While there is constant talk about the globalization of the world's economy, little is said about the globalization of families. Think about it for a minute. Whether it is on Long Island or in Florida, most of the people we know have families spread across the country and even in other parts of the world. As the cost of living escalates in the North, more and more people are moving south to the Carolinas and Florida - even in my own family.
Beyond the escalating cost of living, another factor enabling the moves relates to the mobility of positions within a company. Today, with email and the cell phone, it is easy to be anywhere and still handle a job. When my wife and I are away for pleasure or business, we tell our family members to always remember, "We are only a cell phone call away." The fun part is that when the call comes in, many times we are asked where we are.
While technology has given the workforce more mobility, it still amazes me how businesses can be conducted when an employee is insulated from co-workers. Personally, I feel that the human interaction between peers and leadership is very important in the workplace. Yet, major companies support workforce globalization. We will have to see if it lasts or whether we revert back to the days of a team effort all together under one roof.
The other challenge of families moving across the globe is the ability to get together for holidays and special events like graduations and weddings. In the "old days", the commute for family gatherings was just across town. Today, it can be half way around the globe.
At the same time, phone calls, emails, and digital photos do keep all of us up to date on what is happening no matter how far the geographic separation might measure in terms of miles. Another part of new technology, which I feel will take off over the next few years, will be the ability for families to be able to communicate over live computer television.
Two families, who are friends, have a unique way of keeping in touch. Once a year or so, they gather all their children, their spouses and grandchildren and take a cruise together. From all reports, they have a great time. Can you imagine, however, trying to get your children and their families together for even a one day event, yet alone over 5 days? To me, it would almost be mission impossible.
Even with all the technology to help us communicate better, the separation of families on special days is sad. When a child or grandchild is missing at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other event, our hearts are emptier than they might be with all the family together. I do not see the globalization changing. Therefore, get used to the technology and enjoy every day as much as possible.
