integration paper - magazine article submission (mock up)

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Ability to Adapt and Lifelong Learning are Crucial. Relationships matter! Physical Vibrancy is key. Manage your Career and Risk Profile. How to better position for Convulsive Economic Cycles. PROBLEM OF PRACTICE FINDINGS Planning for and Guiding your Career through Turbulent Times can pay Big Rewards. LARRY G. STRAUB to Position your Career for Convulsive Economic Cycles. How magine yourself in a boat on the open waters – waters that have suddenly turned threatening and treacherous due to an unforeseen storm. Within the course of hours changing from a calm, relaxing day to being tossed mercilessly with the threat of being capsized at any moment; suddenly your very survival depends on the tools you have on the boat as well as the stability of the boat itself. This seems a fitting metaphor for what the past five years must have felt like for many in the American workforce, the treacherous waters in this case being the general economy and the boat being individuals who must navigate those dangerous and unpredictable conditions. Severe macro-economic disruption is quickly becoming a looming global, national and even local crisis. The impact of convulsive economic cycles is largely responsible for large scale disorder in many lives, businesses, industries and economies, these disruptions resulting in fiscal instability as well as historically high and sustained levels of unemployment. Many displaced in the past five years, still struggling to reengage and reconstruct their part of the economic landscape. David Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General of the Currency and a loud proponent for sustained and structural change, likens our current situation to that of the Roman Empire in decline. Describing the foundation of the U.S. Government as a “burning platform” of unsustainable practices and policies; leading to expensive over- commitments and ever increasing deficits. He goes on to note that the U.S. is not exempt from a debt crisis, although we can print money, noting that we have currency risk that can result in serious inflation. Mr. Walker believes strongly that the repercussions could be sudden, convulsive and very painful for extended periods of time (CNBC – Aug. 2 2011 – Jeff Cox). I

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Page 1: Integration Paper - Magazine Article Submission (Mock Up)

• Ability to Adapt and Lifelong Learning are Crucial.

• Relationships matter!• Physical Vibrancy is key.• Manage your Career and Risk Profile.

How to better position for Convulsive Economic Cycles.

PROBLEM OF PRACTICE FINDINGS

Planning for and Guiding your Career through Turbulent Times can pay Big Rewards.

LARRY G. STRAUB

to Position yourCareer for ConvulsiveEconomic Cycles.

How

magine yourself in a boat on the open waters – waters that have suddenly turned threatening and treacherous due to an unforeseen storm. Within the course of hours changing from a calm, relaxing day to being tossed

mercilessly with the threat of being capsized at any moment; suddenly your very survival depends on the tools you have on the boat as well as the stability of the boat itself.

This seems a fitting metaphor for what the past five years must have felt like for many in the American workforce, the treacherous waters in this case being the general economy and the boat being individuals who must navigate those dangerous and unpredictable conditions.

Severe macro-economic disruption is quickly becoming a looming global, national and even local crisis. The impact of convulsive economic cycles is largely responsible for large scale disorder in many lives, businesses, industries and economies, these disruptions resulting in fiscal instability as well as historically high and sustained levels of unemployment. Many displaced in the past five years, still struggling to reengage and reconstruct their part of the economic landscape.

David Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General of the Currency and a loud proponent for sustained and structural change, likens our current situation to that of the Roman Empire in decline. Describing the foundation of the U.S. Government as a “burning platform” of unsustainable practices and policies; leading to expensive over-commitments and ever increasing deficits. He goes on to note that the U.S. is not exempt from a debt crisis, although we can print money, noting that we have currency risk that can result in serious inflation. Mr. Walker believes strongly that the repercussions could be sudden, convulsive and very painful for extended periods of time (CNBC – Aug. 2 2011 – Jeff Cox).

I

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As the global environment continues to become more erratic and governments exist in a state of perpetual denial, there will be more economic and actual resources devoted to fighting the fires that will develop as a result. Populations in the U.S. will continue to age - under saved workers will be increasingly forced to delay retirement. Some researchers predict that almost 17% of the workforce will be composed of older adults, up from 13% in 2000 (Fullerton & Toossi, 2001); painting an even more graphic picture, noting that the older labor force is expected to increase at a rate more than five times faster than the overall labor population. As noted more seniors will be putting off retirement; with almost 70% of 50 to 70 year olds expecting to work past traditional retirement age or never retire at all, employment is becoming a necessity rather than an option for the seasoned worker (Gill, 2008; Mermin, Johnson, & Murphy, 2007; Pounds, 2011).

The debt crisis is a worldwide phenomenon, with developing nations leading the charge; according to the Economist World Debt Clock (www.economist.com/content/global debt clock) global public debt has doubled in the past 10 years to over $52 trillion. There is seemingly no end in sight to the world’s outsized appetite for arguably unsustainable living standards; developing nations now clamoring for goods and lifestyles unimaginable only a decade ago.

We predict that the results of this untenable economic course as well as the continued growth of populations throughout the world; the current population of 7.2 billion is expected to grow to 9.6 billion by 2050 and over 10 billion by 2100 (UN population projections, Population Institute). These economic and population trends could lead to U.S. and global challenges bordering on the catastrophic,

as a result of convulsions that will become more pronounced - exhibiting ever shorter cycles.

A New Framework for a New RealityWe now propose a new paradigm, the Promethean

Framework; in which we now captain a larger and stronger vessel, with sophisticated scanning and environmental monitoring equipment – also comprised of leading edge composites to survive the biggest storms imaginable. A new type of vessel, allowing you to stay upright and above water in the worst conditions; allowing you to use the energy and force of the tumultuous environment around you to actually propel you forward, flourishing and growing both personally and professionally. In short, building and navigating a new type of boat – one specially designed and built to (almost) routinely navigate such dramatic and convulsive environments.

Building Your New BoatSo how do we as parts of this dysfunctional whole

position ourselves in the decades to come? This article will help you learn and adopt a fresh set of strategies and practices to better allow you to design and construct your new vessel to navigate these potentially treacherous waters.

Defining and learning these skills are within reach for each of us if we can first come to terms with and acknowledge the issues and realities at hand. Understanding first and foremost, that it is necessary even crucial to our long-term economic and personal well-being. Note the phrase “long-term”, in such a turbulent and challenging environment; there will likely be times that the best possible result will be survival - or if you will “live to fight another day”. However, establishing a foundational platform that keeps you upright and stable could count for victory depending on the economic and social realities.

Showing the techniques to build this stronger, more solid boat and outfitting it with anchors that will allow it to remain upright no matter the conditions; this set of learned skills we will refer to as the Promethean Framework.

The Promethean FrameworkThe name of our study and resultant framework is

inspired by the Greek God Prometheus. Prometheus was chained to a rock in a remote location as punishment for his bad and rebellious choices (Al-Hasan & Neimneh, 2012). Ironically, Prometheus has become a mythical figure who represents (current and relevant) traits such as human striving as well as the risk of overreaching and unintended consequences. Much like Prometheus, present day society is chained to a rock of our own making, evidenced by debt-laden economies, governmental system breakdowns and historically high unemployment levels. These current issues have many stuck between this metaphorical rock and a hard place.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

The goal of our research was to identify frameworks, practices and strategies that helped individuals survive and even prosper since the 2008 U.S. and Global economic collapse. We did both qualitative and quantitative research studies to gain a rich 3 dimensional view of the phenomenon, one of the first research studies completed with 5 years of data.

In the qualitative study we interviewed 42 participants, most of who had lost employment and had to go through the process of regaining work as a result, we also interviewed a select number of employers and placement professionals to look at similar issues from their perspective. The quantitative study surveyed 490 participants with a specially designed research instrument to isolate what factors and practices made the most difference in outcomes (success or failure) in the job searching process.

Our 3 year study yielded a significant catalogue of helpful knowledge pointing to the importance of relational networks, adaptability, physical vibrancy and the importance of managing one’s career and risk profile. We further isolated a measurement tool that should prove helpful in determining how well people are situated to ride out future convulsive economic cycles.

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However Prometheus was also famous for his faith in human abilities to understand and manage complexities. Like Prometheus, we can break the chains from our rock and move purposely towards a new more sustainable future; our studies uncovered much reason for optimism – particularly the resiliency of the human spirit. Throughout our qualitative research we saw examples of individuals that could have easily quit and become dependent on friends, family and social safety nets; however they pushed ahead and persevered – some in almost heroic ways. Taking on second and in some cases third jobs to “make the ends meet”. Furthermore, they did it in a rather undramatic fashion, making short term sacrifices for their families and long term needs and interests. Many of those interviewed, ultimately feeling that they gained much more than they lost through the process; a new perspective and reality of what is truly important in life.

The Promethean Framework provides the tools to construct your new boat, one that may have to face rough conditions on open waters. What are all the requirements that must go into such a boat? What will make it stay afloat? Can the boat itself perform all of these functions or as we suggest, will it also take a series of anchors to keep your vessel upright and intact as it takes a pounding from external (macro environmental) forces.

The BoatTo start visualize your boat as you, your

family and your direct environment; those things that you have the most impact and control over; adaptability, lifelong learning, flexible career timelines and physical vibrancy. These are what are referred to as the mental disciplines; it is noteworthy that physical vibrancy is included in this grouping. The mental toughness, determination and discipline it takes to stay consistent with the routines necessary to maintain physically vibrancy is the reason it is included it in this particular category.

Adaptability and Internal Locus of Control. Adaptability is defined as flexibility or the ability to adjust to different conditions; internal locus of control is defined as the individual feeling that outcomes are controlled by your own personal decisions and efforts. In both our studies, those that enjoyed the greatest stability and success exhibited these two qualities. They could “stick and move” quickly and largely saw themselves as being in control of their own destiny. They were more pragmatic and tended to recover more quickly after a setback; they treated their life or career challenge as a temporary setback – and their recovery from it as their new full time job.

Learning these two skill sets are not easy but it is possible. There are several books and articles in any self-help section in any bookstore in America dealing with both subjects, therefore finding the content is not the challenge. The ultimate challenge is

practicing the mental frameworks of being positive in the face of adversity as well as a model viewing yourself in control of your own fate. In times of great turmoil and change both of these can seem very difficult.

Finding support structures that enforce your new mental frameworks is all important; equally important can be suspending (at least temporarily) those associations that slow down or stall growth in these needed areas. Commitment to these two new practices is all important, even if at times your internal confidence does not quite match up with what is being displayed in the public arena.

Lifelong Learning and Skill Development. Learning is defined as acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, skills, preferences or values – however defined, understanding its importance is equally significant. Thinking of the brain as any other muscle in your b o d y

can be a helpful comparative, it must be stretched and worked to strengthen it – constant neglect of this process will lead to a weakening, even atrophy. While seemingly evident, the value of learning and skills development cannot be overestimated regarding the difference of outcomes of those who took part in our studies.

There are also several types of educational attainment available to most individuals; there are three types of education attainment that will be addressed that are of particular importance. First is skills maintenance and development, this can take several forms from general personal enrichment to company or even industry specific skills development and finally more explicit professional development (CPA, law or medicine etc.) that involve licensing updates. Second is traditional formalized education attainment, this could be in the form of technical / trade schools to community colleges and finally university educational settings. Finally is the

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second act or retraining skills development, particularly for those individuals who need or desire training in a different field or industry; possibly due to a job dislocation or even a post retirement supplemental income career.

Flexible Career Timeline. Those who were positioned to succeed or were finding success were much more realistic about their career temporal window. Understanding they may need to work longer (delay retirement) to ensure ultimate / long term success; even having residual employment (secondary to their primary job) when warranted or accessible. These individuals seemed realistic and even skeptical about the prospect of ultimately receiving all retirement benefits promised by governments and institutions.

One study participant conveyed a personal story, having a stint put in for a partially blocked artery at the age of 60, noting that his father had a very similar

issue at his age 30 years earlier. He noted that at that time, there was little they could do but tell

him to take it easy, eat right and get your affairs in order – his father died when he

was 65 of a heart attack. He is now 75 and in great health, highlighting that

he has made good on his extra time, continuing to work part

time, volunteer and be a productive part of

society. “I don’t think we can afford all of

these medical advances to keep people healthy, just

for them to set around and watch TV or fish all day – people

will need to give back to our society and economy to make it all work” he

noted. Many in our studies who survived and

prospered were planning to work longer than traditional retirement age. Some were positioned

for and getting trained for their second (or even third act) careers.

Physical Vibrancy. There were noticeable career and life outcome differences for those individuals who had taken their physical health and well-being seriously - previous to (and after) the 2008 collapse. Those that failed to do this were not well positioned in relation to keeping or attaining jobs and careers in such a convulsive and competitive environment.

“There are 50 year olds… and there are 50 year olds…”

This quote from a study participant and employment placement professional sums up the subject at hand; she was making the point that physical vibrancy matters (for all ages). She further highlighted that those that failed to take their health, physical fitness and overall well being seriously could be at a serious disadvantage – particularly older workers in a more competitive and convulsive

job market. This sentiment was echoed throughout our qualitative interviews and was backed up by our quantitative study as well; all levels from placement professionals to employers to those seeking jobs backed up this important finding. The Five Anchors

The five anchors should be visualized as those tools / practices that you can construct and develop in the external environment to help keep you (the boat) upright in tumultuous conditions. These are the five practices that allow you to manage your career, risk profile, relational network, financial practices and persistence / consistency of effort.

Career Management. Those that succeeded ultimately viewed their career as something in a state of perpetual evolution and even somewhat boundary-less. They were realistic and understood that their career would possibly take them through different jobs, career paths and companies and maybe even industries; but they maintained a sense of control while managing their career’s trends and directions. These individuals did not take their jobs for granted; they valued them and did their best to maintain them (when deemed mutually beneficial).

A more long term focus emerged from those who enjoyed better outcomes, with many viewing their longer term objectives as being much more important than what happened in the next year. One saying they viewed their career like a “rock climbing wall” rather than a traditional ladder that always leads up; at times lateral or even down ward career moves might be required to take care of longer term professional objectives.

Another interesting finding was that many viewed their earning potential in the same light, what we refer to as “lifetime earnings maximization”. In some cases they were open to stagnant or even in rare cases reduced income levels – hoping to keep their long-term employment prospects intact.

People that exhibited this type of career flexibility and adaptability had much improved outcomes over those who did not. In almost all cases these were not reactionary moves, but well thought out and designed to take care of the long term interests of their family, finances and career. As noted earlier, those who exhibited this profile were likely to be much more flexible in retirement planning and timelines as well.

Risk Management. Successful individuals understood the concept of managing risk, both in career and in life. They also recognized that they could not and would not make correct decisions all the time, there would be mistakes; however they were consistent with regards to getting as much quality information and data before making judgments - hopefully leading to a higher percentage of optimal outcomes.

Those that succeeded thought multi-dimensionally about their risk profile looking at

“I don’t think we can afford all of these medical advances to keep people healthy, just for them to set around and watch TV or fish all day – people will need to give back to our society and economy to make it all work”

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personal, family, career and societal / macro-economic. In their personal assessments they did well at balancing their individual and family needs even weighing the needs of their communities. When assessing societal and macro-economic factors they looked at the health of public and private institution and pension systems, the type of asset categories they personally should invest in (housing, cash, precious metals) and prospective industry health, even location and regional strength (Midwest vs. South etc.).

Relational Networks. One of the most striking differences we identified throughout our research studies was that of relational networks, the difference between those that succeeded and those that failed was remarkable. This includes all forms of networks, none more important than that of family and community. There were numerous stories in our qualitative interviews where the very survival of individuals came down to strong family and relational connections. Communities were extremely important as well, whether they be actual towns and cities, churches, professional, virtual or any number of other social groups; they all proved important – in some cases critical to success.

The size of the network is increasingly important as well. An important fact that came from our qualitative research was that in many cases - the person that made the most difference in attainment of another job or career - was someone that they would have never suspected would play such a crucial role before their actual job loss.

Persistence / Consistency of Effort. It is worth noting why these two traits are paired together and why they are in the practices section instead of the mental frameworks (boat) portion of the paper. First, the researchers noticed a direct linkage between these two terms – they were used together by many of our qualitative participants; however they are not synonyms of each other. Next, there is no denying these are mental frameworks; however in the course of this study they evolved more as practices first, mental frameworks second.

During both the qualitative and quantitative studies it was evident that these traits are of crucial value when dealing with adversity. Particularly in our qualitative interviews, we witnessed that those likely to succeed were in possession of ample amounts of both of these behaviors. They had indomitable optimism, spirit and energy and always got back up

when knocked down. Financial Management. People with better

outcomes in our study had the financial resources (savings) to allow them time to explore opportunities; additionally it took pressure off their real life circumstances allowing them to focus on needed job seeking tasks; allowing them to relax and exhibit confidence during interview sessions. In our qualitative interviews we noticed the difference, those not having such resources many times ended up taking jobs that were less than idea - just to get a (desperately needed) renewed income stream.

As noted earlier, some individuals that were especially successful engaged in “lifetime earnings maximization”; these people seemed less likely to lose jobs in the first place and were better at finding new ones. They were quicker to identify when adjustments (hours, income levels and type of work) were needed to keep existing jobs or how best to position them-selves to get back into the

employment market - before too much damage took place to their resume and financial future.

Application of theFramework

It is important to make note of a few key facts in relation to applying this framework to your life. First, the earlier the better – while this research started out focused on those over 50; it gravitated as it progressed focusing on all working individuals; obviously younger individuals have more

time to develop and implement the disciplines, structures and practices.

Next, this framework should be viewed as a model. Each of the 9 components integrates to form a successful life model – it is not recommended to pick and choose individual components; however doing any one of the nine by themselves should provide significant benefits.

Finally, this is not meant to be an end all, fix all for the human experience; there will be no such tool especially in the historic / convulsive times that could be our new reality in coming decades. There will be no guarantees, there may be times in all of our lives that we will face substantial challenges, however these nine components of the Promethean Framework may help buffer the effect and impact of what comes our way. Additionally, the three most important factors in the Promethean Framework – adaptability, physical vibrancy and relational networks should provide the ultimate reset button for rebooting your lives and career.

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The Paradigm ShiftsWe have identified - through the development of

this paper and reexamining our accumulated research data – what we believe to be 6 fundamental and significant shifts to the economic and societal landscape as a result of the cataclysmic economic changes of the past five years. These findings are backed by data in both of our qualitative and quantitative studies.

What we are highlighting here could be characterized as ‘harmonics”, those sounds that are not easily heard by the untrained human ear; sounds within the sounds – or if you will in this case - data streams hidden within the data. Interpretations such as these did not present themselves when looking at each study individually; only when looking at the combined body of our research did they grab our attention as supplemental findings.

Fundamental Changes via the 2008Economic Collapse

As in the case with musical harmonics, more sophisticated tools or equipment is many times needed to isolate (and fully identify) hidden streams, such will be the case with these observations. However, we feel strongly enough about their significance and importance that they are noteworthy at this time and in this setting.

Workplace Loyalty The first fundamental shift is not new to the landscape; studies have shown that both organizational and employee loyalty patterns have been in a state of flux for years. However, we believe that the sudden, traumatic and sustained shifts that occurred since 2008, as well as high and prolonged unemployment levels may have “moved the needle” substantially and crossed a break over point, possibly one of no return.

Philanthropy and Giving We observed in our qualitative research that people seem to value giving more than ever, however it is the reasons behind the giving that are fascinating. Before 2008, many viewed philanthropy as a distant, esoteric even noble endeavor. Since 2008 most people know someone who has lost their job, career, house even marital and family structures due to economic hardships. They themselves (or family members) may have been the recipient of assistance at times; there is no longer the luxury of distance or detachment for many.

Chronic Unemployment What to do with the long term unemployed; those unemployed for more than a year? As more individuals than ever, join this “unenviable” club; economies, governments and societies will wrestle with this wrenching question. Struggling for answers - how to re-engage them in the workforce? How to prod private or even governmental organizations to hire such workers? Finally, what to do with those deemed unemployable, whose skillsets (even mental and physical well-being) have deteriorated and atrophied over extended periods of time (being unemployed)?

Retirement Planning A common thread in our research and one of the most stark changes in the social and economic landscape is peoples view of an attainable and sustainable retirement. Due to the demise of traditional pension systems, as well as the realization that investment balances and portfolios can quickly disappear (due to events outside of your control); many people no longer see retirement as an achievable goal. It is noteworthy that this was not a phenomenon limited to those that had lost work, those that had maintained employment throughout this period many times held a similar view.

Social Contract We found resounding evidence in our primary studies, that people have lost faith in the “social contract”. Their inherent faith in large institutions at all levels has been (possibly) irreparably damaged, a large number of participants in our research no longer felt confident that governmental entities and other large foundational

THE PROMETHEAN FRAMEWORK AND MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT

The Promethean Framework and Measurement Instrument is the end product of the research program that has covered the span of these three studies. We are fast approaching a period when it will be more important than ever to have strong assessments of an individual’s life and professional competencies. The Promethean Measurement Instrument (after further development and testing) will have that potential.

This will be the course of our future direction, utilizing the latest research to further hone this tool as an actual, academically accepted assessment tool – to determine one’s “convulsive economy quotient or CEQ” if you will; determining the likelihood that you can and will survive and prosper in the dramatic economic cycles that we surmise will dominate the landscape for years to come.

Finally, we hope to also develop training and education programs around the Promethean Framework to show individuals how best to position their lives and careers for convulsive economic cycles; further educating them about the frameworks, skills and practices that will be needed to succeed in such times.

Ability to Adapt / Locus of Control Continuum

Life Long Learning Continuum

Physical Vibrancy Continuum

Flexible Career Timeline Continuum

Career Management and Development Continuum

Risk Management Continuum

Relational and Network Quality Continuum

Persistence / Consistency of Effort Continuum

Financial Management and Planning Practices Continuum

Promethean Life and Career Economic Quotient

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institutions were going to do the right thing for their constituencies.

American Dream This brings us to our last great casualty of the past five years – which may be the American Dream itself. Many of those interviewed feel that it is gone, possibly never to be resurrected again. As safety nets such as pensions, Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare long term viability are called into question; Americans look at a Washington political system that seems broken beyond repair. Even the implied capitalist creed of “work hard and you will be rewarded” seems to be in shambles, as people look at corporate elites that seem increasingly non interested or aligned with societal needs and goals.

In the dynamic and convulsive years to come, will these fundamental swings last longer than past paradigm shifts (Great Depression, WWII etc.)? We believe it to be contingent on the stability (or lack thereof ) in our economic landscape, if there are repeatable convulsive shifts and patterns in the decades to come – we feel these mental frameworks could take hold and last for much of the 21st century.

Limitations and Future Directions of Research

LimitationsThese studies have given us enlightenment into

what factors can lead to successful maintenance of careers and lives in convulsive economic cycles. However, the studies were not without limitations, these are highlighted in this section of our article.

First, we would reemphasize that by dealing with the effects of the 2008 economic crisis and the impact and effects on people across the United States, we are, in effect, dealing with emergent theory. This, in itself, posed challenges; we did not have a consistent and deep bed of literature that dealt specifically with this phenomenon.

The research approach of utilizing grounded theory (in our second qualitative study) serves as a strength; however it is acknowledged that it could easily be viewed as a weakness as well (Mehan & Hawkins, 1979). It is documented that there are risks that subjects may not describe events accurately; additionally it must be acknowledged that research bias is a risk in any grounded theory study (Silverman, 1989).

The sample sizes in both our qualitative and quantitative studies, while technically and statistically significant for each, could still be argued to be insufficient. Particularly, because of the dynamic events being researched and also because of the comprehensive recommendations made as to how individuals should position themselves for future convulsive economic cycles.

Future ResearchWhile we have learned much through the course

of our three studies, there is much left to explore. We would primarily suggest more research into economic related trauma, family influence on career decisions (comparing post 2008 vs. pre 2008) and development of the Promethean Framework and Assessment Instruments.

First, we would suggest research on what we have termed “economic post-traumatic stress” - or the stress that occurs via extraordinary economic upheavals. We are sure there are many similarities to the recognized conditions resulting from war, crime etc.; but we suspicion there will be significant differences as well.

We also feel there is much research that can be done concerning the impact of trauma associated with separation from “work families” (in job and career disruption) as well as ways to alleviate such suffering. It is a little discussed or researched topic - that of being suddenly separated from work associates via forced terminations. This separation significantly amplifies the trauma of work place terminations - the forced and sudden severing of relationships, longtime friends, associates and in some cases connections resembling the emotional intensity of family bonds.

Additionally, it would be interesting to conduct further research into the dynamics of family influence on career decisions and directions, particularly how such influence could have been impacted since the 2008 crisis. Our studies showed a significant impact of family influence on perceived career and life success; however we looked at a small slice of the landscape in relation to this large and significant topic. We think it could be of interest and value to examine in detail how this dynamic actually works (and has transformed) in a more convulsive economic landscape.

Conclusion The goal of our research was to develop a

framework of models and practices that would help position individuals to more effectively survive and prosper in increasingly turbulent and convulsive societal and economic cycles. We felt it was important research because of indicators (debts and deficits) that point to potentially radical changes in economic sustainability and societal safety networks.

Our research has been conclusive, certain identifiable factors made a significant difference in the outcomes of those who experienced the historic upheaval following the 2008 U.S. and Global

“Well, I will tell you,

the one-year point, that’s a very,

very significant one, that when you’ve been

out of work for a full year, and you’ve had the benefit of

looking at your life, unemployed over the full four seasons of

the calendar, something happens. There’s

no doubt.”Placement

Professional

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OUR CALL TO ACTION

This quote seems a good place to end our discussion. This was the closest this author has seen, of a top level official or pundit in Washington D.C. actually telling the truth about our current state of affairs. This kind of (brutal) honesty is needed now more than ever to survive times such as we have highlighted within the course of our research journey.

As evidenced by exponential technological innovation, globalization and “speed of light” economic and societal transformations; we are moving into a realm and landscape that will be very different from that faced by our parents (and grandparents). A new model is needed to guide us through this exciting and potentially perilous terrain. This research and the Promethean Framework has been our humble attempt to help imagine and define what that new paradigm and pathway might look like.

Truth and accountability will be crucial, ultimately understanding we have all been part of bringing our economic and societal structures to this point and that we will need to do our part to help resolve these historic challenges. This can be accomplished by building personal, family, business and community configurations in a way that will allow us all to join forces and weather the storms that may come our way.

ABOUT THE AUTHORLarry Straub, earned a MS and MBA before doing his doctoral studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, he also is a graduate of the prestigious Owner President Management Program at Harvard Business School. Larry is a “practitioner scholar”, having spent most of his career and life straddling the line between academia and practice. As an executive of his family business for the past 32 years he has learned the realities of managing people, finances and resources. As a part time professor teaching MBA level course work he has learned and applied the theory and practice of the academic sector. Bringing these two worlds together in a manner that keeps the best of both is a lifelong passion and is core to the focus of this research.

REFERENCESAl-Hasan, G., & Neimneh, S. 2012. Prometheus unbound: A romantic rewriting of a classical myth. Cross-Cultural Communication, 8(2): 21–24.

Fullerton, H. N., Jr., & Toossi, M. 2001. Labor force projections to 2010: Steady growth and changing composition. Monthly Labor Review, 124(11): 21–38.

Gill, J. 2008. Ageless America. Working Mother: 96.

Mehan, H., & Hawkins, D. F. Learning lessons: Social organization in the classroom.Educational Evaluation & Policy Analysis,1(6): 89–91.

Mermin, G. B. T., Johnson, R. W., & Murphy, D. P. 2007. Why do boomers plan to work longer? Journals of Gerontology: Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 62B(5): S286–S294.

Pounds, M. 2011. Retirement proving elusive for some South Florida seniors. Sun Sentinal, September 2, 2011.

The big lie in this whole thing… is that we’ve got this sensible country with a dysfunctional Washington… The reality is we have a country of people who want to bankrupt their children (and grandchildren) to spend money on themselves - and they will punish any politician who prevents them from doing that…

David Brooks – NY Times ColumnistMeet the Press - December 30, 2012

economic collapse. While many have declared this period as concluded, we see it as ongoing and a preview of coming attractions. It could be argued, we were destined to reach this point in history - technology, globalization, information flow and the outsized ambition of humanity made it almost inevitable. We are dealing with some of the most dramatic transformations every seen and more will come at ever greater speed.

While the coming decades could be eventful and even historic, we don’t see them as necessarily negative. This research noted first-hand the resiliency of the human spirit; what emerged from the challenges shared (via the research) were many times better and more sustainable lives and careers than what was present before 2008.

As we look to the future, we visualize an economic and societal landscape, in which people are physically vibrant, motivated, adaptable, energized and feeling more in control of their lives, careers and destiny. We also see a world in which individuals are increasingly reengaged with their families, communities and social networks; providing the ultimate backstop and support structure for more convulsive times. Filled with individuals who view life as an exciting journey to be embraced and rationally guided - not as a destination point to merely be arrived at.

May your seas be calm, but if not it is our hope we have given you the tools to build a solid and sustainable boat – hopefully one that will ride out the roughest waters that life can send your way.