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I was sitting in my kitchen in Malmö, staring at yet another rejection email. It started with the usual: “Thank you for your application.” And just like that, my heart sank. This was the fifth time that month. After more than 25 years leading projects and scaling teams at Sony, Ubisoft, and Play’n GO, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my skills were no longer in demand.

I’ll be honest—it’s a punch to the gut. You start to question everything: Did I lose my edge? Am I no longer relevant? But here’s the thing: it wasn’t just me. The job market itself had changed, and I had to change with it. This article is my journey of adaptation, and if you’re feeling the same way, maybe you’ll find some useful takeaways here too.

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figuring out the new rules of the game

For years, I prided myself on being a jack-of-all-trades. Whether it was setting up data pipelines at Sony or leading agile transformations at Ubisoft, I thrived on doing a bit of everything. But as I navigated the current job market, it became clear that this approach was no longer enough.

Companies today want specialists. They’re looking for people who can walk in, solve a specific problem, and move on. According to a recent LinkedIn Workforce Report, roles focused on machine learning, AI, and cybersecurity have seen a 60% increase in demand over the past two years, while general management roles have plateaued.

Key Skills in Demand:

• Data Science & AI: Mastering data analytics tools like Python or R can make you an invaluable asset.
• Cloud Computing: Expertise in platforms like AWS and Azure is increasingly sought after.
• Digital Marketing & SEO: As companies shift online, those who can drive traffic and optimise conversions are in high demand.

Key takeaway: If you’re a generalist like I was, consider honing in on a specific skill set. The market is shifting towards specialisation, and being a jack-of-all-trades is no longer the safety net it once was.

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the emotional side of job searching

Let’s get real—job searching can be a rollercoaster of emotions. There were days I felt optimistic, sending out my CV to yet another promising role. But then came the silence. And the silence? It’s deafening.

There’s a certain emotional toll that comes with feeling like your skills are no longer valued. I remember sitting with my partner, expressing my frustration. She simply said, “You’ve always found a way. You’ll figure this out.” And while that was comforting, it didn’t change the fact that I felt like I was swimming against the tide.

If you’re in this boat, I see you. It’s easy to let self-doubt creep in. But I had to remind myself that adaptability has always been my strength. And maybe, just maybe, it was time to embrace that adaptability once again—but in a different way.

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a chat that sparked a shift in my thinking

To clear my head, I flew to Barcelona to meet up with an old friend, Maria. We’d worked together at Sony, and she’d since taken the leap into freelancing. Over coffee, with the warm sun on our faces, she shared her story.

“Jörn,” she said, “leaving my full-time job was the best decision I ever made. Now, I choose the projects I work on and the clients I take.” She was working with startups across Europe—from Denmark to Spain—and had never been happier.

Freelancing isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in how people want to work. According to a Deloitte study, nearly 47% of professionals in Europe are considering freelancing as companies increasingly favour flexible staffing models. The gig economy is booming, driven by the demand for on-demand expertise.

Key takeaway:

• Freelancing offers flexibility, but it also requires resilience. It’s not just about having the skills; it’s about marketing yourself, building a network, and staying relevant.

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the impact of automation: an unavoidable force

But as I explored freelancing, another force was reshaping the job market: automation. I’ve always been a tech enthusiast, but even I was taken aback by how quickly automation was replacing roles. At Play’n GO, we used automation to optimise user feedback loops, but now entire teams are being replaced by AI systems.

A recent PwC report projects that by 2030, 30% of jobs in Europe could be automated. This isn’t just affecting blue-collar jobs; even roles in management and creative industries are being streamlined. In the UK, companies like Ocado Technology have fully automated warehouses, and Finland is leading the charge in using AI for healthcare diagnostics.

Ask yourself: Are you prepared to adapt? Companies are looking for leaders who can drive tech initiatives, not just manage teams.

Key takeaway:

• Upskill in areas that complement automation, such as AI integration, data analysis, and digital strategy.

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how consulting became my middle ground

Freelancing was still too daunting for me. So, I decided to explore consulting—a way to leverage my years of experience while maintaining flexibility. I began reaching out to old colleagues, attending virtual events, and even taking courses in AI and digital transformation.

According to Gartner, 56% of European firms are now prioritising digital transformation. Many of them are struggling to implement these changes, which is where experienced consultants come in.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Leverage your network: I reached out to former colleagues and clients, offering free initial consultations to build trust.
• Continuous learning: I took courses on Coursera and Udemy to stay updated on AI and cloud technologies.
• Position yourself as a problem solver: Focus on the value you can bring rather than just your past experiences.

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teaser for part 2: thriving in the new world of work

This journey is just beginning. In Part 2, I’ll dive into the practical strategies I’ve used to pivot into staying relevant, including:

• How to find clients on platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork.
• The best courses for upskilling in areas like AI and digital marketing.
• Networking tips to keep your connections warm and open doors to new opportunities.

Whether you’re exploring freelancing, consulting, or upskilling, I’ll share tools and resources you can start using right away.

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embracing the unknown: my parting thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I’m still figuring this out, and if you’re navigating similar waters, I’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences, challenges, and any advice you have. Let’s support each other as we adapt to this new world of work.

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call to action: let’s connect!

Thinking about freelancing, consulting, or upskilling? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear your story and learn from your experiences.

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