Dress For The Job You Want What If That Job Is On Mars

Dress For The Job You Want: What If That Job Is On Mars?

Dress for the job you want, even if it’s on Mars. Explore how to prepare for interplanetary careers as space exploration advances.

They say, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” But what if the job is on Mars? What does that even look like? Imagine this: you’re heading into a job interview on the Red Planet, all suited up in a fancy space suit, preparing to tackle problems we haven’t even encountered yet.

This might be the beginning of a joke, but it is not far from reality. Space travel is proceeding at warp speed. NASA, SpaceX, and others are planning for Mars, and space careers beyond “astronaut” will be open for business sooner than you realize. The question is: are you preparing for that future? Because the best opportunities don’t wait for you to prepare, they go to those who saw them coming.

I’ve long been a proponent of dressing for success. Not so much in the literal sense, but in assuming the attitude, skill set, and confidence of the job you desire. Today, we’re moving this beyond metaphor and talking about how you can start preparing for an interplanetary career, right now.

The Future of Work: Mars Jobs Are Nearer Than You Think

A decade ago, working remotely was a novelty. Today it’s commonplace. A decade from now, working from Mars might not sound that absurd.

Elon Musk has been vocal about turning humanity into a multiplanetary species. SpaceX is already working on Starship, a fully reusable spacecraft that will take humans to Mars. NASA’s Artemis missions are pioneering deep-space travel. And they won’t just need astronauts; they’ll need engineers, biologists, AI specialists, architects, and even chefs. Somebody will need to flip the first burger on Mars!

Imagine being a Martian Urban Planner, designing radiation-resistant habitats. Or a Space Agronomist, cultivating crops in regolith (Martian soil). Even the artistic ones will find their place, someone will need to document history in the making, so why not a Martian Journalist?

You might not be an astronaut, but Mars will need architects, chefs, and even artists. Are you ready?

Dressing for Mars: More Than Just a Spacesuit

Alright, time to talk about fashion ,  or more accurately, function meets survival.

Mars is not particularly forgiving. The temperature fluctuates between -80°F and 70°F. The atmosphere is thin, and radiation poses a genuine threat. If we’re going to send humans there for extended periods of time, we’re going to require more than the cumbersome astronaut suits we’ve watched in films.

What Does “Dressing” for Mars Actually Mean?

  • Smart textiles: NASA and private companies are developing clothing that regulates temperature, blocks radiation, and adapts to the environment.
  • Self-cleaning materials: Martian dust is electrostatically charged, making it cling to everything. Future suits will need to repel it.
  • 3D-printed gear: Imagine landing on Mars and printing your own gloves, boots, or even a casual hoodie.
  • Exoskeletons: Lighter than current spacesuits, these would provide mobility and protection while adjusting to the planet’s lower gravity.

Imagine your work uniform adapting to Martian gravity while keeping you stylish. That’s the future.

Mindset & Skillset: Preparing for a Job on Mars (Even from Earth)

If you want to dress for a job on Mars, you need to think like someone who belongs there. The real prep isn’t about clothes, it’s about mindset and skillset.

What Can You Start Learning Today?

  • AI & Robotics: Mars operations will rely on automation. Learning to work with AI or even build your own robotic assistant? Huge advantage.
  • Terraforming & Sustainability: Future Martians need to grow food and create sustainable living systems.
  • Mental Resilience: Space exploration isn’t just about tech skills; it’s about handling isolation, problem-solving under pressure, and thinking ahead.
  • Adaptability: Colonizing a new planet is the ultimate startup. The more you can pivot, the better.

Start thinking like a Mars worker today, and you’ll be ahead of the curve tomorrow.

How to Apply This Today: Start ‘Dressing’ for Your Future Career Now

This isn’t just about Mars. It’s about how you approach your career right now. Whether you dream of space or something else, here’s how you can start:

  • Symbolic Dressing: Wear what inspires you. It might be a NASA tee, a futuristic watch, or even colors that reflect your ambition. The point is to feel like you belong.
  • Invest in Knowledge: Take online courses in AI, space tech, or leadership. If your dream job doesn’t exist yet, create the skill set for it.
  • Join Forward-Thinking Communities: Network with space enthusiasts, tech leaders, and scientists. The best opportunities come from being in the right circles.
  • Challenge Yourself Daily: Every problem you solve prepares you for something bigger. Whether it’s learning a new skill or taking on a side project, growth compounds.

Your dream job might not exist yet, but when it does, will you be ready?

Key Takeaways:

  • The future of work includes opportunities for jobs on Mars, beyond just being an astronaut.
  • Dressing for Mars goes beyond a spacesuit and also involves practical considerations such as smart textiles, self-cleaning materials, 3D-printed gear, and exoskeletons.
  • Preparing for a job on Mars requires a mindset and skillset that can be learned now, including skills in AI & Robotics, terraforming & sustainability, mental resilience, and adaptability.
  • Even if your dream job doesn’t exist yet, you can start preparing for it by symbolic dressing, investing in knowledge through courses and learning new skills, networking with like-minded individuals, and continuously challenging yourself.

Useful Articles:

  1. 5 Jobs That Will Take You to Mars: This article explores speculative and real-world jobs that could pave the way for a career on Mars, including roles like GIS technicians and engineers.
  2. Will Your Next Job Be On Mars: A deep dive into the future of interplanetary careers, discussing the infrastructure, challenges, and opportunities for working on the Red Planet.
  3. What Will Humans Wear on Mars: This piece highlights innovative designs for Martian clothing, including NASA-inspired materials and sustainable fashion solutions for life on Mars. Let me know if you need anything else.

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