Work-Life Balance & Planning Post-Crisis – Your Real Goals
Work-Life Balance & Planning Post-Crisis – Your Real Goals
By Chris De Luca
The process I usually adopt with my clients to breathe life into their long-term strategy is to first bring out into the open what you really value and what your real objectives may be by looking at potential long-term implications; this can actually be surprising and sometimes not as easy as one would think. For me, it’s about do we make choices or excuses. Sometimes couples can’t find the right words to begin the conversation which is a key part of my role!
In my experience, major long-term financial decisions are made based on people’s emotional, psychological, and philosophical attitudes, rather than just the numbers. When they can see the full, and occasionally uncomfortable, implications of the different options in front of them, they often change their mind.
For instance, a few clients right now are anxious about stepping outside. Even when we come fully out of lockdown, they think that this feeling is likely to continue, as they are now used to it. I see how damaging this could be for them and for our society if great swathes of people unnecessarily adopt this position.
Some social media behaviours, including ‘no-platforming’ are examples of people closing themselves of from anyone who ‘doesn’t think like me’. But without engaging or interacting with others who offer different insights, our ability to grow and to feel safe will diminish.
The combination of the growing gig economy, the corresponding reach of the tech giants, the increase in zero hours working and the use of service companies, couriers and so on – all are indicators of a low wage economy (remember, that great ‘next day home delivery’ deal we have secured is often because someone in the supply chain has been taken advantage of). This is the economy our children and grandchildren will be part of, which brings concerns for their housing and other needs.
The pressure on finding employment is almost certainly going to rise, as online shopping increases market share putting pressure on retail (which we are already seeing). AI (Artificial Intelligence) will do the same across massive swathes of many industries. Apparently, archaeologists are one of the very few occupations that cannot be replaced – not sure how helpful that career advice may be!
It would be all too easy to say that we are only one person, but we can all make individual choices and, if enough of us make the same choice, then we can make a difference.
Due to public opinion, governments and multinationals were already making changes before the pandemic struck. Some of these changes can be credited to climate change activists (although I do question some of their tactics and solutions).
So, once the real values and objectives have been established, the next question is how will people be able to afford certain lifestyles now and similarly sustain themselves in retirement?
Where do we start with this topic? See my next thrilling instalment!
Need some help with your financial planning? Send me a message or visit our website for information on our services: www.juniperfinancialmanagementlimited.co.uk
