Ever notice how we don’t repair our stuff anymore? Best-case scenario, we take it back to the shop, secretly hoping for a brand new replacement, only to be disappointed when someone at the factory will fix it. But let’s keep it real here. In most cases, we don’t bother with any of that. We simply throw it out and buy something new. We just don’t fix our belongings anymore. And neither do we bother making anything ourselves. This was the central theme explored by Flemish comedian Henk Rijckaert in his stand-up special titled “Maker.”
Towards the end of the show, Henk delved into the topic of robots and their potential to replace human jobs. The core question was whether a robot could perform your job, potentially putting your job at risk. Henk touched on this subject only very briefly, possibly because it points to an uncomfortable truth we’d rather avoid: most of our jobs aren’t all that complicated. Think otherwise? Don’t be so quick. Imagine a team of innovators, entirely focussed on having robots handle parts of your job
It would seem to me that many white-collar positions could, at least partially, become automated with technology. I know, I know, you’re immediately thinking of that one part of your job where human interaction is required, but notice how I emphasised “partially”. What does that mean? Well, for instance, if robots are perfectly capable of performing surgical tasks, it doesn’t necessarily mean all surgeons will be replaced. Rather, it would lead to fewer surgeons overall needed to do the job. In turn, that would mean that only the very best students get to become surgeons, while all others are forced to seek alternative careers.
It’s not a comfortable topic to consider, how many of our jobs might become obsolete, but there’s still time to prepare. It’s important to start wondering what’s the one thing that remains difficult to replicate with technology. For me, the answer remains personality.
If you’ve ever browsed YouTube, you’ve likely come across segments from Conan O’Brien’s late-night TV show. Late-night TV shows have long been highly competitive, featuring hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and others that escape my memory. Yet, for me Conan’s the clear winner. Look in the comment sections, and you’ll find viewers binge-watching his content, including twenty year old videos.
So, what sets Conan apart? It’s not just that Conan is more skilled. Colbert, Kimmel and Fallon, all of these guys know how to tell a joke and get a laugh out of the audience.
For me, it’s that Conan has his own sense of comedy, and that he feels comfortable with not pleasing everyone. In a world where late-night show hosts feel like each other’s copies, Conan stands out as the nonconformist of the bunch. He’s not just five percent better than everyone else, he stands alone in his own category.
This is why I encourage you to go beyond Cal Newport’s “Just become so good that they can’t ignore you.” Instead, let’s go for “Just be so uniquely yourself that they can’t ignore you.” The ultimate differentiator, the unique selling point, is you—your personality. So, step out there and express yourself. Food for thought.
Kind regards
Vincent J. Dancet