Ken Hiller introduced Chris Farrell – the senior economics contributor at Marketplace, a nationally syndicated public radio business and economic program produced by American Public Media. Mr. Farrell writes articles for the Star Tribune, Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, and Kiplinger’s.  His latest book is “Purpose and a Paycheck: Finding Meaning, Money, and Happiness in the Second Half of Life.”

Chris immediately captured our attention by

showing a slide from the Census Bureau that projected the percentage of older adults will surpass those under 18 by the year 2035.  Our population appears to be working longer as it ages because it is more educated, more healthy, and perhaps less prepared financially to retire at a younger age.  Advances in technology may also create more acceptable jobs as they are less physically stressful.  At a personal level, experienced workers may want to keep using their valuable skills accumulated over a lifetime.

 

Mr. Farrell discussed “The Big Quit” – a phenomenon of many people leaving their jobs during the COVID pandemic. Together with opportunities to work remotely or from home, entrepreneurship also is rising from the turbulence surrounding “normal” employment.  

Chris spent the remainder of our meeting answering questions from our members.
For more information: email: cfarrell@mpr.org and his web page https://chrisfarrell.net

His other books: “Unretirement”, “The New Frugality”, “Deflation - What Happens When Prices Fall” and “Right on the Money”.  Amazon.com carries all of Chris’ publications.