I was out and about for a little while yesterday and had the car radio on. During the news broadcast, they talked about a shocking statistic -- that baby boomers in California are moving back with their parents. The percentage has increased 67% over the past few years.
Why? The job market has meant layoffs for a lot of boomers. And then they have trouble finding another job because of their age which ranges from 50 to 67. Employers tend to shy away from them and I'm not really sure why. They SHOULD be excellent prospects with a good work ethic by this time and they should know something.
Another thing is that the boomers haven't saved enough money. In many cases, they haven't saved one dime towards their retirement.
In a perfect world, having boomers back with their parents could be a good thing. They could keep the yard neat and clean, do housework, cook, run errands, and make home repairs. They could take their parents to the doctor, get their medications, and enjoy spending some time with them maybe playing cards or whatever they enjoy. Maybe in some cases, that happens. But, I'm betting that in some cases, it doesn't work out nearly as well.
I was born in 1946 -- the first year for the boomers. My classmates from high school have gone on in many cases to do really good things. But now as I have some time to reflect, I think maybe we were spoiled. The war had just ended the year before. The guys came home. We won the war!! Innovation and invention was blossoming everywhere. There was construction and work. Rationing was over. And what happened with all of that extra money? Well, sometimes they spent it on us. We got lots more toys than kids just five years before ever did.
Parents starting playing again, having parties, golfing, and all of us saw this fun side of life. And what else? Television. What a difference from listening to the Lone Ranger on radio or the Green Hornet. Now you could watch your favorite cowboy or Howdy Doody, and a bunch of other programming whenever you wanted.
I think we got spoiled, got used to having things, got used to watching rather than doing, liked playing more than working, so much so that it just seemed more important to spend money on the fun things rather than thinking about down the road and retirement. It's just an observation, because I know there are plenty of us who worked very, very hard. And who did a lot more over the years than just "show up."
The thing is -- I realize that some of the best times are when people just get together and TALK. Share. Empathize. Listen with the heart. Maybe some of the boomers are getting a chance to do just that, and rather than rue their poor financial decisions, they can build better relationships.
It's easy to imagine that the boomers in California played too much. The weather there lends itself to playing. The culture does too. Growing up, it seemed like a lot of the fads started in California. Barbie came from California. But as we realize, life is a balance. Too much of anything and there is a payback.
Personally, I like working. At the end of the day, when my muscles are starting to remind me that I did too much, it still feels good. Being productive feels good. We were not made for idleness.
If things pan out like they usually do, then some boomers around here are facing the same thing. And I hope they make the most of the situation and don't get angry and bitter but appreciate and be thankful that they have a place to go.
Take care, everyone. Rain today!!
Karen
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