Economist and best-selling author Juliet Schor has a new video describing the new American Dream: http://vimeo.com/26573848. The film shows why economic and job-related strategies from the past that don’t work in today’s economy.  It depicts, in her words, “what a post-consumer society could look like, with people working fewer hours and pursuing re-skilling, homesteading, and small-scale enterprises that can help reduce the overall size and impact of the consumer economy.”

In our book Upside, we talk about the need for creating your own career crystal ball of the future. This film is an excellent example of our concept: taking advantage of emerging job opportunities based on the needs of the future.  It also takes into account the need to pay attention to our dwindling resources as that affects job opportunities, too.

It is inspiring to listen to ideas of forward-thinking individuals or those whom we refer to as Upsiders.  In your pursuit of new career opportunities and growth, remember to surround yourself with ideas of people who are thinking about the future in a new way and are applying the principles of simplicity as well.  The two are dynamic and go together in the “new norm.”

Be creative and take advantage of the upside of this downturn — it truly is a chance to build a new economic society based on realistic needs, not just consumer-driven forces.  For those who do their homework and start laying the groundwork now, it’s a great time to combine your passion with job creation strategies and embarking on new adventures.

Watch the video and send us your thoughts – we look forward to learning about how you are transitioning in the “new norm.”

Bonnie Michaels

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