Finding Strength: Managing Health and Family Doubts

Took a couple of days off this weekend. Back to the grind. The last several days I have been up most of the night and gotten my best sleep in the afternoons. I still sleep like ten hours a day, but most of it is during daylight hours.

I’m back on the Turmeric. I think it’s helping with the bad knees and ankles. I started taking Vitamin B and Vitamin D supplements a couple of weeks ago. I think I have more energy and optimism overall now.

I think I am losing weight. If the way my clothes fit is any indication I really am. Most of my shirts are quite baggy now. Might have to drop down a shirt size. It also looks like I’m carrying less fat on my abdomen. My calves are less swollen than six months ago as are my thighs. I don’t eat much anymore besides protein and vegetables. I try to avoid sugar and carbs.

Got turned down for a long term care facility. I’m not shedding any tears over it. In reality I don’t want to go to long term care. Ideally I would just stay in my current house and just widen all the doors to be wheelchair accessible. My parents aren’t on the same page as I am. They aren’t enthusiastic about making such modifications to the house.

I have come to the conclusion that I don’t want things to be easy. I want to struggle to get my walking ability back. I want people to doubt me. I want to be fought every inch of the way. I want even my own family to actively work against me. They originally doubted I could graduate college with schizophrenia. Proved them wrong. They originally thought I couldn’t live alone with schizophrenia and on disability pension. Proved them wrong for over seventeen years.

Most people thought I made a mistake when I went to long term care to get better. I was flat out told I would die in that facility. Well, eight months later I walked out the front door on my own two feet. I went in that facility on a hospital stretcher. I walked out on my own two feet after only eight months.

I’m facing doubts again. After this third stay in the hospital, I lost all of my mobility. Physical therapy hospital didn’t help at all. Neither did the home therapist. They all gave up on me too soon. Sure, it took a few months. But I am back to walking short distances within the same room. I can transfer into the wheelchair. It is a foldable wheelchair so I can get it through doors. I could already get everywhere in the house if the family would just break down and pay for the modifications.

As far as modifications go, all they would need is to widen all the doors, put a railing in the bathroom, and get some of the clutter out of the house. My parents have a hard time throwing anything away. I swear if I outlive them, I’m going to rent a dumpster and throw tons of Knick knacks and crap in. I refuse to deal with it after they are gone. I won’t live the life of a hoarder. Was forced to do it as a kid. Forced to do it again after being on my own for seventeen years. After my parents are gone or moved to a nursing home, never again.

Oddly I’m not feeling hurt or betrayed by my family not believing in me. In some ways they have never believed in me. I’m going to get mobile again, at least for short distances. I am going to keep losing weight. My goal is to eventually get back to the same weight I was as a freshman in college. I could easily walk three to five miles a day back then.

I might never be able to walk that far again. But, dammit, I refuse to give up. Between being severely bullied by my school mates as a kid, twenty five years of schizophrenia, three years of congestive heart failure, surviving eight months in a long term care facility, moving two states away to be closer to my brother (at least he believes in me), and seeing crazy ass tech advances in terms of AI, automation, biotech, fintech, etc.; I’ve come too far to cash out now. Give up? Not happening as long as I got breath in my lungs.

I don’t know why my parents refuse to make the modifications to the house to make it handicap accessible. Honestly, I don’t care. I’m going to get better and mobile in spite all the road blocks people keep throwing at me. I want to be doubted. I want to be told I am a liar and full of shit. It just makes me more determined to keep beating the odds. Beating the smart money has been the mode of operation for my entire life. Personally, I think the “smart money” ain’t as smart as it’s cracked up to be. I just keep proving them wrong because that’s what I’ve done my entire life.

Overcoming Mobility Challenges: My Journey to Independence

STILL haven’t heard anything from my possible new place. I’m giving up on that. I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that I’m going to be living with my parents for the rest of my life. I’m tired of pretending that things are going to change in that regards.

There are worse things than living in the suburbs. It’s a safe neighborhood. I can get any restaurant within reason Door Dashed to my house. I get two day delivery on almost anything on Amazon. There isn’t much for homelessness near my house. And I live only a fifteen minute drive from my brother and his wife.

As I’m getting used to the fact that there won’t be a place coming open for me, I have decided to make the best of it. Mobility is slowly coming back. I can easily transfer from recliner to bed to wheelchair with only a little pain in my ankles. My knee pain has been completely solved. They don’t even pop and crack anymore. I’m so thankful for Turmeric.

Now that I can freely get back into a wheel chair, I’m on to my next project. That is moving about the house. The only real hang up in this house is the narrow doors. The hallways are wide enough for wheelchairs but not the doors. If anything happens to my parents where they have to move to a home and I get left behind, I’m so going to have to move my hospital bed and recliner into the living room. That’s been my plan all along. I just didn’t think that I would have to utilize it.

Finally got out under the overpayments I was paying back to social security. Looks like the timing was good. Sounds like the whole system has become a dumpster fire. While I’m all in favor of cutting government waste, I totally accept that the transition to a more efficient system is going to be tough and take years perhaps. I do have some money out of the system just in case of things like this. In social security’s case, it sounds like a modern day run on the bank.

My next goal as for my mobility is to stand up long enough to fold up my wheelchair and get it through a door. That will open up the entire house and the back yard to me. If I keep getting the run around from social services, I’m going to need to make myself as mobile as I can.

The only reason I was needing a place was because of the wheelchair, not because I am senile. I remember to take my pills daily. I can clean myself, at least with sponge baths and dry shampoo. Maybe that is why I can’t get a place. Because I’m still quite mentally sharp I’m not a high priority.

In some ways I’m glad I keep getting rejected for these places. Five months ago my ankles and knees were so bad I couldn’t even stand up on my own. I needed an ambulance crew to set me up in my own house. Spent from early October to early January learning to stand up again.

I can stand up again. Now I can walk real short distances. I’m working on cutting down the pain in my ankles. In the five plus months I have spent teaching myself how to stand and walk again, I haven’t fallen even once. And I have done it all without any help from anyone.

I had physical therapy come in back in October. But they gave up on me after 30 days because I wasn’t making “adequate progress.” As it is now, I don’t think I really need physical therapy. What I do need is wheelchair accessible doors and bathrooms. Not sure I can get that done in this house. I’m pretty sure my family could afford it if I really put the screws to my parents. Sometimes playing hardball and being a hard ass has to be done to get a point across. I swear some people are so oblivious.

In spite of my hurdles and set backs, I’m making decent progress in learning how to walk again. And I am doing it in spite of the roadblocks and hijinks and run around of social services. If anything, I enjoy the hardships.

I enjoy being told what I can and cannot do. That way I can rub it in people’s arrogant faces when I end up proving them wrong. People didn’t think I could graduate college with schizophrenia. I proved them wrong. People didn’t think I could hold a job with mental illness. I held a janitorial job for over four years. People didn’t think I could live on my own with schizophrenia. Proved them wrong for seventeen years without being even late on a rent payment. People didn’t think I could survive and recover from congestive heart failure. Definitely proved them wrong on that. People now think I’ll never walk again. That’s my next mission to prove people wrong.

Challenges in Securing Long-Term Care in Oklahoma

Rumor had it that a long term care facility an hour from the metroplex was already to accept me with open arms. That was over a week ago. Haven’t heard anything since. Getting into a care facility is proving to be impossible here in Oklahoma.

A few weeks ago Adult Protective Services were called on my behalf. My house isn’t handicap accessible and I need wheelchair accessible housing. I can transfer from a recliner or wheelchair to a hospital bed, but I still have pain in my ankles every time I walk. I can transfer but it is painful.

After APS was called on my behalf, I was sure I would get a placement within a couple of weeks. Normally they don’t get involved unless a situation is dire and beyond redemption. Well, both are the case in my situation.

I doubt my house can be made wheelchair accessible. Even if it could, I couldn’t afford even property taxes on this place after my parents are gone.

I’m just tired of the run around. I’ve had more problems with social security, Medicaid, healthcare, social services, hospitals, case workers, etc. in the two years I’ve lived in Oklahoma than my last seventeen years in Nebraska. Apparently, service quality varies greatly from state to state.

I’m to where I’m at my wit’s end. I’m tired of fighting and getting zero for results. I’ve grown hopeless and despondent. I sleep twelve hours a day to numb the pain. I’ve told off my parents a few times in the last several weeks because of frustration. I’m becoming something I don’t like. In short, I’m becoming the whining and bitter old man I promised myself I would never become.

I just want a permanent placing in a nursing home to where I can have wheelchair access and my day-to-day medical care provided. Apparently in the richest country in the history of the world that isn’t an option.

Navigating Accessibility Challenges This Spring

It’s officially the start of spring here in Oklahoma. Been feeling more spring like the last couple of weeks. Been really dry and windy too. Been having wildfires all over the state. Too early for this. Not a good sign.

Finally over a cold that has dogged me for weeks. Some days my nose was so runny and plugged I couldn’t breathe. It’s good that my sneezing fits are over.

Still haven’t received any word on a placement for a wheelchair accessible place. The main hangup is corporate has to make the decision. In short, if some suit in the office says no, than everything my doctors, caseworkers, and nurses have been saying for months is null and void. Burns me.

Personally I would love to stay in my current house in the suburbs and just make this house wheelchair accessible. Not sure it can be done. Even if it could, I couldn’t afford the property taxes and utilities.

The Impact of AI on Jobs and Relationships

The rapid rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world in ways that were once relegated to science fiction. As machines become smarter and more capable of performing tasks traditionally done by humans, it’s crucial to explore the far-reaching implications of this technological revolution. This essay will examine the effect of automation and AI on the job market, personal relationships, government interventions, the possibilities of Universal Basic Income (UBI), finding meaning after employment, and what parents can teach their children to prepare them for a future dominated by AI and automation.

The Job Market: Displacement and Transformation

One of the most immediate effects of automation and AI will be felt in the job market. According to various studies, millions of jobs across industries—ranging from manufacturing to service-oriented roles—are likely to be displaced by automation. Tasks that are repetitive, manual, or require basic decision-making are especially susceptible. In the automotive industry, for example, robots already perform much of the assembly work. Likewise, AI-driven technologies such as chatbots and algorithms are beginning to replace customer service representatives and data analysts.

However, it’s important to note that while some jobs will be lost, new ones will emerge. The creation of new industries and roles—such as AI specialists, data scientists, and automation engineers—will require a shift in the workforce. People may need to acquire new skills and adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. The future of work might be more focused on tasks requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and complex problem-solving, which AI cannot easily replicate.

This transformation in the job market presents both challenges and opportunities. While some workers may face difficulties transitioning to new roles, others will benefit from the advancements in technology, particularly in the tech sector and industries that harness AI to drive innovation.

Personal Relationships in the Age of AI

The rise of AI and automation will inevitably influence personal relationships in complex ways. On one hand, automation could free people from the burden of repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing them more leisure time to spend with family and friends. The possibility of a more leisurely existence could foster deeper relationships, as individuals are able to focus on personal connections rather than the grind of work.

On the other hand, the increasing prevalence of AI in personal spaces, such as in the form of virtual assistants, autonomous vehicles, and AI-powered therapy bots, could alter the dynamics of human interaction. As AI systems become more adept at mimicking human behavior, there is a risk that people may start to rely on machines for emotional support and companionship. This could lead to feelings of isolation or a diminished sense of authentic human connection.

Furthermore, with a rapidly changing economy, some families may experience stress and disconnection as the roles of breadwinners and caregivers evolve. This change may also place additional pressure on individuals to maintain emotional resilience and adaptability in a world that is increasingly shaped by automation.

Government Intervention: Policy and Regulation

As the workforce changes and the effects of automation on society become more pronounced, governments will be faced with critical decisions on how to manage these transitions. Policymakers will need to enact policies that support workers displaced by automation, such as retraining programs and social safety nets. Governments may also be required to regulate AI technology to prevent monopolistic practices and ensure that its benefits are widely shared.

In particular, there is growing interest in the idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI), a policy proposal where the government provides all citizens with a regular, unconditional payment to cover basic living expenses. The argument for UBI is that as AI and automation reduce the need for human labor, UBI could provide a financial cushion for individuals who lose their jobs. By ensuring a stable income, UBI could also promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, as people would no longer be beholden to traditional employment for survival.

Despite the potential benefits of UBI, implementing such a program presents challenges. Funding UBI could require significant taxation and a rethinking of current social welfare systems. Moreover, there are concerns about whether UBI would encourage or discourage work, and whether it would address the underlying issues of wealth inequality.

Finding Meaning After Employment

As automation takes over many of the tasks that once provided individuals with a sense of purpose, the question of what gives life meaning will become more pronounced. For centuries, employment has been central to people’s identity. A person’s job often dictates their social status, financial security, and sense of contribution to society. With AI and automation taking over many roles, people will be forced to grapple with the idea of meaning beyond work.

In this new world, individuals will need to find meaning through non-work-related pursuits. This could mean investing more time in family, hobbies, and community-building. People may seek personal fulfillment through creative expression, education, or spiritual growth. Philosophical questions surrounding the purpose of life and the role of human beings in an increasingly automated world will likely gain prominence.

The challenge will be to create a society where people are not defined solely by their economic productivity. To this end, fostering a culture that celebrates human creativity, emotional intelligence, and community engagement will be essential to finding fulfillment in a post-work society.

Preparing Children for a World of AI and Automation

As the world shifts toward automation and AI, it’s essential for parents to prepare their children for this new reality. In many ways, the skills that will be most valuable in the future are those that cannot easily be replicated by machines. Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, and the ability to adapt to new challenges will be crucial.

Parents can emphasize the importance of learning how to learn, encouraging curiosity and a growth mindset. While traditional academic skills will still be important, fostering a love for problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation will ensure that children are well-equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world.

Moreover, exposure to technology from an early age will be critical. Children who grow up understanding the basics of programming, artificial intelligence, and data science will have a competitive edge in a future that revolves around these technologies. It is equally important for parents to teach children about the ethical implications of AI and automation, ensuring they develop a strong sense of responsibility and empathy in their interactions with machines and fellow humans.

Conclusion

The coming of automation and AI represents both an exciting and challenging shift in society. As machines increasingly perform tasks once reserved for humans, individuals, families, and governments will face new questions about work, meaning, and identity. While the changes in the job market and personal relationships will be significant, they also present opportunities for greater creativity, fulfillment, and innovation.

By preparing future generations to thrive in a world shaped by AI, teaching them to adapt, think critically, and work collaboratively, we can ensure that the coming era of automation is one in which humanity flourishes—not just survives. The future is uncertain, but with thoughtful planning and a focus on human-centered values, we can shape a world where technology empowers rather than diminishes the human experience.

Finding Wheelchair Accessible Housing: My Journey

I might be moving within the next few weeks or so. It’s tough to tell. My doctors and caseworkers agree with me that I need to be in a place that’s wheelchair accessible. My parents house sadly isn’t friendly to wheelchairs. The doors are too narrow, no sidewalk, and the driveway is too steep.

My doctors and caseworkers have already recommended me to a place about an hour drive from my parents’ house. I would still be in Oklahoma, but no longer in the Oklahoma City metro area. Right now, the only thing that hasn’t gone through is corporate approval at the facility.

Been fighting to get into a wheelchair accessible facility for months. It’s pretty obvious I can’t live on my own. My parents are elderly, slowing down a lot, and sometimes forgetful. It would be a burden off them if I did get into this new place.

Corporate is still the hangup. Previous places have denied me because of my age, my weight, my mental illness, etc. Even though I know I need to be in a care facility, if for no other reason than my lack of mobility, I dread losing my financial freedom.

Long term care facilities are expensive. They have already said they would take over 90 percent of my disability pension to cover expenses. That’s the way it was when I lived in a long term care back in Nebraska a few years ago.

My parents supposedly can’t afford a handicap acessible house. Even if they could, I couldn’t afford even the property taxes and ultilities on such a house. I make slightly less than 1000 a month from disability pension. Really pisses me off that so little help is available.

I’m not senile. I’m not forgetful. I take my meds on my own every day. I don’t need a nursing home because I am senile. I need it because I have no mobility. I can transfer from a wheelchair to a recliner and to a bed. But my current living arrangement isn’t set up for wheelchairs. And my parents supposedly can’t afford to widen all the doors in the house for me to do much of anything in my house. Hell, I haven’t even been outdoors in five months.

I’m frustrated by the lack of help and communication. I’m not damn senile. I’m wheelchair bound. Most places are not conducive to wheelchairs, certainly not wide ones like mine. And yet I will probably end up going to a long term care facility and treated like I’m brain dead because I am wheelchair bound. Burns my ass.

Remote Work and AI: Shaping the Next Decade of Office Jobs

As we look toward the next decade, the landscape of white-collar office work in the U.S. is poised to undergo significant transformation. The factors influencing this shift are varied, from technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, to changing demographic trends, economic fluctuations, and evolving workplace expectations. This essay will explore how these elements, collectively, will shape the future of office jobs requiring bachelor’s degrees in the period from 2025 to 2035.

Technological Advancements: AI, Chatbots, and Automation

At the heart of the future of white-collar work lies technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and chatbots. Over the next decade, AI will continue to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and integrated into daily business operations. For white-collar workers, AI will perform increasingly complex tasks, particularly those involving data analysis, report generation, and routine administrative functions. Industries such as finance, healthcare, law, and marketing will rely heavily on AI tools to streamline processes, optimize decision-making, and enhance customer service.

Chatbots and AI-powered virtual assistants are likely to handle more interactions that were once reserved for human employees, particularly in customer service and sales roles. By 2035, it’s conceivable that many customer service departments in large organizations will consist almost entirely of AI systems, capable of addressing inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and processing transactions without the need for human intervention. While this shift will create efficiencies, it also poses a significant challenge for many white-collar workers, as positions related to routine data entry, customer support, and even some project management tasks could see considerable job displacement.

Automation, already making inroads in manufacturing and logistics, will also impact office settings. Routine clerical jobs—such as scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and processing forms—will be increasingly automated, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work. However, this also means fewer opportunities for entry-level workers to gain experience in office environments, a reality that could reshape career trajectories for younger generations.

The Work-From-Anywhere Era and Telecommuting

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, and this shift is expected to persist well into the next decade. The idea of working from anywhere has gained significant traction, and by 2025, many companies will have fully embraced hybrid or fully remote models. The technology to support remote work—cloud computing, video conferencing, and real-time collaboration tools—will continue to improve, making it easier for white-collar workers to contribute from any location with a reliable internet connection.

As remote work becomes more ubiquitous, office spaces themselves may no longer be as necessary. The traditional office as a centralized hub could become obsolete, especially for jobs that do not require physical presence, such as those in finance, marketing, consulting, and IT. This will have far-reaching implications for how office space is designed, leased, and utilized. The growing trend of coworking spaces and flexible office environments will likely continue as employees seek out places to work outside of their homes without the commitments of a traditional office lease.

Furthermore, as remote work becomes more accepted, the boundaries between work and home life will blur, potentially leading to changes in how employees structure their workdays and interact with colleagues. The work-from-anywhere model also brings the possibility of expanding the talent pool to a global scale, allowing employers to hire top talent from anywhere, rather than being limited by geographic constraints. This will have implications for recruitment practices, as employers will need to adjust their hiring strategies to accommodate workers in different time zones, cultures, and legal environments.

Economic and Demographic Shifts: A Changing Workforce

As we enter the 2025–2035 period, the U.S. workforce will experience significant demographic changes. The Baby Boomer generation is retiring in large numbers, leading to a shift in corporate leadership. This transition opens the door for Millennials—who are already the largest generational cohort in the workforce—to take on more prominent roles in management and executive positions. By 2035, Millennials will likely dominate corporate leadership, with their values and approaches shaping business strategies. Millennial leadership tends to prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, and diversity, influencing workplace culture and expectations for white-collar employees.

Generation X, currently in their 40s and 50s, will increasingly hold political power during this period, and their influence could have a substantial impact on policy decisions affecting white-collar work. For example, Generation X may push for labor laws and policies that support work flexibility, such as expanding paid leave or offering tax incentives for remote work, as well as greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

At the same time, the aging of the Baby Boomers will create talent shortages in certain industries, which may give younger workers a strategic advantage. However, the incoming wave of retirements could also place a burden on social services and healthcare systems, potentially diverting attention away from white-collar work issues and creating an economic environment fraught with uncertainty.

The prospect of a major recession within this time frame could further alter the landscape of white-collar work. Recessions often lead to job cuts, particularly in non-essential areas, and companies may be more hesitant to hire new employees, focusing instead on automation and AI solutions to fill gaps. White-collar workers may also face wage stagnation or reduction in job benefits during economic downturns, leading to shifts in employee expectations and workplace loyalty.

Changes in Office Space and Hiring Practices

The cost of office space has risen significantly in many U.S. cities, making it increasingly difficult for companies to justify large, centralized office buildings. As a result, many organizations are opting for remote work or hybrid models, reducing their need for expensive office space. The future of white-collar office jobs may, therefore, depend on companies adopting flexible office arrangements or coworking spaces that allow employees to collaborate when needed but do not require a permanent physical location.

In addition to the rise of flexible office environments, hiring practices are likely to evolve as technology and shifting workforce expectations influence how candidates are selected for roles. Virtual recruitment processes, AI-powered job matching systems, and online assessments will become more widespread. Additionally, companies may place greater emphasis on skills and experience rather than formal education, allowing for a more diversified workforce. The increasing prevalence of gig and freelance work, along with part-time employment opportunities, will also influence white-collar employment, offering workers more flexibility but also less stability.

Conclusion

The near future of white-collar office work in the U.S. is a story of rapid change driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, economic factors, and evolving workplace norms. AI, automation, and chatbots will reshape traditional office jobs, reducing the demand for certain roles while creating new opportunities in tech-driven sectors. The expansion of remote work and telecommuting will change how, when, and where employees work, while the retiring Baby Boomer generation and the rise of Millennials in leadership positions will redefine corporate culture. Economic challenges, including the possibility of a recession, will likely force companies to adapt their strategies, relying on technology and cost-cutting measures. As the future unfolds, the ability of workers and employers to adapt to these changes will ultimately determine the success and sustainability of white-collar office work in the U.S.

Future of Manufacturing: Trends Shaping 2025-2035

The landscape of manufacturing in the United States is poised for significant transformation over the next decade. As we look ahead to 2025-2035, key factors such as the continued implementation of tariffs under the Trump administration, the rise of automation, the advent of 3D printing, the expansion of dark factories, and the introduction of humanoid robots will shape the nature of manufacturing jobs. These developments will fundamentally alter the workforce, the economy, and the very structure of the industry. However, the effects on manufacturing jobs will be complex, with both positive and negative outcomes for workers.

The Influence of Tariffs

The Trump administration’s tariffs on foreign-made goods, a policy set to persist under future administrations, will continue to exert pressure on global supply chains. These tariffs are designed to incentivize American companies to shift their production back to the U.S., potentially reviving some manufacturing jobs that had previously been outsourced to countries with lower labor costs. On the surface, this “reshoring” effort might create new employment opportunities in certain sectors, particularly for industries like steel, textiles, and electronics.

However, the impact of these tariffs on jobs will be tempered by the need for companies to maintain competitiveness. Higher tariffs may increase production costs, which could lead to price hikes or force manufacturers to find ways to remain competitive without expanding their workforce. This may result in a shift toward more advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI), to keep costs down and output efficient.

The Rise of Automation

Automation has already made significant inroads into U.S. manufacturing, and this trend will only accelerate in the coming decade. Robots are increasingly taking over repetitive and dangerous tasks, from assembling parts to packaging products. By 2035, many factory floors may operate with minimal human intervention, with robots performing the majority of labor-intensive work. While this may seem like a threat to traditional manufacturing jobs, it also opens up new opportunities for skilled workers who can design, program, maintain, and oversee these automated systems.

However, the shift toward automation will likely lead to the elimination of many low-skill, manual labor jobs in factories. For workers without the skills to transition into new roles, automation presents a significant challenge. The U.S. will need to focus on reskilling and upskilling initiatives to help these workers move into the technology-driven jobs that will emerge. The growing demand for workers with expertise in robotics, data analytics, and AI could offset some of the job losses, but a large-scale retraining effort will be required.

3D Printing and Customization

3D printing is poised to revolutionize manufacturing in ways that are already visible in industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The ability to produce customized parts on-demand and locally will reduce reliance on large factories and international supply chains. By 2035, we may see decentralized manufacturing hubs, where smaller, localized 3D printers are used to produce everything from medical implants to consumer electronics.

This decentralization of manufacturing could reduce the number of traditional factory jobs in centralized industrial hubs, but it will also create new opportunities. Small-scale 3D printing operations could give rise to a new breed of entrepreneurs and workers who specialize in customizing and producing parts locally. This shift may also spur the creation of jobs in design, quality control, and machine maintenance for these advanced printers.

Dark Factories: The Shift to 24/7 Production

The concept of dark factories, where production runs 24/7 without human workers on-site, is another crucial development for the future of manufacturing. In these fully automated factories, AI, robotics, and sensors manage all aspects of production. While human presence is limited to overseeing operations remotely, these facilities allow manufacturers to operate around the clock with minimal downtime.

Dark factories will likely lead to a reduction in the overall number of human jobs needed for physical production. However, there will still be a demand for skilled workers to design, manage, and troubleshoot these systems. Jobs in system monitoring, AI training, and remote maintenance will likely increase. Furthermore, the need for cybersecurity specialists to safeguard these highly automated operations will be crucial as factories become more dependent on digital infrastructure.

Humanoid Robots: A New Era of Human-Robot Collaboration

Perhaps one of the most fascinating prospects for manufacturing in the coming decade is the use of humanoid robots. Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate in fixed, predefined ways, humanoid robots will be designed to work alongside human employees, collaborating in real-time to complete complex tasks. These robots will be able to handle delicate tasks that require dexterity and adaptability, such as assembly, inspection, or packaging in industries where human workers traditionally excelled.

The integration of humanoid robots into manufacturing will redefine job roles. Workers will likely transition into supervisory, coordination, or design roles, where their expertise will complement the abilities of these robots. While the rise of humanoid robots may reduce the need for certain low-skill manual labor positions, it could also generate new opportunities in robot development, programming, and management.

Conclusion

The manufacturing jobs of 2025 to 2035 will look vastly different from those of today. Tariffs and reshoring efforts may help revitalize some industries, but the increasing reliance on automation, 3D printing, dark factories, and humanoid robots will reduce the demand for traditional manual labor. As jobs evolve, so too must the workforce, which will require investment in education and reskilling programs. While the future holds the promise of greater efficiency and innovation in manufacturing, it also presents significant challenges in terms of job displacement and the need for workers to adapt to a new technological landscape. If managed correctly, however, this transformation could lead to a more dynamic, tech-driven manufacturing sector in the United States, providing new opportunities for those ready to embrace the future.

More Mobile, Losing Weight, Spring Storms, and New Books by Zach Foster

Updates are in order. I can now transfer from my recliner to the bed to the wheelchair on a daily basis. I no longer have knee pain, but I do have some ankle pain. I have to stand up and sit down a few times over the span of several minutes before I can easily get rolling, especially if I have been laying down all night in bed.

In short, the knee pain that has been the bane of my existence for the past seven years is gone. Now I have to work on my ankle strength. To this end I’m starting an exercise routine I learned from a physical therapist to rebuild my ankles.

I haven’t weighed myself for a few months, but I think I’ve lost weight. I’m carrying less fat, especially around my stomach and thighs. My arms no longer jiggle. My shirts fit a lot better. The swelling in my crotch has gone down considerably. I know my apatite is smaller than it used to be.

One of the reasons for the fat loss in spite of the little physical activity, is for the strict diet I have. I limit when I eat and how much I eat. I still occasionally eat pizza, burgers, and friend fish. But I have cut back on portions. I large pizza can make at minimum two meals for me, more often three. I do like Long John Silver’s for their fish and corn balls. But it’s only a once-a-month tradition when my dad brings it home after he visits his doctor at the VA.

The weather is warming up and definitely feels like spring. We are having wildfires here in Oklahoma. Won’t be too long before we have thunderstorms and tornadoes every few days. The storms down here are really bad, especially the spring storms. Winter storms are more bearable even if they bring more ice than what I’m used to growing up in Nebraska. Whatever snow and ice we get in Oklahoma is gone within a couple of days. But 500 miles north in Nebraska, the snow can stay around all winter and it’s usually too cold for just rain turning to ice most of the times. Snowstorms dumping over a foot of snow are an annual occurrence back in Nebraska.

I recently uploaded an e-book to Amazon in addition to the Hillbilly Scholar one I already have. It’s called Blasting Mental Illness Myths by Zach Foster. It’s not up just yet as I loaded it only a few days ago.

This is the link to the Hillbilly Scholar e-book

https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Hillbilly-Scholar-Zach-Foster-ebook/dp/B005ESFWNI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BR1YVX065QOH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uACjiqLKg7iYywHEerIRWw.oEkfijpANSjGwxPnP5W80vUEWYv8vkD3FHYTL6VTGsg&dib_tag=se&keywords=wisdom+of+a+hillbilly+scholar&qid=1742162715&sprefix=%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1

My Amazon Book, Wisdom of A Hillbilly Scholar

Wisdom of A Hillbilly Scholar – Kindle edition by Foster, Zach . Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.