Economics/Geekonomics

Job Creation and Climate

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Two things to follow here.

First, Americans back government job creation – though it’s a broadly mixed bag of proposals there, so not everyone agrees on the right method. Suggests to me that if some rational politicians (those that are left) pay attention they’d have a lot of support – and a lot of workers.

President Obama will be announcing his climate change plans tomorrow. Beyond the scientific, political, and survival-of-the-human species issues, this could also result in economic stimulus. There’s something sad about me thinking that way, but my focus here is careers.

Since Miami looks to be facing some serious challenges, you scientific Musehackers may want to direct your skills to urban re-engineering.

– Steven

A Lot Of People Are Unsatisfied At Work

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Shocking news that will no doubt cause you to stand up and go “I should sit back down this is no surprise.”

According to a Gallup study, only 30% of people feel engaged at work, and of the 70% some people are pretty discontented. Management is a big issue.

I know none of us are surprised, but it’s worth a read to get the fine details.  I’m curious as to what this disconnect is going to do long-term if it’s not addressed.  I don’t see it improving or staying stable, I see people getting more bitter.

– Steven

Hollywood Is Brokener. Or something

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Lynda Obst has an excerpt from her new book on how Hollywood is broken, which follows what we’ve been discussing here.  The excerpt alone is informative and paints a workable theory about risk-adverse Hollywood since you can’t plan easily in an age where balance sheet reliables have suddenly shifted.

As the resident Career Guru here (I also think of myself as the resident sex symbol, but that’s my own delusion), I’d also note something else – Hollywood exerts an irrational pull on other careers.  How many gamers base ideas on blockbusters made for balance sheets, how many writers operate under the delusion they want to write some big film, how many people want to be in the industry peripherally?  If it’s melting down, the impact will be far wider than we expect – and if it’s melting down, some people should ask where they’re getting their ideas from . . .

– Steven