
Your move.
Thanks for reading!
I am Nana Boadzi.
This is Career & Growth Flight—see you in the next one!
