Friends of Dave #309: cheese on apple pie
Coaches and Caregivers
So, if you recall, in last week's intro I gave you all a bit of a homework assignment for this week.
For those who may have forgotten, I left you with a life question to ponder:
What’s our next chapter going to be? How is it going to play out?
Of course you cannot plan out everything perfectly in life. But as we get older, we start to understand that, with a little thought, we can all influence how we would like the next phase of our own stories to be written.
If you are looking for ideas and wondering what may be in store for your next chapter (particularly if you are between the ages of 40 and 60 -- like me, Generation X), I have theory:
I believe you are likely going to find yourself in the perfect position to become either a coach or a caregiver in some shape or form during the next stage of your life.
Think about the demographics of the workplace. We currently have a large population of young people that have been notoriously over managed by their parents. These are energetic, bright, idealistic, ambitious employees that have a yearning for independence but lack experience and the emotional resilience that older generations possess.
In order for them to be successful, a level of patience, validation and guidance is required from management that is much greater than most corporate infrastructures are equipped to handle. Add in stunted career growth due to COVID and the resulting trend towards remote work and you have a recipe for potential disaster.
These young adults want regular guidance, mentoring and enablement from older professionals (not their parents or bosses) who they trust. This is where I see outside coaching becoming a growing niche in the years to come. As companies increasingly view their employees as "human capital," coaching will be seen as a necessary part of the investment in order to unlock value.
On the flip side, we all are witnessing Baby Boomers beginning to leave the workforce and enter the latter stages of their lives. They are fiercely independent but as more of this generation passes 80 years old, health and mobility becomes a challenge.
An already complex, fragile, disjointed and increasingly expensive healthcare system is about to get hit with the largest wave of people seeking care that it has ever seen.
I'll throw in one additional real challenge for this elder generation: managing the evolving technological world. Think about how quickly communication, transportation, banking and commerce have all changed in just the last 20 years. The world operates much differently and at a faster pace than when these people were in their prime.
There was a time where extended family members would step in and provide assistance whenever possible. But most people of working age today do not have the time, patience, wealth nor flexibility of schedule to appropriately fulfill this growing burden for their loved ones.
With all of this as a back drop, it is clear that Boomers are going to be increasingly needing support in the years to come. This is where I see an opportunity for Gen X filling the gap -- becoming paid caregivers who provide support services around transportation, healthcare, financial assistance and management, etc. for the elderly.
Think about it....Coaches and Caregivers....like instead of "Driving Miss Daisy" we could be "Calling Uber for Miss Ursula"....or you could helping someone learn how adulting isn't so hard after all...Either one or both could very well be in your future as your professional calling.
So what do you think? How is your next chapter going to play out?
I know, it sort of feels like we're at that part 2/3 through the Meat Loaf party anthem "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and life is asking "What's it going to be boy?"
Could it be as a coach or caregiver? Or something else?
I'll let you sleep on it...
Hey one last thing: here in the US we have Thanksgiving coming up this Thursday. You are likely going to be sitting around a table with family and friends of all different ages and interests and will be looking for something to talk about with them.
Friends, I am here for you. Stay away from politics. Be prepared. Check out the articles below -- I shared a bunch that should help you keep the conversation flowing all the way from first helping to your tryptophan induced nap post meal.
All I ask is when your aunt, cousin, Nana or sibling commends you on the fabulous table talk, be sure to give credit where it is due! Enjoy!
XOXO
Dave
Think on This...
How colors affect the way you think — www.bbc.com
Our world is awash with a rainbow of colors, but certain shades can have a surprising impact on our ability to concentrate, our mood and even our taste.
For Your Day Job...
Fintech and the Pursuit of the Prize: Who Stands to Win Over the Next Decade?
This executive summary and white paper by Coatue is for you FinTech folks.
Art in the Workplace Improves Employee Well-Being, Study Finds — hyperallergic.com More than 40% of those surveyed agreed that their workplace was “designed poorly.”
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
Animated Chart: America's Demographics Over 100+ Years — www.visualcapitalist.com
From 1901 to 2020, the U.S. population has changed significantly. This chart reveals the change in America's demographics over 100+ years.
The Long, Storied Controversy Over Cheese on Apple Pie — www.atlasobscura.com
Some love it. Some hate it. Some have no idea what it is....either way, it is something for your Thanksgiving table discussion.
Why You Should Never Put Your Suitcase on the Hotel Bed, Ever — getpocket.com The real reason there’s a luggage rack in your hotel room.
Go Ahead and Blame Taylor Swift for Ticket Prices — newrepublic.com
If you tried to get tickets to her upcoming concert this week, you were probably left hoping that Romeo would save you.....and yet, Tay-Tay herself was in part to blame for your angst.
The 25 Best Indie Pop Albums of the ’90s — pitchfork.com While alternative rock raged in the 1990s, the softhearted sound of bands like Heavenly, Tiger Trap, and the Pastels welcomed listeners into their own secret world.
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