Let's start off with a Dad joke...
What do you call a woman who throws all of her bills and debt letters in the fire?
Bernadette...
Now I do indeed realise exactly how bad that joke was, but please don't hate me as I may just have some helpful advice for you today. This post may have found you at exactly the right time!
We are still suffering the humongous effects of a global crisis and the severe backlash of a global pandemic. Let me tell ya folks, the worst is yet to come. Many of you will already be thinking this and see the ramifications up ahead that I want to detail today.
Here in the UK back around March time the first visible effects of what was happening, like many places, was the severe, unprecedented panic buying of toilet rolls and pasta. You can well imagine, this started a tsunami of literal 'toilet humour' and toilet tissue memes.
This was soon followed by far more serious ramifications that I do not need to outline here as you have all lived through these times in your respective countries and in many and varied ways. I gotta say that if your governmental advice is anything like that issued by our PM Bumbling Boris... Good luck!
Advice here was so utterly confusing and contradictory that most people had no clue if they were coming or going. Stay indoors, but go to work, but don't go to work but do stay indoors, unless you can't, but you must!!! I am not kidding when I say this, it seems ludicrous but is what we have been living with as far as governmental advice goes.
HOWEVER... None of this is the reason for my post, but now you have the setup, let's move on...
The second a governmental furlough scheme was even muted, before the entire infrastructure of our country was put in to enforced lockdown even before the financial markets were essentially placed in hibernation, I made an exclamation immediately and I have not changed my thoughts one iota save to say I am even more negative and pessimistic in my long-term economic outlook. My exclamation was this...
Oh F#@# we are gonna be paying for this for a long, long time!!!
Those of us who have one eye on the markets, bank of England base rates, jobless figures, GDP shrinkage, dividend cuts and sell offs were already of the mind that the biggest recession since the 1930's was an absolute inevitability. The oversold, overbought markets were bulbous and ripe for freefall. The market could not possibly struggle on under an illusion of wealth and affluence that did not reflect reality.
Essentially we were heading to the largest redistribution of wealth seen to date. This has happened on a cyclical treadmill since markets were established.
The picture goes like this. After a recession, the average citizen is a little cagey about big purchases, home buying and taking on credit, HP and loans. The greedy, grasping overbloated financial institutions need and want your money so they start offering great interest on credit, savings and loans. Remember subprime mortgages? More and more people enter in to such deals as the rates are so good right and become fooled that the good times will run and run and run.
Essentially, the working class start to acquire wealth, property and investments and begin to move toward or in to the middle class due to their new net worth. There has long been a belief that this is allowed to happen by those who control the financial system and through their lobbyists who also effectively control governments.
Then comes the redistribution of wealth opportunity for the mega-wealthy. Homes, vehicles and large purchases are repossessed/foreclosed auctioned off and bought by those with huge reserves for pennies on the pound. Financial markets tank and those uninitiated in viewing market cycles panic sell at a loss and those same people who bought the homes, but top quality stocks, shares and bonds at knockdown prices knowing that all they have to do is wait out the recession and cash in when optimism begins rife as the whole sorry cycle repeats itself...
The current situation however made and will make things infinitely and exponentially worse. If accurate figures were reported from the pandemic, which I highly doubt I believe the worsening of this impending crash would be something akin to 10X. I believe with fake reports and manipulated numbers and global governmental cooking of the books we will likely see an almost apocalyptic 50X - 100X
The post you are reading now has been writing itself in my head for a week or two BUT a figure that jumped out at me yesterday is that in the UK alone 730,000 jobs have been lost since the start of the pandemic, this prompted me to get round to writing this today. I am sure that people from every corner of the globe are hearing similar, slightly scary numbers that when compounded and stacked in to a global figure, paints an incredibly bleak picture.
What this means for the average person is well... You can see already, right?
I have spoken to many people who have burned through their savings while they have been unable to work or at best had to live on a reduced wage, here in the UK it was 80% of basic wage, elsewhere the figure varied. Many of these people have also cashed in their investments to keep their head above water. Essentially destroying any net worth they had built up for retirement or a rainy day, the rainy day came of course, but unfortunately it hearkened the start of monsoon season!
Think about it, these were the responsible people who exhibited delayed gratification and actually prepared for the future, for hundreds of millions more, probably more like several billion, the picture is far, far more depressing.
This will, I have zero doubt lead to a mental health epidemic, a huge spike in suicide all around the world and bring many relationships to an end that's even before mentioning the far reaching, economic/ implications for 'the new normal'.
Make no mistake, this will force wages down in material terms. If this doesn't come to pass in the numbers reflected in your hourly, weekly or monthly salary it will leave your pocket in other more surreptitious ways.
We are all increasingly familiar with taxes that are not called taxes in recent years, right?
People will be backed in to ever increasingly desperate corners and situations to even get close to the situation they experienced before.
We WILL pay for this for many, many years to come and we WILL see a mammoth redistribution of wealth on a scale we could never have even guessed at before this situation.
We WILL also have a crippling burden of debt placed upon our shoulders with no end in sight and be expected to carry it for many years and even pass it on to our children I have no doubt.
More importantly in my opinion. We will also, interestingly enough, begin hearing more rumors that our global economic system actually crashed last September, long before the pandemic was even heard of. More on this in upcoming posts.
I know, I know for someone who usually makes posts tempered with positivity and optimism this is certainly a departure from my self improvement posts.
I have painted a picture today that seems like we have no hope whatsoever BUT that is not so, If you read part 2 when I post it later tonight or tomorrow morning at latest, you will see my thoughts on flipping this system on it's head, applying a little lateral thinking and building yourself a titanium plated flak jacket to push through what is to come.
I am on the side of humans, at this moment in time I have no other allegiance and want to help as many people as possible negotiate a safe and empowering path through the coming economic minefield.
I feel as though this is one of the, (if not the) most important posts I have ever written. I write a lot of incredibly long posts as I like to fully explore an idea once I have raised it. This time, because I really want you to read this synopsis, I have broken it in two to ensure as many people as possible reach the end.
IF YOU HAVE READ TO THE END OF PART ONE, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE WITH THIS NEGATIVE ASSESSMENT OF OUR NEAR FUTURE IN YOUR HEAD. PART TWO WILL BE THE SECRET INGREDIENT AND BATTLE-PLAN FOR COPING WITH...
The new abnormal normal.
Thank YOU for taking the time to read my post and if you're one of those amazing people who like to hit the comments section... Then I doubly thank YOU!
Either way I want you to know that you are appreciated!
Keep taking the time to connect with each-other both here and in the so-called real world and try and look after each-other, because as you already know...
I am a proud member of the recently formed #TeamUK I love the global community immensely, but it is nice to have a home-team banner to add to my posts. The banner was made by the inimitable RoastMaster General himself @c0ff33a If you are an active UK member and would like to be added to the teamUK community on Discord, just let me know 😎
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Hi @stevenwood,
Thank you for participating in the #teamuk curated tag. We have upvoted your quality content.
For more information visit our discord https://discord.gg/8CVx2Am
so many wordssssssss
But I read them!
((wink wink))
Hmmm I believe you... Many would tell me I'm a fool but I have faith in ya Snekky... Don't make me regret it!!! :D
Thanks for stopping by my friend, glad to see you are fully rocking the "Hive Vibe" my friend.
Take good care, laterzzz :)
I'll reserve a comment slot for part two when it is posted.
Haven't I always described you as 'nothing if not reserved?'
Good to see you Shadowdude, hope you are doing great :D
Doing pretty good. Got a tiny nit busy for a few days, other than that, not bad at all.
Hi @stevenwood, it was actually a pretty negative publication, so I skipped a paragraph and went straight to the end or the part where you said that number 2 was going to contain positive material that would help us deal with the crisis.
Thank God you showed us evil and you will come up with the solution hehehe.
Just like you, when the pandemic started I analyzed the behavior of the masses in relation to toilet paper, I guess the nerves are reflected for the most part by the stomach causing diarrhea and large consumption of paper.
In my country we went through that a long time ago. So when the pandemic came I didn't need the paper, here nobody uses that anymore, it's very expensive, a luxury.
Most people use soap and water.
I try to write a lot on live, to buy my paper.
Anyway, I better finish my comment that started with economic concerns and ended with toilet paper.
P.D. that good photos.
Yes indeed. I don't normally do negative at all... But, ya know that feeling when you must say something?
Yes Vz has experienced hyperinflation and misappropriation of the economy for several years now, I know you already know this stuff... It is life there.
Indeed I hope people draw positives from part 2, that is my intention.
Part 1 - The problem.
Part 2 - possible solutions and personal power.
Yes I enjoyed making the crazy photos haha. I'm starting to try new things with my blog. Economics ---> Toilet paper = The new normal!
Thankyou so much for stopping by Anita, it is always a pleasure to cross paths with you. I hope you and yours are well, take good care my friend :)
Thanks, buddy, it's still a pleasure.
So long, baby.
There's not a lot of positives over here either, but let's see what the next few years bring. Yes, the outlook is a little negative currently, and in my opinion we haven't seen the true pain yet, however it remains to be seen how governments, and the little people (us) deal with things moving forward. Maybe part 2 will bring something positive, a positive outlook, but I think it's a brave person who would push that agenda. No one really knows what will happen. My 2 cents worth...Look out for hyperinflation.
There's not a lot of positives over here either...
Yup that's why I started with a joke lol... Albeit a poor, poor one!!! The only light relief for any of us atm.
I think the little people (us) need to take the reins on this one. I have so little faith in governments to dig us out of this! Hyperinflation... Yup! They will start printing like there's no tomorrow... If they are allowed to carry on that way, there may not be.
It is a little alien to me to be writing from such a pessimistic, nihilistic perspective but I gotta tell ya, this one just flowed. A few years ago it would have made a completely unrealistic, dystopian, Kafkaesque novel akin to 1984 or brave new world... Now, suddenly it is life.
Part 2 is much more positive, but my ideas require effort, commitment and persistence!
Thanks for the thoughts Brother. Always fab to see you stop by and share some thoughts :)
I'm pragmatic, so call it how I see it.That doesn't mean I'm a useless ball of flesh, probably the opposite; Considering where I think things will go I am preparing, planning and getting shit done. The others? Well, it's up to them to do the same, or not. I'll have a look at part 2 and see how positive I feel.
I hope you're well mate.
I'm getting better after a rough patch. I would never have expected anything else from ya man. No use in letting life 'happen to us' right? lol. We were born with a certain amount of faculties and the wherewithal to put them to use however we see fit... Some people never got the memo lol.
Rough patch...Work or personal?
Haha both. I find one impacts the other dramatically these days. I have my health in a fine equilibrium, when it swings I crash lol. That affects me at work, that affects my stress/health lol.
I am basically back 'in spec' again lol. This frikkin' diabetes doesn't affect me often but when it gets outta control it messes with ya.
I used to write about it when I was feeling ill, now I don't allow it the attention haha :D
Type 1?
I'm type 2 myself. Control it with some pills and diet.
Hopefully the rest of the week is ok. Get your pencil out mate, drawing topic for #weekend-engagement should be fun. You should see my drawing. Looks like a 3 year old did it.
Amazing post. What with Brexit and the pandemic, I'm sure glad we don't live in the UK anymore. Saying that, Australia hasn't even been immune to this even though we've done okay in the past. I'm glad my job is bomb proof and my mortgage is not far off done. I feel so worried for my son and his girl though. Ga, take me back to the 80s. Except - oh shit, you had Thatcher.
Thank you my friend. I really enjoyed writing this although hated it at the same time... I am usually so full of optimism and hope, but there is no sense in making like an ostrich, right?
I didn't touch on AI destroying around a million jobs in the next year or two, printing currency like toilet paper either or so many aspects I wanted to mention. I wanted this post to be more brief than normal so people would read it. We have a tough time and difficult choices ahead. We must make them of course for our kids as you say.
Ah! the 80's sigh when I think of Thatcher I hear Morrissey singing 'Margaret on the guillotine'.
We will be alright if we are together, but it will mean some very serious oposition to bad actors and authoritarians who cannot be allowed to speak for us!
Take great care of you and yours :)
Things are dire here in Canada, and the next year looks horrible at best.
I think gold, silver, cryptos, food, knowledge, protection, water, medicine, and tools will more than retain their value over the next while.
I think you are correct on many levels. Gold and Silver took a severe mauling at one point this week after hitting record highs. This is to be expected of course when people are looking for the top before a crash. Most of that money will be abck in that market again consolidating at a lower price I am certain. We know all about thevery real potential of crypto
Ohhhh Yes! I think knowledge is one of the most grossly underestimated commodities on the planet. This starts with parents IMO. We gotta bring our kids on in the right way.
Thanks ever so much for taking the time to comment, it is so much more than appreciated :)
Help Hive grow and aid onboarding by sharing what you do here to Twitter.
#posh
I just wanted to say that as a fellow Hive Owner I’m really happy to see 25 comments on your post.
Keep up the good work
Thanks for stopping by Nathan, always great to see you man :)
Knowing the work you do to highlight our community to those who may be unaware that we even exist, I know that you certainly value engagement as much as I. I wholeheartedly believe that a thriving spirit of community and engagement go hand in hand.
We have watched this go awry in the past, but this time, Oh this time it will be so, so different!
Lessons will be leaned. If we do our part to ensure an active and engaged community and a place new users will be excited to join, then the Dev's can concentrate on what they do best and create the magic, that will in turn create utility that will propel us forward at an exponential rate.
The future? Oh man, the future is BRIGHT!
Thanks again, have an awesome journey my friend :)
One of the best posts I have read on Hive and I look forward to part 2. Very well written.
Thank you so very much for this amazingly encouraging comment. To say it means a lot wouldn't even explain it!
I used to write 2, 3 and 4 thousand words ((I know lol, everybody tells me that's too long but I cannot stop.)) the payout was often around 8 cents lol. The same people, who meant utterly well, told me it wasn't worth it, I used to whisper under my breath...
Apprenticeship!
I usually only write about what is important to me and so I gain a lot of enjoyment and I love engaging and reading the work of others too. My self improvement posts, well if they give an idea or a little inspiration to one other person wow! To have that profound an effect on someone's life, right?
I have started to gain support on Hive and am absolutely delighted, but d'you know something, even if it was still 8 cents I would still keep going.
Hive has absolutely reignited my passion for the blockchain. Thankyou so much for stopping by, it is so much more than appreciated. Take great care, wonderful to cross paths.
Thanks for the huge smile btw :)
No worries mate and credit where it is due. I like a meaty post and especially one which is so relatable. Roll on episode 2 and following along with your future posts. Happy days :)
Thanks again and I have just been introduced to an artform I was unaware of... Light painting!!!
No really... It's a thing!
If you knew how utterly embarrassed my kids are every-time we spend a lil time in Blackpool for the illuminations, you would understand my hyper-stimulated reaction...
Seriously I would avoid part 2 at all costs... I had no idea it was a 25 minute read till I checked on Peakd after posting. I didn't include most of what I wanted to... Honestly it's like a bloody disease.
Great to meet you, are you in Brits Discord btw? TeamUK. I only ask as there's a structured daylong meetup on September 19th in Halifax, it may not be any good, but I wanted to make you aware either way :)
Haha. It is indeed and it's what brought me here (via Steemit) in the first place.
I could get lost for days at the "Lights" but haven't been since I was a child. Happy times.
I'm not part of the Teamuk discord but I was aware of the meetup. I think my Light Painting buddy from Sheffield may attend.
You could always do a part 3 and your part two will be digested as my bedtime reading. Keep up the great work and catch you again soon.
Happy days.
Thank you! Nice post!
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read, welcome to Hive :)
I think it is a fact to say that the economic future of many people is really complicated. But, let's keep working and hoping for the best.
As things stand I think you are right we don't have much of a choice we are caught in a bind. BUT let's increase our crypto holdings at a steady pace that we can afford and if we see other investments or assets that ware within our reach grasp the opportunity to build a better and more stable future.
Thanks for stopping by my friend, hope you are well :)
You know, I started reading this yesterday. Then I got distracted by something shiny. I cant even remember what it was that distracted me at this stage. I dont even think it was rewarding in anyway.
I will keep my focus and read this monstrous post, I may just need a coffee of 3 to keep me awake. Thunderstorms and the close weather meant that I had a poor nights sleep last night.
Dude! Ain't nobody got time for that!!!
Good to see you stalking the corridors of the blockchain, something feels a lil more right with the world :)
I have cast my vote for HIVE as the most exciting dWeb project, have you, let's use the amazing power of social media to bring our community to many, many more potential users.
People who should be here.
The future is absofrikkinlutely bright!!!