The imbalance in daily life has worsened for the majority of the population, while only a few people manage to achieve a balanced life. This issue arises from the increasingly competitive nature of the rapidly developing economy. However, this problem can be addressed through specific remedies.
The cutthroat market and rapid technological advancements have forced people into a race to avoid layoffs. In the early stage of the fifth industrial revolution, people were being replaced by automated machines based on the Internet of Things, leading to a reduced workforce and increased competition. Many factories have divided their manufacturing processes into multiple stages, predominantly using mechanical devices and robotic arms. These production chains have improved the quality of goods with fewer errors, increased the volume of finished products, and decreased the need for human labour. Consequently, this model has expanded significantly, allowing capitalists to gain surplus profits from reduced labour costs for the same volume of goods. For example, many white-collar workers have experienced massive layoffs because repetitive tasks can now be performed by specific artificial intelligence.
To achieve a balanced work-life condition, people should prioritize personal time over working overtime, which requires government action to reduce the unemployment rate. Individuals would feel more secure if they did not worry about potential layoffs. This issue can be tackled through cooperation among governments, academic institutions, and multinational corporations. Firstly, the government should encourage universities to keep pace with technological advancements, helping students enrol in suitable majors to meet future job demands and avoid unemployment in fields affected by automation. Secondly, collaboration between academic institutions and companies can address the shortage of high-quality workers in certain areas and prevent layoffs by aligning education with technological needs. For instance, updating curricula and syllabi, along with partnering with potential employers, can prepare students for future job opportunities.
To conclude, layoffs have created job pressures for many people and prevented them from achieving an ideal life. However, this issue can be alleviated through collaboration among government authorities, academic institutions, and corporations.