A brief word tonight, departing from the traffic theme, but still about perspective.
I am not mechanically inclined. This may not surprise you. I am in real estate by day. My exercise of choice is running, not golf. And I struggle to fix my dishwasher or build a chicken coop. So when I visited a fabrication and assembly plant today, my mind was spinning. The symphony of stages and people and systems was breathtaking. I was overwhelmed with sounds and information and newness.
But what shocked me most was something simple. Pause. Time. Thought.
When I spoke to the general manager, he indicated several long time employees had retired during the pandemic. I asked him if they had indicated why. Instead of citing fear or that the stock market had padded their retirement, he said they had simply told him that they had had time to think; to consider life in its brevity and what was important. They enjoyed their work, but they realized their mortality, perhaps for the first time, and wanted to live it.
This pandemic pause has had significant effects. Think about it. Men and women around the globe are forced to take some time off of work at the same time and while they do, everyone is talking about death and life. Many retire earlier than they planned, all at the same time. Those most qualified to fill their shoes are those slightly less senior in their workplace. Companies must hire new people to fill the spots of those promoted. Because so many retire earlier than expected, there is a labor shortage. Leading to salary and wage increases. Encouraging others to look for other higher paying jobs. Spurring inflation. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of materials, fueling further inflation. The Fed raises interest rates. It's more difficult to afford a house. Workers continue looking for higher paying jobs.
All (?) because people paused long enough to think about their mortality - at the same time.
What if people lived more of their lives acknowledging their limited time on this earth? Would we choose our work or spend our time differently?
Thoughts hold power. Wield them well.