OT: Future Economy and Job Losses

[an]

[quote=FlyerInHi]Education is not necessarily about ROI. Like anything in life, there’s perceived value. A prestigious education can just be the Prada. The Walmart brand is just as functional.

Would you veto your wife’s purchase of a Prada? You might even go out and buy it as a gift, haha…[/quote]Exactly, the people who would pay for a Prada would pay $100k+ for a BS in underwater basket weaving 20+ years ago and will gladly pay $400k+ 20 years from now. Those who wouldn’t 20 years ago wouldn’t do so 20 years from now and probably wouldn’t be buying Prada. Different stroke for different folks. Which why I don’t think article like these would get people to change their minds.

[flyer]

My point in posting this particular article was simply to share what I considered to be some interesting information about the possible future of certain jobs. These predictions may or may not prove to be true–but, imo, the article does offer food for thought.

Fortunately, we can all decide for ourselves which path or paths we believe will lead us to our desired destinations in life.

[svelte]

Absolutely, it is good food for thought. Everyone should be constantly analyzing where they think the future is going when they adjust their course into the future.

When I was in college professors were enamored with “Megatrends” by Naisbitt. So I bought it and read it. It helped influence my decision to stay in technology throughout my career as my theory was it would grow stronger over time (it has).

Now might be a good time to reflect on how accurate Naisbitt’s predictions were. They were:

(1) Becoming an information society after having been an industrial one
(2) From technology being forced into use, to technology being pulled into use where it is appealing to people
(3) From a predominantly national economy to one in the global marketplace
(4) From short term to long term perspectives
(5) From centralization to decentralization
(6) From getting help through institutions like government to self-help
(7) From representative to participative democracy
(8) From hierarchies to networking
(9) From a northeastern bias to a southwestern one
(10) From seeing things as “either/or” to having more choices.

He did pretty well, though I suppose 4, 6, 7 and 9 are arguable.

[flyer]

I remember reading that book also, svelte, and have since read other articles that support the fact that Naisbitt was correct in most all of his predictions–as you mentioned.

Of course, no one knows exactly what the future will bring from this point forward, but there are definitely a lot of strong indicators as to where jobs are ultimately headed. Guess we’ll all just have to wait and see how it all plays out, but, imo, ignoring the signs and signals might prove to be perilous.

[The-Shoveler]

Sorry flyer I just don’t get it.

“there are definitely a lot of strong indicators as to where jobs are ultimately headed”

In my mind there will still be a growing need for trades people and strong trend (just as there has been for the last 30 years ) for software engineers and Automation engineering.

Also medical personal, Fire and police will be in need for the foreseeable future IMO.

And yes there are construction people making 150K-200K a year.

So I kind of don’t get it
(what are the strong indicators)?

It will be quite a while before we have robots running around serving us drinks on the beach (or controlling us) if ever.

[flyer]

I didn’t write the article, so you’ll have to consult the authors for a definitive answer as to why they feel certain careers will diminish in the future, but they did mention many of the jobs you mentioned as definitely being in demand going forward–so no disagreement there.

Everyone is free to plan their lives as they see fit, based upon whatever criteria they choose. This article simply offers some possible scenarios to consider.

[The-Shoveler]

Yea OK, I would not recommend anyone deciding they wanted to be a librarian or a clerk or anything that can be easily automated.

So OK I kind of get it.

[joec]

I think the main reason articles like this is posted or people are concerned is because in say the last 60 years or so which is where people’s perspectives are stuck, the US general “middle” class had it good. With the world and Europe all bombed out, it was a ripe time for US manufacturing to boom and job growth, etc…

We’re probably just reverting to the historical (1000 years) mean of few wealthy, poor masses, etc…

Europe has a wide safety net and is making them less competitive with other countries. US doesn’t have this as much, but when push comes to shove, people will just revolt .again., but not anytime soon since it’s not that bad yet. I’d guess in 50 years.

The high youth unemployment is a big problem in some countries of Europe and if this were to occur in the US in mass, you’ll end up having more people willing to join disenfranchised groups to cause problems for everyone. Specifically, the single males will lead to more crime or acts of terrorism. I’m surprised Yemen is collapsing now.

Automation will continue to happen, but it has been occurring for a long time.

Also, people many years ago 60+ probably lived younger so you worked, retired, and died within 5 years.

Back in probably 0 AD, people lived to 35? so no need for retirement.

With people living to the 90s-100+, it’s a big problem for everyone and we’ll see places like Japan first and see what they do. Honestly, having seen old folks and having volunteered to help old folks before, them living in homes and doing things like sit, watch tv shows they don’t care about, work on coloring books, I think I’d rather just be dead than to be in a mode of “waiting to die” as that’s what it looks like to me.

[The-Shoveler]

Honestly it was NEVER easy to make it in SoCal (well at least in L.A.)

I remember/know many Boomers not really owning a home until in their 40’s and then is SoSo area’s.

One thing I do remember very vividly was experts telling us we were never going to have what our parents had.

Seriously you should have been around in the late 70’s and early 80’s, it is much much better now trust me.

[flyer]

As with all things in life, it’s really hard to generalize. Some people from every generation have it great all of their lives, some don’t, and others do or don’t by lesser or greater degrees.

My parents and many people they knew were living to the max into their 80’s–just as they always had–right up to end–and we’re hoping to follow suit.

Having a solid retirement plan definitely helps make a great lifestyle at 50+ a reality.

[scaredyclassic]

I had a client just under 90. Had the body of a solid 40 year old carpenter. Lean and powerful. Face looked very old. Dude had little money but continues to do construction work his whole life. Roofing. Jack Hammer work. Whatever. Stronger than hell. Had picked up a charge of resisting arrest…with a shocking amount of resistance.

I’m starting to think the way to grow old is hard labor.

[The-Shoveler]

“I’m starting to think the way to grow old is hard labor”

There is a Avocado farmer who lives near me who is about 90 (not sure his exact age but he is at least in his late 80’s), still works his grove.

[fun4vnay2]

Human body is meant to be always doing something.

All the material comforts we have meant nothing for human body. The comforts works against the body…

The way to grow old is labor which is not too hard on the body..

[flyer]

Everyone in our families have lived to advanced ages, and, I agree, even if not “hard labor,” keeping physically active everyday probably has had something to do with it.

Of course, you also have to look at genetics, habits, mental attitude, and other things to know why some human beings last for a very long time and others don’t. In the end–no one lasts forever–so, imo, it’s good to try to make the most out of each day–and that means something different to everyone.

[scaredyclassic]

The first noble truth of Buddhism is that life is suffering. It is our desire and craving to get more and more out of each Day that the Buddha tells us leads ultimately to the chain of suffering and dissatisfaction our lives must bear.

Getting the very least out of each day may lead to less suffering. At least according to the Buddha the surest way to maximize your unhappiness is to strive for more and more happiness.

[Author]

Posts