Return to the Office, Advice for the “Mediocre” and Moving to America? | Office Hours

Summary

In this episode of 'Office Hours with Prop G,' Scott Galloway answers a variety of questions, including advice for remote workers adjusting to in-office expectations, guidance for those feeling 'mediocre' or unremarkable in their career paths, and thoughts on whether he would move back to the U.S. from Europe. Galloway stresses the importance of real-world work experience, challenges the societal obsession with higher education, and discusses the economic opportunities in the U.S. despite current challenges. He encourages individuals to embrace modest aspirations while navigating the shifting dynamics of work and life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moving to Europe was a personal decision based on the prosperity recognized from being born in America, rather than due to issues with America itself.
• 😀 Betterment offers an automated investing and savings app designed to make your money 'hustle' by maximizing returns and auto-adjusting your portfolio as you approach your financial goals.
• 😀 Starting next week, 'Office Hours with PropG' will release two episodes per week: Mondays and Fridays, answering questions on business, tech, and entrepreneurship.
• 😀 Remote work can be challenging for young people who miss the opportunity to connect with friends, mentors, and potential life partners, emphasizing the importance of in-office work for social and professional growth.
• 😀 While caregiving roles (e.g., looking after young children or elderly parents) require flexibility, it's important for companies to provide remote work options for caregivers, even if they make less money.
• 😀 Transitioning from full remote work to five days in the office can be a big shock for workers, especially for parents with young children, making a case for more flexibility from employers.
• 😀 For those in the lower tiers of education or who didn't attend college, there's value in vocational trades and apprenticeships, which offer promising career opportunities and fair pay without the burden of college debt.
• 😀 The focus of American higher education should shift from serving the elite to supporting the bottom 90%, fostering more apprenticeship-based learning, especially in countries like Germany and the UK.
• 😀 There should be more respect for the unremarkable or middle class, who contribute significantly to society without needing to aim for the top 1%, and society should create more opportunities for them to thrive.
• 😀 The U.S. remains a land of unparalleled professional opportunity and economic upside, but whether one should move there depends on life stage, career opportunities, and personal situation. The economic potential outweighs other concerns.

Q & A

Why did the speaker move to Europe, and what was their perspective on their decision?

The speaker moved to Europe not because of dissatisfaction with America but because of the prosperity they recognized due to being born in America. They also wanted to provide their children with the opportunity to live abroad for a few years, seeing it as a gift.

What is the speaker's view on remote work, particularly for young people?

The speaker believes remote work is detrimental for young people because it limits opportunities for forming friendships, finding mentors, and building relationships that are often nurtured in an office environment. They see the office as a vital space for young professionals.

What advice does the speaker offer to someone facing a five-day return to the office after years of remote work?

The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of transitioning from remote work to a full in-office schedule, especially for those with children. While they support in-office work for younger people, they also advocate for more flexibility for caregivers and suggest seeking organizations that better accommodate specific personal situations.

What is the speaker's stance on higher education in America and its impact on the economy?

The speaker argues that higher education in America focuses too much on catering to the elite and freakishly remarkable individuals, neglecting the bottom 90%. They believe more should be done to support non-college-goers and vocational programs, advocating for a shift in how society values education.

How does the speaker suggest improving opportunities for people not attending college or those working in vocational fields?

The speaker suggests a shift towards an apprenticeship culture, similar to what exists in countries like Germany and the UK. They emphasize the importance of vocational work, which can lead to well-paying jobs, and advocate for more respect and opportunities for non-college-educated individuals.

What is the speaker's perspective on the wealth transfer from the younger generation to older generations?

The speaker highlights the transfer of wealth from the younger generation to the older one, noting that older individuals are significantly wealthier now compared to younger people. They argue that economic policies should help young people get ahead and stop the growing divide.

How does the speaker feel about the aspirations of young people to achieve high levels of fame or wealth?

The speaker believes many young people have unrealistic aspirations, such as wanting to be influencers or billionaires, but are unwilling to put in the hard work necessary to achieve those goals. They argue that achieving top success requires long-term dedication and sacrifices.

What advice does the speaker give to individuals aiming for economic success but not necessarily fame or cultural relevance?

The speaker advises that there is honor in living a modest life with a focus on family, community, and personal well-being. They stress that success doesn't always have to mean becoming a famous entrepreneur or tech mogul, and that people can still lead fulfilling, prosperous lives with simpler goals.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the US job market and economic opportunities compared to Europe?

The speaker is bullish on the economic opportunities in the US, despite their decision to live in Europe. They see the US as a land of unparalleled professional opportunities due to its risk-taking culture, the rule of law, and the presence of world-class universities, which create unmatched economic upside.

Why does the speaker suggest that people in their later career stages might prefer to stay in Europe rather than move to the US?

The speaker believes that for those in the later stages of their careers or those focused on spending rather than earning, Europe may be a better option. However, for younger individuals with career aspirations and a focus on economic opportunity, they suggest moving to the US as it offers unique professional growth.