Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Do other people really steal your jobs?

This is an interesting article about too many Germans in Switzerland. While I think there is some truth in this there is also a big misperception in here. Let's start with the facts. Switzerland is a small and very rich country that is a neighbor of Germany and it has, compared to Germany, very attractive tax regulations. Therefore it's pretty normal that it attracts many Germans in upper level jobs (e.g. doctors, scientists). In addition to that it has great outdoors (e.g. mountains, lakes, skiing, boating etc.) and hence a large tourism industy. In that regards its like many other places e.g. Monaco, USA, Canada, Australia.

If you have many high income earners this will move up prices, no question. This is not good for many low to middle income earners because they can't afford or hardly afford houses etc. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that this causes some conflict. This needs to be addressed but is the lockout of others the right answer?
Today most people need to adjust to a mindset where they compete with many other people around the world. The Internet made it possible. You can't lock yourself into a place and just don't let anyone in. You have to make sure that you are ready to compete successfully. To do that you have to be prepared and learn as much as you can from others.
Be open to learn from others and then make sure that everyone (incl. low to middle income earners) can have a decent living. To use yesterdays methods to fight todays problems won't work.