Going forward, the way to beat these estimated long-term historical averages as part of personal productivity goal-setting may include the following career strategies:

• Change employer every six years or so if it means a substantial pay increase

• Change industry within the same functional role

• Achieve managerial roles and career development opportunities with the same employer

• Go into self-employment successfully

• Change profession through academic study and training

It is the last two options that may hold the key for applying the principle of lifetime productivity in a matured economy like ours. Very few people in the workforce are doing exactly same thing they did 10 years ago.

We (accountants and teachers from the earlier examples) have all changed voluntarily or otherwise because of technology, higher value-added deliverables or advancements in the demand for goods and services.

Naturally, many older workers, including PMETs, are now struggling because they have not kept up with changes in the economic landscape since 2000.

Government intervention to boost productivity and innovation is appreciated. So are generous and enlightened employers who initiate training and development for staff.

But the message of Budget 2010 to me is that we as individuals should take the lead in planning our careers in the new New Economy.

The New Economy was the tagline of the mid-90s based on simply being part of the technology revolution. But if the global financial crisis and the most recent recession in this country has taught us anything, it is that financial security can vaporise if we do not have a relevant and marketable set of skills.

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