I've often
looked at the economy and wondered what could be done to make it work better.
There’s a complete lack of balance in the wealth, there are far too many people
unemployed and – at least in first world countries – there is far too much
waste.
So, here’s
my thought of what we need to do. First, we cut the average work shift from 8
hours to 4 hours – this doubles the number of shifts available and entirely
eliminates unemployment, while allowing people to either spend more time doing
what they actually want to do or to work a second job without killing
themselves.
Second,
because there are so many more jobs available, we’ll then be able to cut back
on the surplus of products we are currently creating. Between the lower number
of products being created and the subsequent less materials required, jobs and
employment should balance out perfectly – there will even be a bit of flex room
available, allowing jobs to be made available as people need employment.
Third, we
eliminate built-in obsolescence. Because there will be more people working
shorter hours (less stress, more relaxation time) and creating fewer products,
we’ll be able to afford the time and materials to make things properly and to
last. They will be a little more expensive, but we won’t have to buy a new one
every couple of years.
Fourth,
balance the money flow. Pay people what they deserve and what they need to
survive. There’s enough money out there – it just isn't in the right places.
The end
result is that we’ll be paying more people (shorter hours) to make less things
(albeit higher quality) and we’ll have so much less waste that we’ll be able to
use our resources to help less fortunate countries. Wouldn't that be nice?
If there's any subject you'd like to see me ramble on about, feel free to leave a comment asking me to do so.
If there's any subject you'd like to see me ramble on about, feel free to leave a comment asking me to do so.
