Changing America - Money Has Become "Very Important," Other Traditional Values Not So Much So

"Patriotism, religious faith, having children and other priorities that helped define the national character for generations are receding in importance to Americans, a new Wall Street Journal-NORC poll finds."- The Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2023.

In contrast, notes that same poll, money has become "very important" to almost a majority of those responding. And that pragmatism - actually a fundamental value established by our Puritan founders - is dominating all aspects of life and work in America. 

Marymount University, for example, is ditching the English major. No longer is it okay to be young and have the romantic objective of producing a literary masterpiece. Higher education is too expensive and after it so is life in these inflated times. Incidentally, Marymount, a faith-based institution, also is eliminating the religion major. 

In my intuitive career coaching the sessions primarily focus on money: how to get it through working, how to increase it through setting up multiple sources of income, and how to leverage it through investing. Despite the fact that WLB is very buzzy, not one of my recent clients brings that up. The ethos is a mixture of:

We have been through so much

Let’s get through this scary economy, and

I probably will never be able to retire.

Of course, there are still vestiges of what used to be traditional values in America. 

The public library system here is Tulsa, Oklahoma caters to serving families. It is downright spirit-lifting to observe some of the special events for children, along with the tight social cohesion among the parents, both dads and moms. But it is not enough for me to regret not having children. Instead I have been grateful that, childless, I could take on the risk of career change. As I publish in O'Dwyer's Public Relations, that's a demanding process. Some of my clients with families simply can't go there. 

Elite law firms, ranging from Kirkland & Ellis to Paul Weiss, support financially and through advocacy thought leadership and pro bono assignments what are considered to be old-fashioned notions about "the right thing to do." However, if the world economy worsens one wonders if they will have to shift more of their resources to operating the core business. 

Patriotism? The memes which resonate during the 2024 election year will likely not be about that. I predict even the democracy themes won't engage much. Not when entitlements like Social Security and Medicare are being threatened. 

Incidentally, along with these major changes is the growing distaste for the cult of the self. For job-search materials and during interviews, I warn clients to focus on what they have achieved in the past and what they can achieve for employers now. Okay to introduce a bit of who they are as human beings but keep that limited. It has become career suicide to suck up all the oxygen. 

Where are you in how you make your living? Or in your job search? Intuitive career coaching offers you a new way to go about it. Take advantage of a complimentary consultation. Schedule an appointment with Jane Genova (janegenova374@gmail.com)

Genova and Associates also provides Human Resources communications, ranging from white papers to thought-leadership articles. You will differentiate yourself from the competition. Please contact janegenova374@gmail.com or text 203-468-8579.