Some observers predict that in the next two years, society may usher in three important turning points. These changes will have a profound impact on our daily lives, careers and future prospects.
First, the problem of aging is becoming increasingly prominent
Life expectancy is increasing, and the problem of aging is becoming increasingly prominent. Demographic imbalances, with a significant increase in the number of elderly people and a declining fertility rate, pose serious challenges to society.
Japan is a practical example.
Japan's population is unbalanced due to the declining fertility rate. Japan's social security system was originally based on a balanced population structure, but with the aging of the population, this system faces great challenges.
The aging of the population has exacerbated the problem of the burden of old-age care. As the number of elderly people increases, so do the pensions and health care payments that need to be paid, while the number of people who pay social insurance contributions is decreasing.
This means that the burden of pension borne by each labor force is increasing, which brings a huge burden to the economy.
In particular, in the traditional family model in Japan, children bear the responsibility of supporting their parents, but with the change of family structure and economic development, this model has become less viable.
Second, it is difficult to find employment and start a business
The number of college graduates is increasing, and the job market is becoming extremely competitive. Taking the manufacturing industry as an example, traditional manufacturing enterprises are facing the pressure of transformation and upgrading, and the demand for high-skilled and high-quality talents is relatively small, and the majors of many college graduates do not match the existing needs of the manufacturing industry.
In addition to the large number of graduates, the job market is facing structural problems. Many industries and businesses need highly skilled, high-quality talent, and most graduates lack relevant work experience and skills.
For example, many technology companies need software engineers to develop new applications, platforms, or systems with solid programming skills, algorithmic understanding, and problem-solving skills.
However, most graduates are mainly exposed to theoretical courses during their time at school, and lack practical project experience and teamwork skills, which makes them face competitive pressure when applying for jobs.
This has led to an imbalance between supply and demand, with many graduates having difficulty finding jobs that match their majors and abilities.
Starting a business also faces many difficulties. A practical example is India.
Although the Government of India has taken a number of measures to promote entrepreneurship, such as the launch of the "Start India" programme and the provision of a series of entrepreneurial support policies, there are still many obstacles. Entrepreneurs are generally faced with a lack of capital base and connections. Bank loans are difficult to obtain, and financial support from investors often requires entrepreneurs to have certain backgrounds and connections, which makes it difficult for many start-ups to obtain start-up capital and development support.
In such an environment, many Indian university students feel at a loss as to what to do next.
3. Rising prices
The US dollar's interest rate hike has led to an increase in prices around the world. In this case, the public is more cautious and begins to pay attention to saving and financial management, and saving money has become a mainstream.
A practical example is Brazil. Over the past few years, Brazil has experienced a double shock of rising US dollar interest rates and the pandemic, which has led to rising prices and increased instability.
The US dollar's interest rate hike has led to a decrease in liquidity around the world, while also increasing the debt burden of emerging market countries.
As an emerging market country, Brazil's currency value has been affected, leading to an increase in inflation.
Due to inflationary pressures and price instability, people have begun to realize the importance of preserving and increasing value, so saving money has become a mainstream.
In this context, there has been a noticeable change in consumer behavior in Brazil. People are starting to be budget-conscious, cutting back on unnecessary consumption and paying more attention to quality of life and future planning.
epilogue
In the next two years, we will need to work together to solve the problems of aging, employment and entrepreneurship, and rising prices. Only through reform and innovation and strengthening cooperation can we meet various challenges and achieve sustainable social development!