Winners’ Wisdom: By Jim Stovall

I realize people read these weekly columns in countries all around the world, but if you will allow me to address my fellow Americans, I believe we can all learn something.

With recent unemployment figures soaring, people all across the United States are waiting for the job picture to go back to the way it was several years ago. Unfortunately, this is not going to happen.  It doesn’t mean that there won’t be great opportunities here in the U.S. going forward.  It simply means that many of the jobs that people have lost are not coming back. 

A lot of positions that created middle class incomes for workers in the past left the United States during the economic downturn, and the majority of those jobs won’t return.  Americans need to decide whether they are willing to relearn and retool or be left behind. 

Great positions will continue to be available for people who work hard and stay on the cutting edge of growth and development.  On the other hand, people who think they are going to show up with a mediocre attitude and substandard skill sets expecting to receive a middle class income are sadly mistaken. 

The United States has always been the envy of the world because we created a middle class that had not existed to this extent ever before.  The world has caught up with us, and they are building the proverbial better mouse trap faster and cheaper than we have been doing. 

It’s time for all of us to look at business opportunities, jobs, and careers from a global perspective.  No longer can you just look at the wages that your neighbors might expect or the skill level they have achieved.  Today, we have to be aware of what hungry and energetic people in India, China, and other emerging markets are willing to provide. 

As the middle class gets squeezed, a few of them will find opportunities and heed these words.  These people will create businesses or find jobs that will move them into the upper class.  Unfortunately, many people who previously enjoyed middle class incomes will bury their heads in the sand, assuming that what went down will eventually come back up.  While the jobs and employment opportunities may come back up and even rise to new levels, these jobs are going to be filled by people around the world who are coming to the business landscape from a 21st century outlook. 

The old sayings that you can never go home, and the good old days may not have been so good, are coming true as we look at the way many Americans and some Europeans are going to have to face the shift in career opportunities.

As you go through your day today, remember that the middle class is being squeezed, and you can’t just tread water.  Be one of the boldest and brightest people who move ahead, and join the upper class.

Today’s the day!

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift.  He is also a columnist and motivational speaker.  He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK  74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.