How can structural engineers who are not good at changeing cope with this ever-changing world?

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Some time ago, rumors of layoffs at Oracle were widespread; upon reflection, it’s truly regrettable. For those older XXX who have spent over a decade in comfortable environments and are suddenly forced to face new markets and new competition, it is still quite harsh for most of them. But further back, people were still condemning the 996 work schedule. Is it a bit dramatic? Well, life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get next. Many people think that the 996 work schedule is already terrible, but for those who have been laid off, it might not be so bad. When being laid off, if the company can provide a fair compensation package and give enough time to find a new job, it’s not the worst thing that could happen. Have you seen some design companies use various tactics to make you quit in disgust, without having to pay you a single penny? Whether it’s due to layoffs or voluntary resignation, if one can successfully find a new job that satisfies them, it’s not the worst thing that can happen. The worst fear is to devote one’s entire youth to a company, only to be laid off in middle age, left with outdated skills and completely abandoned by society. Actually, there is no bottom line to being terrible. Going up is difficult; going down, however, is extremely smooth. We don’t need to make a fuss. But we need to confront this issue as soon as possible. This society will always prefer those who are young, beautiful, work hard yet receive little in return, or possess resources that allow them to continue delivering extra value. It’s like this at all times. As structural engineers, one can also comfort themselves by thinking that there have been no major changes in structural concepts and principles over the past century; as long as one is diligent, they will have a job for life. Look – many leading figures in the field of structure are still active in this industry even at the age of eighty or ninety. ”This is rare in other industries. Some time ago, while reading The Poor Charlie Almanack, Munger said, “I’m glad to have found a profession whose skill requirements do not decline as one ages.” ”On May 4, 2019, Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholders’ meeting was held, where 87-year-old Buffett and 94-year-old Munger spoke at the podium, answering 55 questions over the course of six hours. To be honest, I was deeply shocked. Not for the strength of their bodies, but for the penetrating power of their lives. Those truly respected elders are not so regarded because of their age, but because of the wisdom, skills, and maturity that come with it. So what exactly is it that can keep accumulating as one gets older, even growing exponentially? ； At the same time, it is not affected by the decline in physical functions, becoming purer with each fermentation and remaining fresh over time? If something like that is beneficial to physical health and at the same time helps to increase wealth, then it’s even better. Isn’t it? Before the age of thirty, we like new things, always seeking change, believing that \"the only constant is change.\" But after the age of thirty (or forty), we can no longer become like the younger generation; instead, we must start to think about what remains constant. With limited time and limited energy, focusing on what can transcend time, change, and cycles is the key to overcoming the challenges of the future. Dalio once mentioned the concept of a 24/7 fund, which implies that by reducing the correlation between different investment assets, a portfolio can maintain stable and reasonable returns regardless of the economic cycle. Such funds have excellent penetration power. Returning to the structural design industry, what elements are more impactful? Compared to completing one or two more regular projects to obtain a registration certificate, it can be said to be more impactful. Compared to learning a structural software, understanding structural concepts through engineering practice is more insightful. Compared to gaining experience at a specific company, building a personal brand across the entire industry is more impactful. Compared to mechanical, repetitive tasks, work that requires deep thinking and coordination is more impactful. ...... Everyone will grow old. But not every aging young person can receive the treatment they desire, let alone earn the respect they hope for. An older person who is relatively wealthy may lead a decent life in their later years, but they may not have the opportunity to voice their opinions within society. Returning to our relatively young present, we need to start thinking about what we can still contribute to the younger generation, to society, and to future generations when we are older Anyway, it can’t be just our meager physical strength, right? If what we do now and the experience we gain remain meaningful (and even become more so) in a few decades, and if they still hold value (and even increase in value), then there’s naturally no need to worry ； If not, one should be vigilant. Most structural engineers become less \"changeable\" as they get older; therefore, it’s worth delving deeply into the concept of \"constancy\".