The Future of Work

"High Tech, High Tough, High Growth"
In the olden days everyone was running towards getting a finance/economic degree. As a person growing up in NY I am a witness of this great desire. Everybody and Anybody wanted to be on Wall Street. And if you weren't a person going towards this goal you were looked down upon. But as the years passed the glamour of being one of those individuals faded into a more diverse outlook.
With technology booming its safe to say that the job market will shift to a diverse, tech savvy market. Therefore,"The key to finding the jobs of the future will be knowing where to look."

"Training Managers to Behave"
Experience is vital in the marketplace. Education is vital in the marketplace but maybe not as much as experience....

"The Search for the Next Perk"
I wasn't surprised to read that many companies are shifting their benefit costs from employee to individuals. As we go through a tough economic period its hard for an employee to understand why their health care benefit costs are increasing. From an employer's view they need to do what they can to face inflation. "It costs the average American company more than $14,000 per year to provide coverage to an employee and her family." Looking forward Gen X, Gen Y, and boomers all are in need of different health-care options.

"We're Getting Off the Ladder"
Reading this section of "The Future of Work" made me think of 9/11. Society is more family oriented, and companies are becoming more lenient. Back then, requesting to work from home or travel less would make you look absurd. Today, employers are more understanding and willing to listen. More employees are telecommuting and carrying out a flexible work schedule. Employers have to adjust to the changing economy, making sure that when the economy picks up the moves won't affect them drastically.

"Why Boomers Can't Quit"
As time goes on investing in a 401(k) will have its ups and downs. Due to the recession many individuals lost money in investing in mutual funds, and other stock & real estate. As the article states "In 1998, the average 50-year-old who had been working for at least 10 years had a 401(k) balance of $85,000, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Factor in the recent market drop, and more than a decade later, that worker's 401(k) has grown to just $93,000." While the boomers try to save their money they invested in their 401(k) plans, Generation Y individuals look forward to a better tomorrow.

"Women Will Rule Business"
Now how can I not like reading this section???? Yes, Women are powerful and I'm glad society is starting to realize that. But in all honesty I really believe that it doesn't matter if your a man or woman. As long have you the skill and expertise to carry out your strategic business goals you should be set. Although, managerial style does play a big part in this game. With the right management and right person on the job anything can be done. Management should be open-minded yet cautious about their work-life balance choices.

"It Will Pay to Save The Planet"
Go Green!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

"When Gen X Runs the Show"
This section said it completely right "collaborative decision-making". I definitely see the future ruled by Generation Xers. Just looking at technology skills they are the experts and will continue to be. As society gets more advanced Generation Y and Boomers will need the Generation Xers. But I think the same goes the opposite way. Generation Xers will have the ideas and the skill sets but will still need the older generation to help them carry out the plans.

"Yes, We'll Still Make Stuff"
There's definitely a battle when looking to out-source jobs vs. keeping them in house. In the article Corinne Lyle states "We like to keep close tabs on our processes." I definitely see the labor market moving more in-house.

"The Last Days of Cubicle Life"
And to close it off this section was on the ball. With technology booming the life of cubicles will eventually be dismissed. I can definitely see more telecommunication and out-sourcing of jobs.