The traditional blueprint for career success used to be simple: earn a degree, master a technical craft, and climb a linear ladder. However, in 2026, the world of work is no longer linear. Between the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, the permanence of hybrid models, and volatile global shifts, the "half-life" of technical skills is shrinking faster than ever. Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)  highlights a staggering disconnect.