The I, Economy

Just as our society and culture has become an "instant gratification" world, it has also evolved into an "I, Economy." Let me attempt to explain.

In the American Capitalist financial market, job placement and economy, each individual person is their own brand. Sure, you can change jobs, alter industries and physically move from one city to another. Yet, inevitably, each individual human carries their own brand and entrepreneurial spirit along with them. Your name, skills, and abilities are aspects of your brand. The people you know and your sphere of influence is an element of your brand. Your previous occupations and connections are a part of your brand. Your successes, triumphs, and setbacks are included within your brand.

In yesteryear and previous centuries, the American worker was loyal to the Union and Company. In today's modern world, the American worker is loyal to himself. As individuals, we often think, "what's in this for me?" and "How can I benefit from this situation and working atmosphere?"

Does the team, and great company atmosphere still exist? Yes it does, I've heard. Word on the street, is you hear of the welcoming, innovative Google corporate culture. At Google Inc. supposedly employees get to happily ride scooters and razors in between cubicles and offices. Nowadays, grandeur corporate companies build mega-campuses where employees can take yoga classes, play video games, drop kids off at daycare, consolidate in a relaxed conference room, and even imbibe complimentary tap beer upon 5 o'clock work day completion. Pretty cool, right! Despite this perception of heightened corporate employee appreciation, I, George Vance McGee am still a tad wary of the big corporate company. Should I be? Would the big corporate company really care about me? Or, would they simply use me to enhance their cause, and bottom line bank statements. That is what I wonder about.

A fantastic element of the I, Economy, is the ability for citizens to RISE up, fall down, and then rise up again. Here is an example. The now infamous, leading man and entertaining actor Robert Downey Jr. You know, Mr. Marvel Comic Book, IRON MAN? In his early career he was known as a talented, wild, drinking, basket-case and loose cannon. Robert had multiple youthful troubles with the law, including drugs issues and actual jail time. Some people may have considered these life bumps in the road, as overly detrimental. This would NOT be the ending. After a clean drug and alcohol rehabilitation, the still humorously, shifty and talented Actor Robert Downey Jr. has RISEN up, in Hollywood and America once again! Society, and humanity loves a great comeback story. Why? Because intrinsically, we humans all make mistakes and have faults. We enjoy life when our inside glory is able to break free and SHINE, while displacing the minor errors. In present day, Robert Downey Jr. has proven, that in America one can rise from the ashes, change their tune, and let their working star shine very, very, financially bright. He is currently one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood history. One could say, Robert's faults made him more likable and endearing to the American Public. See, you don't have to be perfect.

In today's I, Economy, you are your own brand, and entity.

Lawyers want their own law firm. Business workers want their own business. Doctors would prefer to run thier own practice, than to take executive orders at the hospital. Some of my local friends, prefer to drink at a bar, they actually own. Their beer money goes right back into their pockets. Sweet.

Here is another example of the I, economy. There are people, consumers, fans and clients whom are LOYAL to the person and not the company. For example, I personally am not a huge MLB pro baseball fan. What do I enjoy about Pro-Baseball? I think the former Tampa Bay Rays Manager, and current Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon is an eccentric, forward thinking, intelligent, wise, and goofy manager. As a fan, I'm more loyal to whichever team Joe Maddon may be coaching, than the mascot displayed on the team jersey. If for some stupid reason, the pro baseball Cubs front Office were to part ways with Joe Maddon the manager, I'd part too. I would TRANSFER my fandom to whichever baseball team Joe's advising. This is another real world example of the human, personality driven, I, Economy.

The I, Economy of America still lends itself to the American Dream. Unlike in India's historically stagnant society of Brahmins, Shudras, Adivasi and Untouchables, there is no set class society structure in America. Society in the U.S.A. is fluid. Just like the 90's rapper M.C Hammer, one can rise to the elite, sit in the middle, or fall to the poor barrel, just like that.

The advantage of the modern day I, Economy, is that the American Dream still exists. You just have to create it. What are your goals? What is your dream? My advice is to go forth, and learn how to achieve them. Become an understudy. Become and intern. Read a book. Practice your craft, evolve, learn and live! When the time arrives to spread your wings, and launch your unique business, go for it! I'm rooting for you! Dear Sample Spectrum readership, can you kindly root for me? Thanks.

Best yet, in America if you fail and go Bankrupt, the judges can take your money and possessions, but they can't eat you. You get to keep your appendages. Post Bankrupt, you will still be alive. Bankruptcy although not ideal, can give entrepreneurs, and hard working people a well deserved clean slate and new chance. It pays to think big and independently in the USA! The I economy is competitive, so good luck!