THRIVE: The New Economy and Careers

how to succeed in today's economy

All too often we hear about companies that have cut benefits, laid off thousands and/or cut retirement. Some of these are huge companies whom we never thought would be struggling for money.

The simple fact is that the industrial revolution is over. We do not need as many people working in factories anymore nor should we expect the opportunity that so many people over the past 100 or so years had.

I have long since decided that going to work for a large company for benefits is completely useless. But the conversations still come around from time to time…

Career

First off, if you haven’t read the previous post, please do that.

We are going to cover the current state of careers in this article. Clearly, I can’t state everything because I don’t know everything but it should give a pretty good synopsis of where things are headed.

The key areas we’ll discuss are:

  • Retirement
  • Creativity
  • Possbilities

Retirement

It is our job to plan for our retirement. No one else’s.

Many companies are helping us to do this with things like a 401K or similar. That means we only get as much out of it as we put into it. They often match our investment, but matching 100% of zero doesn’t give much to retire on. The fact is that we will have to retire at some point so we might as well plan.

I have had the conversation with people before that simply do not understand that those opportunities do not exist any longer. They grew up in a time where 30 years got you full retirement for the remainder of your life. That’s great!…for them. For me though, and for you, we have to figure out a plan and that plan does not involve dependence on anyone but our own family and God.

To be fair though, I am not coming down on companies that do provide benefits and retirement. I think that’s an incredible thing for them to do. They are just not obligated to do it.

It should be our mindset that we will not work for a company for 30 years and retire with them taking care of us until the day we die. That mindset must change and we must realize the importance of preparing our own retirement. Again, please see Financial Peace University for the best ways to do this.

Creativity

Probably the best part of this new economy is the fact that we are now allowed to be completely creative with how we work.

For example, I work from home. I run my web design business out of my house and have clients all over the U.S. thanks the Internet and social media. Of course, web design in and of itself requires the Internet so that job was created by default.

Working from home gives me freedom to care for my wife and son more than many get the chance to. Sometimes it’s trying because setting a work schedule can be difficult, but it’s very worth it for the things that really matter.

It’s really the Internet itself that has opened up the realm of creativity for jobs to be made out of thin air. Think of all the people that make a living buying and selling on eBay. Or who write full time and sell on Amazon. Or maybe they work for several companies handling their social media accounts. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the job market these days.

You might say we no longer have the excuse of “I can’t find a job.” To that I say, “Make one!”

Possibilities

This is where creativity and real world collide. Did you know that one-third of the jobs our children will have in the next 15 years or so do not even exist today?

How incredibly crazy is that?

I can relate. 20 years ago who ever went to school to be a web designer? The web barely existed and certainly not the extent we use it today!

This economy isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually a very good thing for us. It allows us to get creative again. To explore the possibility of doing something that matters. Of doing something that has real impact and purpose.

This new economy will force us out of complacency. – Tweet that!

I think back to the days when Henry Ford was creating the first assembly line. What an awesome time that must have been! To open up the possibilities of the future and completely revolutionize an entire industry is incredible!

THAT is amazing. THAT is what we get to do here.

We get to dream again.

To build again. To create. To thrive!

Conclusion

Don’t think of this as a terrible time in history. Yes, a lot is changing and change can be scary. But it can also bring about things we never imagined possible.

The most important thing to remember is what Jesus tells us about possibilities. He said “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)

Let’s never forget the possibilities of the time we have been given. Never forget that we have an opportunity to thrive again!

4 thoughts on “THRIVE: The New Economy and Careers”

  1. The possibilities here in the US are still amazing. Regardless of whether or not you work for yourself, a small/medium size company, or even a major global company – opportunity exists. Use the opportunities to grow. Look within yourself to understand what really matters – and then pursue it to the best of your ability.

    1. Well said! I have a hard time feeling bad for people for that don’t attempt anything and claim there are no jobs…make one! But I guess not everyone has that drive. Thanks for reading!

  2. There has never been a time (that I am aware of) when creativity has as much potential for reward. We need to view our work as art, and ourselves as artists – even someone like me who has one of those corporate gigs with a retirement plan. My spreadsheets are art – I create. The plans I make to deliver a result for my company are art. I think it gives a whole new perspective…and makes us less fearful of losing some of those corporate advantages.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *