Signs of the times

I’ve noticed some signs of the times, and I wonder what else is happening.

Airplanes are full. If you have been traveling recently, as I have, you have found the airlines full to capacity. Passengers are becoming so used to it and so savvy that they hold their luggage so they can be told the bins are full. Then, on some airlines, you don’t have to pay the extra luggage fee when luggage is taken as you board the plane.

Gyms are not full. Personal trainers are sitting around and machines are unused except by a few. Is fitness one of the first things to go in a money-saving time? 

If so, giving up your fitness routine is not the wisest move. In stressful times, exercise is one of the best ways to get in a better frame of mind and improve health, according to the American Psychological Association. Staying healthy means fewer medical expenses, too.

Tech jobs are in. Information technology continues to be a sought-after occupation by companies and federal agencies, and one where job vacancies exist. Security clearances are also a must-have for many of the federal openings. 

Blogs are in for government. Agency heads have blogs, and federal employees are atwitter with blogging on various social networks.

After many years of being the outcast, government is back, big time, with an economic recovery act to implement along with everything else. Americans still have some divided opinion about whether feds can get the economy on track. One outcome could be new respect for public service.    

Another sign of the times is that some federal employees feel guilty about having jobs when friends in private industry are out of work. At the same time, volunteering to help out is on the upswing.    

If you or someone you know is paying forward – helping outside of work to meet some of these needs – let me know about it. Your examples can make us all feel good.