I was talking to a friend (who is not in the US) about going to Europe. I stated well I could probably swing 10 days. He kept asking…”is that it”. Finally I said….umm I’m from America, we don’t get 6 weeks holiday like the Europeans.

That got me thinking about the European Economy. Since the consolidation of the Euro Zone, the blocs economy has been a powerful force. But, seriously it will never be a super power economy. Not unless their people actually do some work.

The fact remains that super powers and financial success do not just happen while you’re on holiday! Europe’s citizens will never go on holiday for their 6 weeks and come back to their homes to find the world’s most powerful economy.

That brings us to balance. I saw Rebecca Ryan tonight (www.nextgenerationconsulting) . She gave a talk to YPM (Young Professionals Milwaukee). Ms. Ryan is a social consultant to cities. Her job is to help cities attract and maintain top young talent. With the baby boomer generation entering retirement, every city will soon be in a bidding war for replacement talent. We all know that the replacement talent pool is not nearly enough to replace outgoing boomers. Gen Xers though are not swayed by money alone. They look for peripheral perks and benefits. Such as increased vacation, more amenities where they work, both at the job and around town after hours. Diversity is a must, public transportation almost always having a weight in the decision. YP’s (Young Professionals) aren’t usually politically active, but are socially active and vote with their feet. If your city or state or even country do not meet the ideals that YP’s demand they will simply move.

Thus I predict a balancing. Americans will get more vacations. Europeans will have to go back to work after their 50+ year hiatus. And the Chinese will work harder than us all.