First off, allow me to enquire when was the last time you upgraded your mobile phone? Chances are, you probably have upgraded your mobile phone in the last 2 years or are already in the midst of getting a new one.

One paradoxical observation that I noticed time and time again over the last decade is that when it comes to mobile devices, people tend to demand better and more features. Some people actually feel no qualms about paying hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars for the latest mobile devices.

Interestingly, a handful will even do whatever it takes to be the first to get their hands on the latest mobile devices (take for instance, queuing up for the latest I-phones).

However, when it comes to upgrading their own skill-set, most people would tend to think twice about paying for courses that could potentially enhance their productivity at work or increase the amount of income they are earning.  Instead, most prefer ‘free’ short courses over comprehensive paid courses and would only go for trainings when their companies send them.

In a number of cases, people only go for skill-upgrading when it is too late – they became redundant in their companies as their skill-sets had become obsolete.

Not that I am against upgrading our mobile devices but if we can come into an agreement that  the long-term well being of our families and ourselves are more important, then wouldn’t it make more sense that we should devote more of our resources into improving ourselves?

Why Most People Tend To Delay Skill-Upgrading?

One of the key reasons why people tend to delay upgrading their skill-sets is that most people usually don’t see or experience immediate benefits after attending training courses. And part of it is because most people don’t apply or get the chance to apply what they have learnt immediately.

On the other hand, people tend to experience instant gratification when they upgrade their mobile devices. They get to enjoy a faster phone with better features almost immediately when they get their phones.

Personally, I think this is a worrying trend as I am writing this post. If you have read my previous post, you would have remembered that I mentioned that the economy now is showing some signs that are similar to the start of a recession. Indeed, analysts have already cut the GDP growth forecast for Singapore this year and in a recent poll finding, job security turned out to be a big worry among Singaporeans.

How Can You Stay Relevant In The Society And Secure Your Income?