Credit: www.dreamstime.com
1. Youngstown, U.S.A.
The end of work is still just a futuristic concept for most of the United States, but it is something like a moment in history for Youngstown, Ohio, one its residents can cite with precision: September 19, 1977.
For much of the 20th century, Youngstown’s steel mills delivered such great prosperity that the city was a model of the American dream, boasting a median income and a homeownership rate that were among the nation’s highest. But as manufacturing shifted abroad after World War II, Youngstown steel suffered, and on that gray September afternoon in 1977, Youngstown Sheet and Tube announced the shuttering of its Campbell Works mill. Within five years, the city lost 50,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in manufacturing wages. The effect was so severe that a term was coined to describe the fallout: regional depression.
Youngstown was transformed not only by an economic disruption but also by a psychological and cultural breakdown. Depression, spousal abuse, and suicide all became much more prevalent; the caseload of the area’s mental-health center tripled within […]
I agree with Derek that we are caught in a transitory time as everything & everyone evolves on this Planet. We know there is an economic reset coming soon enough as old systems do not work anymore for all people, or for the environment. Most of us in our 60’s have been laid off & started our own businesses; however those who have family, homes, cars etc. have it much tougher. We need to help each other big time.
On a positive note, as all systems change, it will be for the betterment of all; Derek is correct that there will be more community collaboration, global creativity & people will start listening within to what their heart & souls came here to do. We can be grateful to tech to remove those dulling jobs. The trick is to hold on, support each other, raise our consciousness while the chaos hits; then start re-creating a New Earth together, knowing we are all One. Inner faith & courage is key now. These really are exciting times to be alive.