The End of Work
In 1850, 60% of the working population were employed in agriculture. Today, less than 2,7% of the workforce is engaged directly in farming.
Jeremy Rifkin
PS I just finish the book, The end of work by this author. I don't agree with the solution he proposes but the problem is real. With automation, re-engineering, downsizing, streamlining, robotization, etc.... pretty soon the world would need only 10% or 15% of the workforce to produce all the stuff we need. What are the other 85% going to do in order to have money to have a decent life? They can do Hand things, cut hair, massages, acupuncture, cinema, singing, painting, cooking, plumbing, personal training, mechanic, cyclist, restaurant waiter etc....But do we really need so many painter's? His solution is something like 40% working in government/ regulation/depending on Gov., 30% in non profits/NGO's and 30% on the private sector with compulsory short week (part time).
One thing is clear, we have oversupply of almost everything. Pricing power is zero unless you have a brand. Marketing is the key to do well in this world. It always was I think.
If you know about programming/systems it helps because today even a toaster has a microchip. You can't fix a toaster anymore, nothing is just electric anymore.
Share story
i have thought about going back to the caves! (going back to do some farming). That is a sure way to be poor. Cities offer so much sinergies. To get water in a farm you have to spend 2 year! That is no way to live. i guess that all the jobs that are repetitive/rotine will be replaced by machines. You can do what is manual and case by case!
ResponderEliminar