Saturday, 4 November 2023

REINVENTING SUCCESS: HOW THE NEW GENERATION VIEWS WORK AND WEALTH

 

Lois Grant
As I ventured out onto the bustling streets this morning, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation that left me both intrigued and slightly bewildered. A young man, perched on the ledge outside a restaurant, was deeply engrossed in discussion with a security guard. His proclamation caught my attention: "I'm not working for more than 10 years. I'll have a fleet of taxis zipping around town and a handful of AirBnB properties, all working for me."

It made me ponder. Here he was, sharing ambitious dreams while sitting on that very ledge. How, I wondered, did he plan to manifest this vision into reality? It was apparent from his speech that formal education might not have been his forte. He sounded like a ‘half day schooler’, as I have always described those who attended the then ‘junior secondary schools’. 

This, my friends, is the essence of the new generation. They're not tethered to the idea of traditional employment and retirement at 65. Instead, they're carving their paths, determined to evade the meagre pensions and obsolete insurance policies that await our generation. They've seen through the outdated notion of toiling away for decades, only to retire with meager resources. In their minds, they're not the ones being deceived; they are the ones embracing ‘ entrepreneurial opportunities.’

Yet, it's worth noting that such aspirations may inadvertently fuel the surge in crime in Jamaica. For some, achieving their goals in under a decade becomes a driving force, leading them to explore unconventional means.

Andrew Holness, with his promise of prosperity, has indeed influenced their ambitions. A lavish home, a sleek car, and stylish Clarke's shoes are all non-negotiables for this generation. Their determination knows no bounds, irrespective of the methods required to attain it.

Indeed, this new generation is at the forefront, ready to seize opportunities and redefine success on their terms. However, it's essential to remember that the pursuit of wealth should ideally be guided by positive values and ethical principles, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for all.

Do they care to take our advice though?


This generation says they will not be scammed into working until 65 years


It's essential to remember that the pursuit of wealth should ideally be guided by positive values and ethical principles, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for all.

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Editor:

The contributor, Lois Grant has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top-performing artists, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports. 

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It's Just a Click

4 comments:

  1. This is indeed true of the new generation. Those of us still out there working could learn a lot from them . Good and bad in their new approach but I love the idea that they will not be 'toiling' till 65.

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  2. I appreciate the authors thoughtful reflection on the aspirations of the younger generation and their pursuit of a high life filled with material possessions through unconventional means. It's undeniable that this generation has a unique approach to success, one that differs from the traditional path followed by previous generations.There is indeed a mix of positive and negative aspects in this shift. On the one hand, the younger generation's desire for material possessions can drive innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to creative solutions and economic growth. They are unafraid to take risks and explore new avenues.However, there are potential downsides as well, such as a focus on immediate gratification over long-term sustainability, and a reliance on technology that may disconnect them from more traditional values and methods. It's important to strike a balance between the old and the new, drawing upon the wisdom of previous generations while embracing the innovative spirit of the youth.Ultimately, every generation brings its unique perspective to the table, and it's essential to recognize that change is an inevitable part of our evolving society. As we navigate these shifts in values and aspirations, we can learn from one another and collectively work towards a more balanced and prosperous future

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  3. I am very pleased that the young man’s mind is in the right place and hoping that his actions are also in the right place. Today’s practice of free marketism seems more Machiavellian (by any means necessary) than that which was pronounced by the 'forefather' of capitalist thinking, Adam Smith. According to Smith, a free market must rest on a sound ethical foundation. He argued for moral education of a kind that would lead people to be honourable and behave justly. Is our brand of free market based on ethical principles or is this a rhetorical question?

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  4. Well written. What worries me is how we have given this generation the idea that success is is measured by material things only. Yes, symbols like Clark's shoes are inappropriate for a country that has manufactured so many items which could be used instead including shoes

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