Some trends are fleeting. Others are more enduring and worth pursuing over the long haul.

The gig economy (based on independent work and multiple assignments) is a good example. Tens of thousands became gig-economy drivers for the Uber ride-hailing service (about 160,000 by mid-2016). All seemed well at first.

Then reports leaked that Uber was looking at self-driving technology.

Soon the reports were confirmed.

Now self-driving Uber tests are underway! See Recode article.

Thanks to fast-evolving technical and social developments, we may expect similar speed in other gig-economy fields ranging from programming to customer service. According to an Intuit study, by 2020 independent contractors will comprise about 40% of America’s workforce. They will need to live with short-lived gigs as automation accelerates.

What’s the takeaway?

Go with brief trends, such as jobs in the gig economy, if they fit your situation. But take note, your rides may be short.

Whenever possible, ride the positive supertrends that will endure and take us where we need to go.

See supertrend #5, which covers economics and employment.

Click Follow, below, to catch the supertrends sooner and ride them faster.