Thriving in times of technological change
Technology changes the way we work. Computers and other technologies are increasingly capable of more and more, and this bears consequences for our careers. The tasks we perform at work change, for instance because we have to use machines at work. People that can keep up with the pace of change can benefit - but there is a substantial number of people that do not have the right skills to play a meaningful role in today's labour market.
This dissertation concerns human thriving in labour markets that are characterized by continuous technological change. What is the difference between careers of workers based on the tasks they execute? Which skills should we teach the current generation student to ensure a good start upon entering the labour market? And shouldn't economists pay more attention to the meaning work has in our lives?
I construct new data sources and combine disciplines in order to answer these questions on a more fine-grained level than before. I present three main findings. First, I show that workers that are performing more nonroutine tasks have more successful careers, both in terms of wages, as well in terms of job security. Second, I show that students that learn more technical skills at the mbo have higher starting wages upon entering the labour market. And lastly, I show that insights from psychology can improve our understanding of why people work– which is why economists should care about it, especially when technology is set out to replace even more tasks.