Beyond the 9-to-5: What Work Looks Like in the Future

10 Mar 2025

7 Min Read

Dr Deboshree Ghosh, Programme Director for PPE Programme

IN THIS ARTICLE

Written by Dr Deboshree Ghosh, programme director for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) programme at Taylor’s University. She can be reached at deboshree.ghosh@taylors.edu.my.

For decades, the 9-to-5 job has been the standard work schedule. You clock in at 9 a.m., take a lunch break, and leave at 5 p.m.—repeating this cycle every weekday. But have you ever wondered how this became the norm? And more importantly, is this structure even relevant anymore?

How Did We End Up with 9-to-5 Jobs?

During the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, working conditions were harsh. People—children included—worked 12 to 16 hours a day in dangerous factories. There were no laws protecting workers, leading to exhaustion and poor health.

Robert Owen, a Welsh social reformer, argued that people needed balance in their lives. He proposed the famous idea: ‘Eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.’ His vision helped shape modern labour laws and gave rise to the 40-hour workweek we know today. But with technology, remote work, and new job trends shaking things up, is the 9-to-5 schedule still the future?

The Future of Work: Is 9-to-5 Outdated?

The traditional work model is changing fast. Instead of fixed schedules and working from a designated office, many jobs now offer flexibility—known as ‘flexi work’. With remote work, freelancing, and gig jobs on the rise, people can decide when and where they work. Think about companies like Grab and FoodPanda, where workers set their own hours, or freelance platforms where individuals can earn money by designing, writing, and coding from anywhere in the world.

And it's not just about how people work—what they do is also changing. Jobs like Metaverse Architect, AI Ethics Consultant, and Climate Data Analyst didn’t exist a decade ago, yet they are now shaping the future. So, what does this mean for you as you explore career options? By the time you enter the workforce, it might look completely different from what your parents experienced.

Young man using VR glasses with female colleague holding digital tablet at office

Will Jobs Even Feel Like Jobs in the Future?

You might be wondering—what will jobs even look like in 10 years? With automation and artificial intelligence (AI) advancing rapidly, some jobs will disappear while new ones emerge. The gig economy—where people take on short-term projects instead of full-time employment—is also growing. Instead of one fixed job, you might juggle multiple income streams, like being a content creator while also running an online store or working part-time in tech.

How This Affects the Economy

Traditionally, people exchanged their time for a pay cheque, but today’s workforce is shifting. The gig economy, automation, and decentralised work are disrupting traditional employment. Economist David Autor suggests that technology often creates ‘job polarisation’—where high-skill, high-paying jobs grow while routine, lower-skilled jobs decline. If this trend continues, it could increase the gap between high earners and those in lower-paying jobs.

For you, this means that choosing the right skills and career path is more important than ever. The jobs that will thrive in the future are those that require creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Rethinking the Meaning of Work

Beyond laws and economics, there’s a deeper question: What does work mean to you?

Some argue that work has always been about survival—doing what’s necessary to earn a living. Others believe work should be meaningful, allowing people to express creativity and passion. Karl Marx argued that work has long been a tool for corporations to exploit workers. In contrast, the philosopher Aristotle believed that fulfilling work is key to a happy life. These ideas challenge us to rethink whether work is just about making a living or if it should be something more.

Business person walking in a urban building

How to Prepare for the Future of Work

Since the future of work is unpredictable, the best way to prepare is by developing adaptable skills. The S.T.A.R.T. framework highlights five key abilities that will help you thrive in a changing job market:

Self-motivation – With flexible work arrangements, you need to be disciplined, set goals, and stay productive without constant supervision.
Tech-savviness – Digital tools like Zoom, Slack, and project management software like ClickUp, Asana, are now essential in almost every job. Staying updated with new tech will give you an edge.
Adaptability – Industries are constantly evolving. Being open to learning new skills and shifting career paths will help you stay ahead.
Resourcefulness – Many future jobs might not offer steady pay cheques. Learning how to manage money, budget, and invest will be crucial.
Time management – Without fixed hours, managing your schedule effectively will help you balance work and personal life.

Discovering Your Future Career

One of the best ways to figure out your future career is to explore your interests:

Love gaming? You could design virtual reality (VR) experiences.
Passionate about the environment? AI and data science are transforming sustainability efforts.
Already running a small online shop? That’s real-world business experience!

Careers today are no longer fixed paths—they’re dynamic and constantly evolving. The more skills you develop now, the more doors will open for you in the future. So instead of stressing about what’s ahead, start thinking about the possibilities. The world of work is changing, and you have the power to shape it your way.

Hobbies can spark careers, especially in AI and sustainability, where creativity drives innovation. Gain hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and connect with like-minded individuals. Stay adaptable and align your passion with market demand. The best time to start? Now—explore, learn, and make it happen!

— Dr Deboshree Ghosh

The future of work is evolving rapidly—are you prepared to lead the change? Whether you're passionate about driving business success, navigating the digital economy, or shaping global policies, your journey starts with the right education. Discover how a Foundation or Diploma in Business can be your stepping stone to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) programme—equipping you with the critical thinking, analytical skills, and global perspective needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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