Costs and dangers
As US education and competitiveness wither, there will be downward pressure on wages. Likewise if our national debt, environmental expenses, and other costs slow the economy. Low wages and access to resources in other countries will continue to take jobs from the US.
Many predict unemployment will be high for a long time. Forecasts aren’t always correct, but there are uses for uncertain predictions.
Helping ourselves
It makes sense to seek the safest jobs, to live close to a large number of employers, live close to a large number of college graduates, get an education that’s in demand, and rent instead of owning to give you more job-hunt flexibility.
Finding growth industries is harder, but consider water transportation.
Helping the community
We can ask Congress for the right kind of job stimulus (which is NOT subsidizing the so-called “job-creating” rich) and to start encouraging a clean-energy industry.
And in the long run, we may have that massive job creator: defending our coastline from rising sea levels.
Ideas include starting non-profit/for-profit organizations that serve non-commercial needs, and developing a local barter system.
Help us see ahead more clearly. Suggest other aspects of this topic we should explore.