- The US is a first world country with some second world characteristics about what it takes to make us happy. We are still caught up in the belonging and status phase and have not moved on to thinking about self-actualization. Northern Europe is there and the US is not.
- Ethical consumption issues will dominate the next few years. Things like carbon footprints, free trade coffee and going green are now at the forefront of corporate and societal thinking. This will be a messy process for a while.
- We now place a premium on convenience because we are under tremendous time pressure and live over-scheduled lives. Outsourcing of chores is a growing trend and using precious time for family and friends is at the forefront.
- Baby boomers are looking forward to working retirements and a continuation of professional and intellectual growth and work well into the future. We are never going to retire completely.
- Reciprocal or reverse mentoring is a big trend, with the younger workforce showing the older workforce how new technologies can be used and the older workforce sharing life strategies experience with younger workers.
- We live in a time of lifelong learning. Online learning is a booming market for all and the barriers to virtual learning are falling. The University of Phoenix is the largest institution of higher education in the world and is entirely virtual. Many ‘name brand’ universities now have significant distance education programs. My own graduate school at San Jose State University is the largest library and information school in the world.
What does all this mean for us? I look forward to your comments and a continuation of the conversation. Andy offered lots more interesting commentary, which I will also share in future posts.
Regards,
Anne
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