FOBO at work: Are you falling behind without realizing it? (And how to avoid it)
FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) is a phenomenon affecting thousands of workers around the world. It’s that feeling that everything is moving too fast, and you might be falling behind.
It shows up in questions like: "Is my profile still relevant?" "Are companies looking for skills I don’t have?" "Am I going to miss out on opportunities because I’m not up to date?"
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. According to PwC's Global Employability Report (2024), 39% of workers in LATAM and 52% in the United States fear becoming irrelevant in the job market due to automation and digitalization.
How to know if you have FOBO? (Take this quick test)
If you answer Yes to 2 or more of these questions, it’s time to take action:
- Have you seen job postings with requirements you don’t understand?
- Do you struggle to identify which new skills you should learn?
- Are you afraid that AI or technology might replace your job?
- Have you recently felt less competitive in the job market?
- Do you feel like others are advancing faster than you professionally?
Key fact: According to the Labor Market Observatory in Latin America (2024), 70% of employers in Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and Peru prioritize candidates with digital skills, even in traditional sectors.
🧐 What skills are companies looking for in each country?
📌 Colombia: Data analysis in Trade Marketing and Retail. CRM proficiency. Knowledge of e-commerce and omnichannel strategies.
📌 Mexico: Digital negotiation and consultative sales. Use of AI applied to marketing and customer experience. Automation in recruitment and selection.
📌 Peru: Adaptability to e-commerce growth. Google Analytics and Meta Business Suite management. Experience in UX/UI applied to digital shopping experiences.
📌 Chile: Skills in data-driven marketing. Customer loyalty strategies. Process optimization in retail with AI.
📌 United States: Specialization in AI and machine learning. Mastery of advanced digital strategies. Talent management in global environments.
📌 Brazil: Influencer marketing and growth hacking strategies. Big Data and supply chain optimization. Communication skills in multilingual environments.
5 steps to avoid FOBO and stay relevant in the job market
- Keep learning (without spending a dime) Explore free courses on platforms like Google Actívate, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera. Staying updated doesn’t require a master's degree.
- Connect with people in your industry Networking helps you stay in the loop about what companies are seeking and how the job market is evolving in your country.
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile to get noticed More than 70% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent. Add relevant keywords to your profile so you show up in job searches.
- Learn to use AI tools (before others do it for you) AI won’t replace your job — but those who master AI will replace those who don’t.
- Apply for opportunities that genuinely boost your career 📢 Check out our job openings across America
📌 Frequently Asked Questions about FOBO and Employability
What should I do if my industry is changing too fast? Start by identifying which tools or knowledge are essential and which are just passing trends.
How do I know which skills to learn? Check LinkedIn job postings in your industry and look for the skills that show up most often.
How can I tell if AI might affect my job? If your role involves repetitive or manual tasks, AI could replace it. The key is to learn how to use technology to your advantage instead of fearing it.
For more tips, follow us on Instagram and TikTok.
Warmly, Jess and your favorite recruitment team🩵
