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Today, where technology and job roles are constantly shifting, one thing is clear: staying still is not an option.
Whether you're an employee trying to stay ahead, a team leader supporting growth, or someone thinking about a career pivot, the question keeps coming up:
Should you focus on reskilling, upskilling—or both?
While the two are often lumped together, they actually serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you take control of your own growth, or better support others in theirs.
Upskilling primarily focuses on building upon what you already know. Say you're a graphic designer learning motion graphics, or a marketer diving deeper into SEO—that’s upskilling. You’re leveling up your current role with skills related to your field.
Reskilling, on the other hand, means learning something entirely new to shift into a different role. Like moving from retail to coding. Or retraining for a job that didn’t exist five years ago.
Both are incredibly valuable, and in today’s job market, both are becoming necessary.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to the World Economic Forum, over 1 billion people will need to reskill by 2030 due to tech advancements. McKinsey reports that over a third of companies are already reskilling workers—with many more planning to.
At the same time, a 2025 survey by edX found that 65% of U.S. adults were thinking about upskilling or reskilling due to economic pressure—and 57% were already taking action to learn something new.
In other words, the learning curve is here and it’s steep. The good news? You have more control than you think.
Upskilling tends to feel safer. It’s a natural next step: improve your current skill set, get better at what you already do, and open new doors without starting from scratch.
It’s also a win for companies. Studies show 91% of businesses and 81% of employees say that upskilling improves performance. It keeps teams agile, motivated, and productive.
But in industries being reshaped by AI and automation, upskilling isn’t always enough. Sometimes, an entirely new skill set is needed.
Reskilling comes into play when jobs change or disappear. If your role is being phased out or your interests are pulling you in a new direction, reskilling can shed light on a new path.
Reskilling is not just for survival; it can be a growth opportunity. According to McKinsey, nearly 70% of companies say their reskilling efforts paid off, and 48% saw a positive impact on their bottom line.
Reskilling also boosts morale. In one survey, 67% of reskilled employees felt more engaged at work, and 71% of companies said it improved retention.
Here’s the truth: it’s not about choosing one over the other. Growth looks different for everyone.
Maybe you want to get better at your current job. Perhaps you're ready for a total career shift. Or maybe you're a team leader trying to support both types of growth within your team.
Either way, the goal is the same: build a learning mindset.
Companies and individuals do their best when there’s space to learn in both directions—sideways and upward.
No one can say for sure what jobs will look like in ten years, but one thing’s certain: people who keep learning will have more options.
Upskilling helps you grow where you are. Reskilling helps you grow in a new direction. Together, they’re not just buzzwords; they’re how we future-proof our careers.
Whether you're learning a new tool, switching industries, or just staying curious, remember, growth isn’t about keeping up, It’s about moving forward.
