The Rise Of NEETs

Recently, I read an article in one of the European newspapers about NEETs (people not in education, employment or training).

According, the last financial crisis 2008 triggered the rise of this group of people.

There are various reasons for this trend:

• internal factors: the lack of work ethics, oversupportive parents, the lack of education, the lack of motivation etc.

• external factors: low salaries, long working hours, a toxic corporate environment, a good educational background not equaling good job perspectives, a work environment discouraging initiative, the state and corporate bureaucracy, overregulation etc.

Further, it is not surprising that the number of NEETs is higher amoung teens.

If the current economic situation does not change (and as of today, it does not seem to be the case), this trend will have severe consequences in the future:

• Education: the declining number of students and the increasing drop-out rate. In our lifetimes we are going to witness university campuses looking like ghost cities. Further, various universities may even declare bankruptcy.

• Pensions: the current pension system is based on the assumption that younger generation pays for the pensions of the elderly. Well, with the young without jobs, the system will start to crack.

• Riots: The lack of jobs and perspectives may trigger chaos and riots. Expect the scenes of the G 20 Summit in Hamburg 2017 to repeat themselves.

The way out: Restore your spiritual stength

I view the current crisis, not as an economic one, but as a spiritual one. In order to survive these toxic times, you have to increase your spiritual toughness (work on your patience, iron will, being consequent and frustration resistance).

It will not be easy, but the proper mental foundation is crucial for other aspects of your life (job, finances etc.).

The current times are tough ones, but as Winston Churchill one said "If you're going through hell, keep going".