Generation X. Born between 1965 and 1978. A population of approximately 41 million people. A generation that has lived and matured through more changes in the world than possibly any before or since. Changes in world security, technology, relationships, family structure, employment and economic disaster – just to name a few.
If you are a member of Generation X, how secure do you feel your future is? You don’t have the population numbers of the Baby Boomers who came before you, but their prolonged years in the work force and inability to retire means you compete with them on a daily basis. You don’t necessarily have the technological prowess of Generation Y (also known as Millennials), who came after you, but as they enter the work force, you also compete with them daily. Generation X is an ambitious group who are juggling careers with children and aging parents, while trying to find some personal time to stay healthy and enjoy life. Sometimes it feels like something has to give.
Assess Your Life. Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Am I working long hours?
- Do I have credit card debt?
- Will I have the funds for college, weddings, etc…for my children or myself?
- Do I feel “stuck” in my job, and not able to move up because baby boomers are delaying retirement?
- Are my expectations for gaining future wealth and economic security starting to disappear?
Many members of Generation X began their professional careers enjoying (and expecting) employer-funded pension plans, employer-matching 401(K)s and employer-paid health care, only to find those being trimmed or eliminated entirely. As the economy crashed, slumped, rebounds, slumps again and basically goes around in circles, it has set an entire generation back. Many Generation X members have been forced to reconsider their career goals, realizing that they cannot depend on (or trust) their employer for their retirement income.
Common Generation X Money & Income-Related Issues
According to marketwatch.com, here are a few things that Generation X have to cope with:
- They are poorer than their parents at the same age. Few people have been through as many economic ups and downs as the members of Generation X. They entered the workforce during the boom years of the Clinton administration, but then came 9/11, the housing, banking industry and stock market collapses, and the Great Recession.
- They bought a house just before the housing market crashed, and regret it. Surging house prices in the first part of this century helped build wealth for people who bought homes before the year 2000, but many people now in their 30s and 40s bought at bubble prices—and are still suffering today.
- Baby boomers stand in their way at work. The recession hit just as many baby boomers were about to retire, and many postponed their retirement due to the slump in their portfolios. Some 39% of baby boomers who are working don’t expect to retire until they are 66 or older, and another 10% say they don’t expect to ever retire, according to a recent Gallup poll.
- They’re jaded about the “the American dream.” In a recent survey, Magid Associates asked respondents whether they believed in “the American Dream,” which the respondents defined as involving homeownership, educational opportunities and the likelihood of doing better than the previous generation. Just 64% of Generation X said they believed, compared with 73% of boomers and 71% of millennials/Generation Y.
- Marketers and the media are ignoring them. Given that Generation X are in their late 30s and 40s now, in theory they should be nearing their peak income and spending power. But marketers are more fascinated by the millennials and baby boomers, says Sharalyn Hartwell, executive director at research and consulting firm Frank N. Magid Associates.
Traits of Social Skepticism in Generation X
According to socialmarketing.org, Generation X is now frequently characterized by high levels of skepticism. In addition to the economic insecurity and world disasters they have lived through, they are also the first generation to experience a high percentage of divorce among their parents when they were young and impressionable. William Morrow (Generations) cited the childhood divorce of many Gen Xers as “one of the most decisive experiences influencing how Gen Xers will shape their own families”.
Nearly 29% of Generation X possess a bachelor’s degree (6% higher than Baby Boomers). With that education and maturity they have formed families with a high level of caution and pragmatism. They are concerned with avoiding broken homes, kids growing up without a parent around, and financial planning for the future. Yet, the uncertainties of the traditional workforce today makes all of this difficult to achieve.
As you continue to navigate these uncertain waters, have you considered really, truly taking charge of your own destiny? I took the early plunge out of corporate America and took control of my life over 30 years ago to much success. You can too. At Shaklee, we offer opportunity with solutions!
In the early 1980s, my husband and I moved our family, including three young children, to the country. We were environmentalists and interested in a healthy lifestyle. In November 1982, I became a Shaklee Member, wanting to just use a few of the company’s nutritional products. I soon became educated about Shaklee Corporation, products, and the business opportunity. I found every aspect of the company interesting, amazing and exciting…these feelings are what drove my desire to start my own Shaklee business. I learned I could become a successful independent businesswoman, while remaining a stay at home mom.
The most important solution to finding your way to success is don’t get stalled. This requires action, looking at the choices you have to make the income you need now, while building wealth for tomorrow. A Generation X survey found that 70 percent would prefer to be their own bosses. They want the flexibility that will allow them to devote time to outside pursuits and family obligations. Less rigid hours and less time spent in the office are very important to 66% of women and 55% of men in the study.
Have you considered the benefits of a home-based business?
Have Ultimate Flexibility in Your Schedule
- Establish your own hours
- Work around children’s schedules
- Schedule appointments around family responsibilities and volunteer commitments
- Unlimited vacation days
Like Clothes? Small Investment Required for Wardrobe 😉
- Do appointments in your business casual clothes, but work at home in your “comfy” clothes
- Listen to conference calls, send emails at home in pajamas or workout gear
Low Risk Business Opportunity – Minimal Capital Investment Required
- Just a few hundred dollars gets you started as a Shaklee Gold Ambassador
- A computer, printer and telephone are your only essentials
- Shaklee business tools such as Product Guides, brochures, etc. are always available for your use
Tax Incentives for a Home Business, Including Potential Tax Write-offs for:
- Utilities – water and energy
- Phone usage – cell and long distance charges
- Internet usage – cable bill
- Real Estate taxes
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Purchase of equipment for business use
- Mileage
Benefits of Building & Owning Your Own Shaklee Business
- Financial independence – live the life you dream
- Do well by doing good – help people live healthier lives
- Be part of #1 Natural Nutrition Company in U.S. – poised for extraordinary growth
Of course, I don’t know your personal goals. Do you want a completely new career that you can have faith in, or do you want purely part time income? Do you want to save for a child’s wedding, dream vacation, or college tuition? Are you feeling insecure at your current position and want to have a “Plan B” in place?
Whatever your goals are, together with Shaklee I can help you make them come true. Don’t let corporate work continue to feel like prison, when there are solutions that offer more income, flexibility and freedom. Contact me to learn about the Shaklee Dream Plan, our outstanding compensation plan, bonus car opportunities, incentive trip rewards and being part of the FASTTRACK to earn more bonus income on top of your regular income earned in Shaklee!
I can’t wait to hear from you! Email me with any questions you have.
