Today, the United States and even the rest of the world are caught up in a quandary of pre determined conditions. Many of which have been self inflicted. The casualties of this Pandemic contributed to the greatest rise of inflation not seen for over 35 years. When we talk of inflation what is actually happening is not just supply and demand but outright greed.

Since 1933 when FDR eliminated the gold standard resulting in the US dollar becoming fiat currency we have seen the value of the dollar almost disappear. What consumers could purchase for one dollar years ago now costs a whole lot more. Simply put, a cup of coffee today costs almost $4.00 where years ago for $.25 one could get a that cup of coffee.

What we are seeing in the United States are a number of contingencies that are all intertwined. The Pandemic has resulted in governments to react in ways that have produced many negative results. For years the American worker has been seeking incumbents in raising their wages. Finally through enough pressure on legislators wage increases finally are occurring. But, like everything else the government has and is doing have not put in place protective measures that would help curb what is happening now, rising inflation.

The inflationary trends today are a indirect result of those wage increases tied into the supply chain disruption. Contrary to what many think wage increases have always come with increases of commodes. The supply chain disruption is tied directly to the way governments have mishandled the policies reacting to the Covid-19 health crisis. Essentially resulting in major reductions of goods and services.

There are more casualties from this pandemic other than being infected. Even though wage increases are rising many have realized that still even with out the inflationary trends of today still can’t earn enough to be able to achieve financial stability..We are experiencing a major shift in our economy as a result.

If we had governmental officials that actually worked for the American public to ensure economic stability means adhering to the William’s Theory of Economic Evolution, which states” When more people have enough disposable income to spend, save, pay down debt and invest is the greatest deterrent to economic instability” What this means that this passage of the Infrastructure bill isn’t the great cure all for the economy. It comes too little too late and does not really address the ways to create an environment for the health, stability and future of this nation.

What is needed is a direct infusion of cash directly inserted into the bank accounts of American taxpayers and Social Security recipients no less than $2000 to immediately stave off anther financial epidemic. What many don’t realize that up front capital in the hands of many with policies that actually spur producing goods and services economic growth rises.

To felicitate economic growth that addresses more than this Infrastructure Bill there has to be an authentic plan of direction that encompasses all facets of American life. That’s what National Economic Reform’s Ten Articles Of Confederation entails. There can be no real economic and financial stability without achieving what is outlined in National Economic Reforms Ten Articles.

Article 1: Universal Health Care

Article 2: Budget Deficit and National Debt Reduction

Article 3: Education Reform

Article 4: Social Security Restoration

Article 5: Trade Deficit Equalization

Article 6: Science and Technology Directives

Article 7: Immigration and Homeland Security Reform

Article 8: Department of Economic Development

Article 9: U.S. Treasury Reform

Article 10: Department of Defense Reform

Until these articles are implemented the wheels of government will just keep spinning.

The suddenness and ferocity with which the Covid-19 pandemic has struck the world is unprecedented. With people forced to quarantine themselves and maintain social distancing, people’s lives and livelihoods have taken a downward spiral. However, the silver lining is that the crisis will blow over once a vaccine is found or herd immunity is developed. Till such time the new normal would be the disruption, which everyone is witnessing now. In such times how does our interaction with social media change or evolve? Is it time to leverage the power of social media to your advantage and accused of being exploiting a situation or remain with your target audience is the moot question? So, let us discuss a few things to do on social media during a crisis of such kind. Remember, never before in history, we had the power of the internet and as a corollary, the social media, to move forward even during a global pandemic like Covid-19. Let us make it count then instead of throwing our hands in despair.

# Don’t act in haste:

In times of crisis, it is usual to get panicky by thinking about the uncertain future. And in most cases, the first instinct is to take hasty decisions without taking every aspect of your business and the crisis into consideration. The result, however, can turn out to be adverse for your business. For example, if you write a post selling your products or services, your target audience is likely to feel surprised or worse, angry. They might think that you are exploiting a situation for business gain. So, the first lesson is not to go on a relentless business drive but understand what your audience might be thinking during such a crisis. Don’t go on posting content on your social media profile as if there is no tomorrow. Curate each post by keeping in mind the probable reaction of your audience. The social media post should strengthen your brand proposition and show the humane side of your business. Instead of being overtly business-like, try to assuage the concerns of your clients about the crisis by posting positive notes. In case you find it difficult to come with the right idea, take insights from the social media posts of reputed companies.

# Ask questions about your brand:

In the initial days of the crisis if you do not have any compelling case that your audience is looking at you for ‘guidance,’ do not comment. Ask yourself questions like – will your comment be seen as an attempt to milk the crisis or will your comment really help your audience to deal with the crisis? However, instead of sitting idle think how your brand can be of help in such times. For example, can it take part in fundraising activities by involving the members of your audience to help the destitute hit hard by this crisis? So, plan your activities in such a way that your profile amongst the target audience rises. A look at the Facebook page of the World Health Organization can guide you www.facebook.com/WHO/ about the type of messaging you should post.

# Tonality:

While curating a well thought out and well-intentioned message during the crisis is important, care should be taken about the way to convey the message. Remember, your audience may be disproportionally impacted by the pandemic or is wary of its short- or long-term implications. So, your message should not appear as inconsiderate or out of place, say with memes, jokes, or GIFs. It is advisable to use your social media platform to disseminate information on the pandemic. Yes, you can share properly vetted humorous messages to spread cheer amidst the gloom.

# Sensible messaging:

There might be a tendency among businesses and brands to share information to their target audience about the pandemic. However, the information must be vetted and taken from reliable sources. Your post should not be seen to be fuelling panic with false or outdated information. Also, ensure proper use of hashtags as wrong usage can lead to issues. For example, using #Covid19 hashtag your brand should not be seen as promoting itself. Rather leave such hashtags for concerned authorities or brands dealing with the crisis. Let’s understand one thing that a crisis situation is not a marketing opportunity.

# Business as usual:

It is possible that at some point the audience will get bored with the news about Covid-19. Rather they would look for normalcy. Your brand can review its approach at that point and recalibrate the strategy, especially with social media. Start with brand promotion by being human-centric rather than business-centric.

Conclusion

The present pandemic can be categorized as unprecedented for this generation and needed to be handled wisely by businesses. With social media emerging as the go-to platform for people locked inside their houses maintaining social distancing, your brand should leverage it properly. Be careful not to appear as exploiting the situation but be a responsible brand dealing with human emotions.

Do you still worry about the pandemic brought by the Corona Virus Disease? Has it stressed you for so long? Are you anxious about what’s coming up next? A “yes” answer for each question is a valid response, because for now we don’t have the means to really make the virus go away. Life has been difficult for most of us due to the pandemic. And so, here are a few don’ts that might make lives a little easier for us.

First, don’t worry about tomorrow. Worry is something that happens in the mind. It basically concerns having negative thoughts or uncertainty on results of things that may not actually happen. Therefore, to worry may probably be a complete waste of time and energy.

Matthew 6:34 writes, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (New Living Translation)

Did you notice what was written? It wrote, “don’t worry about tomorrow” and not simply “don’t worry”. This means you and I can worry. However, we don’t need to worry about tomorrow yet. Our concerns should be with what we have today and what is before us at the moment.

Next, don’t let stress bring you down. Stress is the natural response of a person to an external circumstance or change which poses a threat. When under stress, the body is activated and enabled to deal with the threat. As we deal with stress, it would be helpful to find what gives us joy.

The writer of Psalms 119:143 finds joy in God’s command, (“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.”, New Living Translation). But beyond a religious point of view, we can find joy in other things. Despite the pandemic, we may find joy in the togetherness of the family, or having good health, or keeping a job that provides for the needs of everyday life, or sharing to others the resources we have been blessed with in this difficult time. If only we look closely, it is not impossible to find sources of joy around us.

Lastly, don’t be anxious. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25, New King James Version).

Anxiety is mental and bodily experiences. It involves much worry as well as stress which may lead to a mental illness that makes an individual constantly sad. The lack or loss of interest, or pleasure in life may also be present. Life seems to be worthless for someone who is anxious.

During an anxiety attack, don’t dwell in it. Help yourself and look for a distraction. It helps to listen to good music. Surely, the kind and encouraging words in a song can lift up the spirit.

Remember that the negativity which worry, stress and anxiety bring can be overcome. To some extent, they are actually helpful to make us change for the better. By addressing it accurately and timely, one becomes a problem-solver. Discovery of abilities and capabilities happen. And with determination, a healthier and improved version of “self” emerges.

You would think that after such a disaster in our industry like the coronavirus that there wouldn’t be much need for anymore residential care facilities for the elderly administrators. Well, it turns out that because these administrators are so important and will have even greater responsibility in the future, now is the perfect time to get your RCFE Administrator certificate.

Larger facilities will probably want more co-administrators available to make sure there is compliance with all the new regulations, and you can bet there will be many more new rules to come. State of California health authorities are working with the RCFE Industry to come up with new protocols and best management practices to keep our elderly seniors safe. This will mean more paperwork, more forms, more in-facility training.

If you thought the job of RCFE Administrator was challenging before, you can double that in the future, and you can expect even higher salaries to go along with that. You can also expect the certification test for RCFE Administrator to get harder, and many more questions about pandemic virus spread, PPE, virus testing, and early detection. This might be the perfect time to get your certification, as there will be many new jobs available in the near future.

Those who couldn’t handle things during the coronavirus health crisis will probably be leaving the industry due to stress, this too will provide more openings on top of the increased need to handle all the new paperwork required by the State of California.

Is the RCFE Administrator Test Hard?

Yes, the State of California RCFE Administrator certification is difficult, but if you can find a top-notched school to help you with the information, so that you can understand exactly what you must know, you’ll be able to pass the test. Nothing good in life is easy. Running a residential care facility for the elderly included. Still, it is these heroes who tirelessly gave of themselves along with the staff and nurses who were on the front lines saving lives.

Let’s face it senior living homes and nursing homes were hit the worst by the coronavirus, so there can be no more important job than to oversee the health and safety of the elderly residents during such a pandemic crisis. No one knows when the next pandemic will hit, only that it will. We must all be prepared and ready to take action immediately. Are you beginning to see why an RCFE Administrator is such an important job, and why these positions command such high salaries?

I remember years ago hearing a silly song that was written and recorded by Johnny Cash in 1984. Most of us can relate to the first two lines which are:

“Well now you’ve all been asked foolish questions and I think that you all know

That you’re bound to run into them most, most anywhere you go”

I highly recommend that you find the lyrics and even a recording as the song will put a smile on your face.

Throughout the years, I have also heard people say that there aren’t any stupid questions and that it is important to ask questions in order to learn. Think of how children ask things like “Why is the sky blue?” “Do babies come from eggs like ducks?” “When can I drive the car?” Each answer helps the child to understand the world and contributes to the knowledge base that will be used throughout their lives.

So, it is almost a year since the World Health Organization began locking down countries and I have certainly heard people ask a number of questions about our state of affairs. Thought I would share some of them with you:

1. Why aren’t we calling this virus a syndemic rather than pandemic? Medicinenet.com states that the term “syndemic” was coined in 1990 by Merrill Singer. It suggests an aggregation of two or more concurrent clusters of disease which have biological interactions. A pandemic refers to one disease that travels throughout the world whereas the syndemic recognizes that certain areas and populations are more affected than others because of their living conditions. For example, we have been told that some individuals are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus including the aged and those who have other health problems. Syndemic therefore seems to be a more accurate term than pandemic.
2. Who should we believe when we look to “science” for a solution? Every country has research facilities, pharmacological producers and experts in the field of disease, but seldom do they agree. In fact, we have received mixed messages from “science” in the last year. First, we were told to not wear a mask and given numerous reasons for this. More recently we have been told that we have to wear a mask and some people are actually double masking. Which scientific source has the best answer to protect and treat us?
3. What ingredients are in the vaccine and will it be effective? Are there research documents that outline the clinical trials that were done? Many people have had their first injection and then were told that there aren’t enough supplies for the required injection? Now what? Are there negative reactions that might outweigh the positives? We have all heard news reports about individuals who have had bad experiences with medications in the past. Think about what happened with Thalidomide.
4. What are the chances that I will die from COVID-19? The population of Canada in 2019 was 37.59 million. As of January 29, 2021, Health Canada has recorded 778,927 positive cases (about 2% of the population). Of those, 20032 have died which is about 2.5% of those who tested positive. So, in simple terms, out of 1875 Canadians, one would have died. Health Canada has also stated that 68.1% of cases and 79.8% of deaths in Ontario and Quebec.
5. In the past we used to isolate people who are sick. Now we lock up the ones who are healthy. When and why did this change?

Please don’t get me wrong. I definitely believe that there is a virus and that it is highly contagious. I also believe that as Canadians we need to be well informed and this means that it is important to do research.

It is okay to have “foolish questions” but even more important that we have accurate answers.

Stay safe and be well!

The citizens of Planet Earth have been wearing masks for nearly two years now or rather have been forced to do that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic that seems to be extremely reluctant to help usher in the much-awaited unmasking of the Homo sapiens. There have been varying degrees of protests or complaints or deemed-hazards of wearing masks continuously. In a way the citizens are showing signs of an acute mask-fatigue which is actually very unfair to even hint at in view of the pandemic-fatigue experienced by the tirelessly working medical fraternity-particularly during the peak periods like the disastrous Second Wave in India. However, the angle of the citizens cannot be wished away, because this is very real; in some cases the mask-fatigue leading to huge protest marches/uprisings in the US or in some European countries like Germany. Therefore, it becomes our noble duty to analyze the factors while, of course, keeping our mask-sincerity securely in place.

All around us we’ve been getting used to seeing people masking themselves in most unique ways: some loosening it a bit lower so that the nose remains prominently exposed as if they’ve only now realized the importance of this organ as far as inhaling oxygen and exhaling nitrogen is concerned; some are still bolder wearing it like a necklace hanging below their chins; some even the more bolder keeping it in pocket or bags and wearing it the moment the law-enforcing authorities surface; and similar to this class some others do the same while entering shopping complexes or the like where ‘no mask, no entry’ signboard is prominently displayed and the moment they enter they quickly say to the sellers that they have the masks, no issues (in fact the mostly masked sellers or shopkeepers should not just smile understandingly at them, but should command, ‘if you have it, why not wear?’).

The elderly citizens have not been complaining much as they realize the undeniable fact that they are the most vulnerable chunk of the population to get infected. However, vaccination in the full required doses makes them a little bolder in starting to complain if not in not abandoning the masks altogether. They often refer to some doctors (we’re not aware if they were real or fictitious) advising them not to wear the masks while taking morning or evening walks as it may adversely affect the breathing process. But many elders including myself have not experienced any discomfort in taking the walks with the masks on. So, some of them do not wear it at all and some demonstrate the other styles of wearing like keeping the nose out or using it as a necklace.

The young male community happens to be the ultimate example in violating this mask-wearing business with absolute disdain, particularly after getting vaccinated. Their basic instinct of impressing the fairer opposites is a huge factor, because with half of their faces hidden they cannot at all afford to display their handsome characteristics as well as some other ‘impressive’ activities or habits. Their ‘brave’ and ‘chivalrous’ display is abundantly displayed on the streets, in the markets, in the parks or playing grounds and while riding the ‘brave-heart’ racing bikes, not only putting other lives in danger of being hit but also of spreading the disease. We call them the future of a country, but they miserably fail to understand their duty towards all in families or the other community outside or inside.

The young female community had shown tremendous interests, at the beginning of the pandemic age, in wearing the masks with many of them diligently searching for masks that match their dresses perfectly or actively taking up the most expansive pandemic-industry of mask-making. But, as in other cases, their interests got slowly and steadily replaced by mask-fatigue influenced by similar instincts of showing their beautiful countenances with full use of the cosmetics like the lipstick which got tremendously impacted by the sticking pandemic. So they have totally stopped wearing the masks, not even following the unique styles of wearing as all of these would adversely affect their beauty in varying degrees and would handicap them from creating the desired impressions all around.

There is a very crucial mask-fatigue causing factor that affects all of the communities mentioned: this being the prolonged summer thanks to global warming that leads to accumulation of sweat inside the masks and makes it extremely uncomfortable to wear continuously. But, why not carry more than one mask with you, remove it when unbearable, wipe you face with a sanitized handkerchief and wear the second mask; we rebut. There are huge quantities of economically affordable masks available in the market. Besides, the sweat-factor also comes in while traveling/going out, unnecessarily and crowding the trains or the metro trains or the flights or the buses or the markets; like when during the Durga Puja festival the ‘eat-only devotees’ crowded the fronts of the houseful restaurants in the Indian city of Kolkata in particular, waiting for hours at the dead of the night, and of course, not caring for the masks due to the seamless sweating or that they’d have to take it off anyway once getting inside to eat. There is a general agreement on this that one cannot eat with the masks on.

The governments or the authorities have been in the act of making the wearing of masks compulsory all the time with some having to impose penalties for violations. Authorities also observe mask-behavior patterns and order that ‘don’t wear the masks below your nose or like a necklace’. But unfortunately, the citizens of Planet Earth feel that ‘enough is enough’ and the ‘unmasking process’ must be ushered in by hook or by crook. In India with the Diwali festival looming ahead this mask-fatigue could, on the contrary, usher in another peak of the pandemic reversing the desired ‘unmasking’ process completely, God forbid. States of India always ban firecrackers during Diwali celebration, but allow ‘green crackers’ the ambiguity of a definition of which leads to the usual pollution and crowds with undaunted ‘fire-power’ on display as seen last year.

We must conclude with a disclaimer that no generalization is intended in this piece. In fact, a huge chunk of the population still follows the norms like wearing a mask very sincerely, including people in all the communities mentioned here. The only concern is that of the increasing numbers of the ‘unmasked Covidiots’ all over who put the norms-abiding population at risk. To assume a serious tone at the end, it is medically proved that vaccine jabs do not guarantee full protection from infection, but only reduce the serious type of the disease and hospitalization; but people with multiple other diseases and low immunity are still at high risk and the careless young people endanger their lives by carrying the virus and spreading it.

My guess would be that every one of us could use respite from the constant bad news, changing news and conflicting news that is everywhere during this pandemic. But what really is respite and where is the most authentic place to get it from?

Respite means – a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

A few synonyms are: break, intermission, breathing space and interlude

Do you find that just reading that definition and the synonyms made you breathe out deeply in an “ah” moment as your whole body relaxed? That is certainly how I responded.

So, where do we find respite? Well, it often takes place when actually get away for a while… Or even when we are forced by a pandemic, to stay at home for an extended period of time. Respite can also be found in breaking old habits and adopting new, more healthy ones.

But true and lasting respite… authentic respite, comes from getting away to God.

Matthew 11:28-30 says: “Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me (God). Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… ” – The Message

God can help with wherever you are at, that you need respite. He knows you intimately as your maker and He cares. I love the phrase “learn the unforced ryhthms of grace”. That is who God is. He never forces His grace on you. He simply offers it to you in gentle and ongoing pattern for your taking.

“Normal” life causes me to need respite! Add this current pandemic and all that means in our lives along with any other difficult or tragic situations and it is easy to find oneself crying out for a real rest.

If you have never really thought about turning to God for anything – I would challenge you to consider calling out to Him. Also reading the book of John in the Bible will answer a lot of potential questions you might have about God.

If you have begun to think that God really doesn’t care about you, and your situation – I would challenge you to re-think this and pray for Him to show Himself to you in a new and very real way in unforced ryhthms of grace. The psalms are a great way to learn more about God’s character.

If you are very sure of God’s love and care for you – I would challenge you to take more “ah” moments focusing on who God is. Psalm 23 is a wonderful way to focus on God’s character.

… and, if you would like me to pray with and/or for you, you can fill out your information in the contact form on of my website (in the resource box at the end of this article). I would consider it a great privilege to pray for you.

Wearing of masks is becoming a new habit for most people in many countries affected by the pandemic. Nevertheless, in the United States, people are still divided whether they should wear masks when they’re out in public. Business establishments, retail stores, trains, buses, airplanes, and shared transportation services require their patrons and workers to wear a facial mask as protection and prevention from the disease. It is also required by law in some cities and states in the United States.

If you decline to wear a mask on their premises, they will not allow you to enter their shops. In some places, the government will impose fines and sanctions for not covering your mouth and nose.

Mandatory Use of Facial Protection

The CDC recommends the use of facial covering or facial protection when social distancing is impossible in some places. The rise in coronavirus infection worldwide prompted government leaders to make masks mandatory, especially when you are out in public. Experts expect a second wave infection soon.

Some cities in the United States are strictly implementing the use of masks in public areas. It would help if you considered checking out the updated guidelines and policies when traveling to another city or state. Know their pandemic protocols and requirements before you head down to their place. Some cities impose a fine on their citizens for not wearing a mask or facial covering even inside their private houses.

Should you wear a mask every time you leave the house?

It depends on where you are going.

When you are heading towards any place where you can be with other people – such as the grocery store, pharmacy, hospital, riding public transportation, salons, retail stores, and some restaurants – it is mandatory to wear a mask.

Why?

Microscopic particles from dust, pollution, bacterial and viral particles stay in the air for many hours, and the risk of inhaling these particles is very high when you are not using facial protection. Using a mask in this time of COVID pandemic – where you don’t know who is infected or not – is your best defense from the virus and for preventing the spread of infection that you may unknowingly have.

Voluntary Use of Masks

You can take off your masks if you are alone in a private vehicle, when you are out for a jog, or when you are in your house.

If you are with other people even if they are your friends and family, as long as they don’t live in the same house you’re in, you still need to wear a mask for precaution. You will never know the places they’ve been, what surfaces they’ve touched, or who are the people they’ve mingled before coming to meet you. Unless you are entirely sure and without a doubt, trust that they are not sick, then you can decide on not to wear a mask around them.

Why is it beneficial to make wearing a mask your new habit?

Some people are okay with wearing facial coverings while others resist the idea of wearing a mask – because of so many reasons, personal, medical and political. In studies worldwide, wearing a mask is generally beneficial not only during a pandemic, but every time you are out of your house.

Masks protect you from harmful chemicals present in the air, especially in highly urbanized or highly industrialized cities.

Should your kids wear face masks too?

Absolutely yes, but it depends on the state regulations.

Children’s respiratory system is still in the developmental stage. Most children have weak immune systems because their body systems are still developing with age. Wearing a mask is essential to prevent your kids from contracting any form of a viral or bacterial infection or even allergies.

Most countries and states suggested that kids ages 2 to 9 must wear masks when going out of the house. Exempted to the rule are the children who have breathing problems and who are under the age of 2 years old. However, in San Francisco City, they did not require children up to age 12 years old to wear facial protection. If they need to wear a mask, an adult supervises the use of their facial cover to prevent any complication.

The perpetual motion of our world continues to spin societies out of control. With the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic has made much of humanity gasping for breath. The fresh air of confidence that mankind will eradicate this current scourge hinges on acknowledging what we are actually doing right now in retaliation to the great pandemic of the 21st century.

Against all odds facing the reality of what we are forcing on mankind when so much is at stake is paramount in having a healthy balance in every aspect of life on this planet. The fragile state of economies has been unsettled by inability of governments to implement strategic policies that would elevate the human condition to a point that man would be more than capable of surviving not only this pandemic but be able thrive and prosper.

The rise and fall of economies as with the circle of life has endured for centuries. But, what makes the decades leading up to the 21st century so discerning is that with all the scientific and technological advances we have too much of humanity is stuck in a vacuum void of the fresh air of equal opportunity for health and prosperity.

The scourge of pestilence and famine have now raised their ugly heads transporting millions back into an existence that only accelerates the growing plagues of humanity. The rich and infamous those heartless souls have orchestrated the chaos that has enslaved the rest of the world. These shadowy figures who wield so much power and wealth have neutralized any attempts to ease the suffering of the rest of humanity.

It is a known fact that our planet has the capacity and the capability to support all life forms. But, when the greed of man has overtaken rational and compassionate thought is where the world is no longer capable of producing all the vital necessities for life to grow and flourish. Man’s inhumanity to man and nature has rendered societies and our environment almost incapable of eliminating the evil that certain men continue to do.

The silence of so many has only re enforced the chaos that is being inflicted upon societies. In history during the Second World War the citizens around Auschwitz Germany knew what was happening but remained silent knowing that they too if they tried to intervene would become victims themselves. Today, much can be said that history repeats only with different cast members but the plot remains very similar.

To think that as a society in the 21st century we are still being manipulated to a point that our world has been set on a course not of our choosing. Too many factors in our lives actually have been orchestrated for the betterment of so few. By our own silence we have allowed a power structure to gain access to practically every aspect of our lives. Too many of us still can’t fathom that what occurs in our lives is somehow interconnected.

An unmistakably big story in the 2021 career space has been about what is being dubbed “The Great Resignation” or “Turnover Tsunami”. Of course, I am referring to the throngs of workers in both the relatively high paying knowledge economy, but also in the lower income sectors, like hospitality and retail, who are leaving or not returning to their pre-pandemic fields of employment. A whopping 40% of the global workforce has left or are planning to leave their jobs this year. The U.S. Labor Department has never seen such an acute spike in resignations in the twenty plus years it have been tracking such statistics.

The popular media has for months now been pumping out pieces referring to the phenomenon and the suspected reasons behind it, such as higher savings rates thanks to government financial assistance, fear of catching the virus at work, insufficient child care options for working parents, and a growing realization that a lot of hiring is now going on. However, the monumental reason for this employment churn appears to be a dignity factor. The Covid pandemic is allowing for a massive reassessment, and by extension, a realignment of what truly matters in one’s work and life.

Shelter-in-place directives, social distancing, and closed office buildings, restaurants, and stores shook people’s mindsets in a number of ways. Many front-line “essential” workers who were heralded as heroes early in the pandemic are now either burnt out or tired of the abuse they get, like healthcare workers. Many well compensated workers ensconced in jobs pertaining to information flows and the means of production are bailing from positions because of the stress levels and long hours. Those on the low socioeconomic end feel abused, disrespected, and exploited and aren’t going to take it anymore. The number of workers and the type of worker taking the employment shift plunge are both expanding.

This spectacle is causing economic hardships for a range of stakeholders from business owners to customers. The flux in employment is helping to fuel in part the larger pandemic related worldwide economic convulsion. Shouldn’t we all be really concerned about this dramatic and disruptive turn of events? Yes, we should be, but not of fear for the interests of the wealth holders becoming suddenly inconvenienced, but in support of workers who are all in different sounding ways and from different points of view collectively saying they want and expect fair compensation, respect, and a voice in how their careers are going to develop. This brief period in history may be seen as a possible inflection point in the 21st century morphing of work and career into something different from the way it has been in the past.

I come back to the three intrinsic motivators for professional workers eloquently described by Daniel Pink about ten years ago. Pink wrote and spoke about the need and quest for autonomy, mastery, and purpose as to what gets successful and satisfied workers out of bed in the morning. We are more motivated and driven to perform well at our jobs when we feel we have relatively free rein to innovate and produce, when we feel we are developing a skill or talent, and when we feel that what we are doing at work matters in a value sense.

It seems to me that what many of these job searchers are looking for comes very close to what Pink is describing. Combine dignified levels of compensation with workplace cultures that honor worker autonomy, mastery, and purpose and a job becomes more satisfying and sustainable. I get that some just want a decent job and not a career, but what makes an employee want to stay and thrive is fundamentally not very different between a highly educated contributor and an hourly employee. Dignity and respect can go a long way.