You’ll Probably Change Careers Twice in the Next 20 Years – Here’s How to Survive It
Believe it or not, the average Australian will change occupations not once, but more than twice over the next 20 years. And that's not just changing jobs—it's likely to be a complete shift into a different occupation. Today, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the evolving landscape of work in Australia, and explore the factors driving this change, including technology, demographics, and the need for flexible education and training systems. The conversation also explores the role of migration in the workforce and highlights the importance of developing soft skills in preparation for future job markets. Ultimately, we highlight the potential for positive outcomes from embracing career shifts and the necessity of adapting to a rapidly changing world. Takeaways · The average Australian is expected to change occupations more than twice in the next 20 years. · Job mobility has decreased since the mid-90s due to housing affordability. · Change is often seen as scary, but it can lead to new opportunities. · Education systems need to adapt to prepare workers for changing job markets. · Migration can fill skills gaps but should be managed strategically. · Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in the workforce. · Individuals must be proactive in upskilling and adapting to change. · The pandemic has shaped a generation that is more resilient to change. · Career zigzagging is becoming more accepted in the job market. · Employers should invest in training to retain talent. Chapters 00:00 The Future of Work: Changing Occupations 04:33 Drivers of Job Change: Technology and Demographics 09:12 Education and Training for Career Transitions 13:37 The Impact of AI on Job Markets 17:59 Migration and Its Effects on Local Employment 22:36 Skills for the Future: Adapting to Change About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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Why More Aussies Are Living Alone — And What It Means for the Future
What if I told you that one of the most significant demographic shifts shaping our cities, our housing markets, and even our social lives over the next few decades… isn’t migration, isn’t birth rates, and isn’t ageing? It’s something far more personal. In today’s show, we’re talking about a silent revolution - the rise of the single-person household. More Australians than ever are living alone, and it’s not just retirees or Gen Zs in tiny apartments. From the newly single at 54 to the solo 29-year-old navigating life on their terms, this trend is redrawing the blueprint of modern life and reshaping the housing market in a way most people aren't even noticing. Our conversation highlights how modern living is evolving, with more individuals choosing to live alone and the need for appropriate housing solutions to accommodate these changes. Takeaways · The rise of single-person households is a significant demographic shift. · Single living is reshaping housing markets and consumer products. · Demographic changes are leading to increased loneliness among some individuals. · International students primarily occupy single-person housing markets. · Older generations are increasingly living alone due to the loss of partners. · Housing policies need to adapt to the growing number of single households. · The trend of marrying later in life contributes to more single-person households. · Communal living arrangements are becoming more desirable but challenging to manage. · The housing market is affected by the influx of single migrants. · Understanding demographics is crucial for future planning and investment. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Single-Person Households 05:12 Demographic Shifts and Their Implications 10:36 International Students and Housing Market Dynamics 13:28 Loneliness and Mental Health in Solo Living 16:25 Modern Life and Individualism About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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How Does Your Wealth Stack Up Against Your Generation?
Whether you’re just starting out, deep in your wealth-building years, or nearing retirement, it’s only natural to wonder: “How do I stack up compared to others?” In today's show, Simon Kuestenmacher and I look into the fascinating – and sometimes uncomfortable – world of generational wealth. We discuss the current financial landscape, highlighting the wealth distribution among baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by each generation, the impact of intergenerational wealth transfer, and the importance of strategic financial planning. So if you’re interested in whether you’re on the right track financially – whether you’re ahead of the average, or still catching up – stay tuned. This conversation might be the benchmark you’ve been looking for. Takeaways · Wealth comparison is a common concern among Australians. · Most people perceive themselves as middle class, regardless of actual wealth. · The distribution of wealth is increasingly polarized, with fewer middle-class households. · Baby boomers hold a significant portion of Australia's wealth due to longer accumulation periods. · Gen X faces unique challenges balancing mortgages, children, and aging parents. · Millennials struggle with wealth accumulation compared to previous generations. · Gen Z is just starting their financial journey with limited wealth. · Property remains a key asset for wealth building in Australia. · Wealth building requires time and strategic planning. · It's important to focus on personal financial goals rather than comparisons. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wealth Comparison 02:42 Generational Wealth Dynamics 05:34 Baby Boomers: The Wealth Accumulators 08:24 Gen X: The Sandwich Generation 11:00 Millennials: The Struggling Generation 13:39 Gen Z: The New Entrants 16:13 Wealth Building Strategies 18:58 Conclusion and Advice About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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23:43
Love or Leverage? How Soaring House Prices Are Trapping Couples Together
Have you ever wondered how the housing market is shaping our most personal life choices? In today’s show Simon Küstenmacher and I explore fascinating new Australian research that reveals how rising property costs are affecting relationship dynamics, marriage stability, and even divorce rates. We discuss how soaring house prices may be locking individuals into unhappy marriages due to financial constraints, the trends in divorce rates, and the economic factors influencing marriage decisions. The conversation also touches on mental health implications, gender dynamics in marriage and divorce, and the broader societal impacts of housing economics on family structures. The episode concludes with reflections on the future trends in demographics and the ongoing influence of housing on personal relationships. Takeaways · Soaring house prices might be locking people into marriages. · Housing markets are reshaping family dynamics, not the other way around. · Divorce costs are just too high, influencing marital decisions. · The rate of divorce in Australia is at its lowest level since 1976. · High house prices can keep couples together, even if unhappy. · People marry if they expect benefits from marriage to exceed costs. · The lower income partner is often disadvantaged in divorce situations. · Women are increasingly outperforming men in education and income. · Housing economics plays a significant role in family dynamics. · Housing is shaping our relationships and families in profound ways. Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Housing Prices on Relationships 02:52 Divorce Rates and Economic Pressures 05:05 Marriage Trends and Demographic Changes 07:29 Cultural Narratives and Relationship Dynamics 10:15 Financial Implications of Divorce 13:01 Renting vs. Homeownership in Relationship Breakdowns 15:44 Mental Health and Relationship Satisfaction 18:26 Gender Dynamics in Marriage and Divorce 20:53 The Broader Implications of Housing Economics Links: The article mentioned in our show: Soaring house prices locking people into marriages https://theconversation.com/soaring-house-prices-may-be-locking-people-into-marriages-new-research-shows-260086 About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.
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22:44
From Gloom to Boom? The Housing Shift Facing Gen Z
Do you ever wonder what the future of housing looks like for Generation Z? Right now, many young Australians feel locked out of the property market – priced out, disillusioned, and deeply pessimistic about their financial futures. But what if the story isn’t all doom and gloom? If you're curious about what the housing market might look like in 2034 – and how demographic and economic forces could tilt things in Gen Z’s favour – today’s show is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Takeaways · Gen Z is the generation born between 2000 and 2017. · Mental health issues are prevalent among Gen Z, especially young women. · Gen Z will benefit from a tight job market and low unemployment. · Gender equality is expected to improve significantly for Gen Z. · Housing accessibility may improve as baby boomers downsize. · Government policies can influence housing supply and affordability. · First home buyer grants tend to drive up house prices rather than help buyers. · Tax reform is necessary to create a fairer housing market. · A shortage of tradies is impacting housing construction. · Innovation in housing construction is needed to reduce costs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gen Z's Housing Future 04:48 Job Market Opportunities for Gen Z 06:46 Gender Equality and Its Impact on Gen Z 13:59 Critique of First Home Buyer Grants 17:36 Tax Reform and Its Challenges 20:55 The Need for More Tradies and Skilled Workers 22:13 Innovation in Housing Construction 25:15 Future Outlook for Gen Z in Housing About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.
About Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future
Join leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and wealth and property investment expert Michael Yardney as they share Australian demographic shifts, trend analysis and social change insights to help business decision makers, entrepreneurs, and investors make informed decisions.
Each week, we bring you in-depth discussions about how demographics affects our future and actionable advice on demographic factors that influence property investment, business and industry and how to prepare for demographic and social changes in the next decade.
Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or investor, our podcast equips you with knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.
In a rapidly changing world, empower your business and investment decisions with data-driven insights. By subscribing to Demographics Decoded, you gain access to:
• Expert analysis from leading authorities in demography, economics and the future.
• Insights into the trends that will impact your business and investments.
• Strategies for leveraging demographic shifts to your advantage.
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