For the better part of the last two decades Americans have been a "go-go" culture. We have gone every, and anywhere without limitation. Ironically, for many of us, even after a long workweek that often included hellacious commuting, we still went to and fro on the weekends with little thought about it.
Now, suddenly over the last 18 months or so we have been punched in the wallet at the gas station, and it is only getting worse. With a holiday weekend upon us, the media, aided by certain pollsters, is offering a dire prediction that travel will be significantly reduced due to escalating fuel prices. As I write this I can't help but wonder if this is such a bad thing.
Before anyone chastises me for even thinking such a thought, I would ask you to consider this. As a result of our "go-go" ways, families have actually spent less significant time together. More often than not, the family-unit has been split going in several directions simultaneously. At best they catch a quick meal together, or are possibly together, but not engaged in a meaningful way.
With energy prices hamstringing our travels, I am hoping that families start spending quality time together once again. Imagine playing board games, reading books, playing in the yard or any other such similar activity at home --- TOGETHER!
Obviously this will not help commuting costs, which are overwhelming to many people, and this certainly has a ruinous impact on non-profit groups such as Meals-On-Wheels, but please consider that we may be on the precipice of a socio-economic shift in this country.
Many of us have moved out of the cities or areas that are a considerable distance from our jobs in favor of bigger homes, supposed better schools and in the constant search for the "better life", whatever that means without earnestly trying to fix the problems of where we were at beforehand. Will some of these people start to look for employment closer to home as the wage differential has been cut vividly due to ever-increasing commuting costs? There was a time when Grandma and Grandpa lived around the corner, or at least within 5 miles or so. Today, extended families are lucky to be within 100 miles of one another. The likelihood of family visits being curtailed during this fuel price surge, and potential shortage will be harshly felt. While I accept that most economists believe that the real estate market will eventually reverse its negative trend, I know of no credible authorities that believe that oil prices will recede, ever again. Will this lead to families relocating closer to one another once the housing market stabilizes? Possibly, though clearly it is too early to tell.
On a personal level, what I hope for this Memorial Day weekend is that people spend time at home together engaged in family activities, and remembering those who laid down their lives in service to our country versus running off to a mall for a "Blowout Memorial Day Shopping Sale." If there is a local parade, go to it, together. If there is a local sporting event (i.e. minor league baseball) happening, go to it, together. Perhaps its time to acquaint yourself with your suburban neighbors that you only waved to, or casually said "hi" to over the years while you were on the go.
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, I hope that you take a breath, enjoy the moments, and consider how to make lemonade out of lemons for your family as we accept that travel and gas prices will swell, anyway.
--Scott Gingold is the CEO of Powerfeedback, an internationally recognized and heralded market research company.
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