I didn't want to write this. It's scary. It's one "I told you so" I hope I never get the opportunity to say. But I'd be remiss if I didn't flag the risk.
This article is an unblinkered look at the reality of Australias' social and economic health. And it ain't good. What David's describing, is the social and economic equivalent of an Avalanche or a Tsunami, just waiting to happen. And if when it does, the smartest thing anyone can do (the only thing, really), is get out of the way. Anyone who claims they can control it (like our political class) is delusional. Three hundred years of failure hasn't put a dent in their confidence, though.
I don't know when the next "big one" will occur. Only that, like the San Andreas Fault, it's mathematically certain. But the signs that it's near are getting more obvious and more frequent. So it might be time to start thinking about what you can do to move yourself out of its path.
Hope for the best. Plan for the worst.
What History tells anyone who's willing to learn from it, is that the people who suffered the worst in previous economic downturns were those who were in debt when it started. So eliminating or minimising debt is a good start. Even if it means taking a lifestyle 'hit'. Learn the difference between "needs" and "wants". Think about getting rid of those expensive toys - particularly if you owe money on them. When the downturn comes you'll be selling them anyway, only then, it'll be at 'fire-sale' prices. "Bank Holidays" and daily withdrawl limits may become a regular feature. Think about how you might respond to that and prepare for it. What if cash is banned? It won't work, of course. "When you make possession of (insert banned item) a criminal offense, only criminals will have (insert banned item)."
Consider how you might earn an income, if your job goes away and doesn't come back. Once again, those who did best in previous economic downturns (aside from the elites, who always do extremely well), were those who had practical, useful, skills that they could trade for goods and services. Even in the worst circumstances, there are still necessities that must be provided. Think about what those might be. Learn how to provide them for yourself now and others later, if needed.
Dog-groomers, personal trainers, hair-stylists, interior designers, life coaches, personal chefs and the myriad other luxuries provided to people with money but no time won't be in demand. There are five categories of goods and services which are always regarded as 'necessities':
Find a way to supply one or more of these and you have the basis of gainful self/employment in the worst of (economic) circumstances.
For example, Australia's economy is completely dependent on transportation. Not just ships, trucks and planes, but on personal motorised transportation. The "big-box" retail business model (like Bunnings and the supermarkets) isn't viable without a customer base that's motor-vehicle mobile. We occupy the landscape in a manner that mandates ubiquitous ownership of personal motorised transport. With the distances people have to travel to get anywhere, our communities simply aren't 'walkable'.
Fuck you very much, town planners.
But the cost of reorganising our built infrastructure to make it 'walkable' is prohibitive. If cars get too costly to run, people will be forced to switch to alternatives. Public transport can't can't be expanded to cater to everyone at any affordable cost. Bicycles won't cut it. Forget EVs; They're already unaffordable for the majority. And an expensive, unreliable electricity supply makes that technology useless.
Fuck you very much, greenies.
It has to be something already available and affordable. Look at any large city in SouthEast Asia for a glimpse of what our cities will look like in a decade or even sooner. Think small-capacity motorcycles and scooters. There's a potential occupation if you're mechanically inclined. Buy a used 'Postie-bike' or a scooter. Buy tools and learn how to 'wrench' it.
That's just one example. Think about all those categories and compare them to your knowledge/skill/interests set.
Community and personal relationships were incredibly important factors that relieved the worst hardships during previous downturns. Regardless of what they say, everything the "powers that be" do, is designed to destroy community and make you dependent on them. That alone, should tell you that there's value in community and personal relationships. Cultivate good relations with your neighbours.
Dog-groomers, personal trainers, hair-stylists, interior designers, life coaches, personal chefs and the myriad other luxuries provided to people with money but no time won't be in demand. There are five categories of goods and services which are always regarded as 'necessities':
- Food
- Shelter
- Transport
- Communications
- Security
Find a way to supply one or more of these and you have the basis of gainful self/employment in the worst of (economic) circumstances.
For example, Australia's economy is completely dependent on transportation. Not just ships, trucks and planes, but on personal motorised transportation. The "big-box" retail business model (like Bunnings and the supermarkets) isn't viable without a customer base that's motor-vehicle mobile. We occupy the landscape in a manner that mandates ubiquitous ownership of personal motorised transport. With the distances people have to travel to get anywhere, our communities simply aren't 'walkable'.
Fuck you very much, town planners.
But the cost of reorganising our built infrastructure to make it 'walkable' is prohibitive. If cars get too costly to run, people will be forced to switch to alternatives. Public transport can't can't be expanded to cater to everyone at any affordable cost. Bicycles won't cut it. Forget EVs; They're already unaffordable for the majority. And an expensive, unreliable electricity supply makes that technology useless.
Fuck you very much, greenies.
It has to be something already available and affordable. Look at any large city in SouthEast Asia for a glimpse of what our cities will look like in a decade or even sooner. Think small-capacity motorcycles and scooters. There's a potential occupation if you're mechanically inclined. Buy a used 'Postie-bike' or a scooter. Buy tools and learn how to 'wrench' it.
That's just one example. Think about all those categories and compare them to your knowledge/skill/interests set.
Community and personal relationships were incredibly important factors that relieved the worst hardships during previous downturns. Regardless of what they say, everything the "powers that be" do, is designed to destroy community and make you dependent on them. That alone, should tell you that there's value in community and personal relationships. Cultivate good relations with your neighbours.
Most people will choose to ignore the signs and believe the platitudes of the chattering classes. To me, those who adopt the stance of the Ostrich are inviting a treatment with what John Cadogan describes as, the "sandpaper dildo". Mental preparedness is arguably even more important than physical preparedness. A prepared mind is a calm mind and a calm mind can cope with calamity far better. "If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs..."
