Wednesday, October 05, 2016

The Wrong Portrait


We see what you are driving at but you have not said it, and therefore we shall go on as before..... Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr


Economic stress is not always a matter of unemployment or underemployment.
There is a new kind of sweatshop in America, High pressure, high compensation firms,
such as banks and many tech companies, hire bright, young Ivy League graduates and pay them $75,000
or more per year with luxurious perks, in exchange for 70–100-hour workweeks.

What is wrong with that picture?
It is dysfunctional, let's take a closer look at the picture.

 The following numbers represent percentages of the U.S. adult population.
• Depression – 9%
• Anxiety – 18% (commonly in conjunction with other mental illnesses)
• Stress – 33% (between 33% and 42% since 19941)
• Workaholism – 25%
• Substance Dependence and Abuse – 8.2% (8.6% treated for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem in 2013)
• Alcoholism ○ Binge Drinking – 22.9% ○ Heavy Drinking – 6.3%
• Illicit Drug Use – 9.4% (not classified as addicted) ○ Nonmedical Use of Prescription-Type Psychotherapeutic Drugs – 2.5%
• Eating Disorders ○ Overweight – 60% ○ Obese – 34% ○ Binge Eating – 2-5%
• Nicotine Addiction – 25.5% (480,000 premature deaths per year plus 16 million people with a serious illness caused by smoking)
• Sexual Addiction – 6%
• Problem Gambling – 3%
• Shopping Addiction – 5%
• Insomnia – 20%
• Suicide – 0.0126% (41,149 per year, 10th leading cause of death – more common than homicide)
• Domestic Violence – 4%
• Crime Rate – 9% ○ Incarcerated – 2.7% (the most incarcerated country in the world)

"Economic stress" refers to a state of financial strain or pressure experienced by individuals, 
households, businesses, or entire economies. This stress can arise from various factors, and its 
effects can manifest at different levels.

Some common contributors to economic stress and potential impacts.

Unemployment and Underemployment:
Cause: Loss of jobs or inability to find suitable employment.
Impact: Reduced income, financial instability, and increased anxiety about meeting basic needs.

Financial Market Volatility:
Cause: Fluctuations in stock markets, currency values, and other financial instruments.
Impact: Investors may experience losses, affecting personal wealth and confidence in the financial system.

High Levels of Debt:
Cause: Accumulation of personal or institutional debt.
Impact: Debt repayment challenges, interest burdens, and potential credit issues.

Addressing economic stress often requires a comprehensive approach involving government policies, 
social safety nets, financial education, and efforts to promote economic stability and inclusivity. 
Individuals and businesses may also need to adopt strategies such as budgeting, saving, and 
diversifying income sources to navigate economic challenges successfully.

America is still the largest economy in the world. Perhaps, clever and a showman,
we can keep the status quo, or we can strive to be better...

I have one request: may I never use my reason against truth...... Elie Wiesel

See You at the Business Top