Have you changed with the time too?

I am finding many things that happen on a regular basis do not make sense to me. When I ask questions or try to make sense of them with folks my age they agree they have similar ideas about changes. On the other hand, those of the younger generation give me a strange look and wonder why I am questioning what they believe is"normal".

Here are some of the things that confuse me:

1. Businesses Communications - It seems almost impossible to find the telephone number of several organizations, so we can not call to get or provide advice. Instead we're expected to make adjustments to our"profiles" through technological devices. Even if there's a call centre, we need to answer numerous questions for security purposes before anyone can deal with issues. After the interrogation, we're often put on hold while our calls are transferred to the answering machine of a person who isn't readily available to help us.

2. Basic life skills - Many youth can't tell time till they have a digital clock. Concepts of cash are foreign to them as they are utilized to using debit cards rather than handling cash. Even handwriting is becoming a thing of the past. Most children are experts with computers but would not have any idea about how to sew a missing button on their clothes, plant a garden or cook something that doesn't come out of a box.

3. Legislation that send mixed messages - We have researched and decided that smoking is bad for our health. As a result of this, millions of dollars have gone into education as well as regulations about who, what, where and why smoking is restricted. Then we legalize the smoking of marijuana.

4. Government taxes - In 1917 the Canadian government passed a "temporary" war income tax. We've now experienced a system that has become increasingly more complex over the past hundred years. In actuality, accountants and/or computer applications have added to the costs of only doing the filing each year. And, it's interesting to notice that the government adds interest onto account balances even before they have issued a Notice of Assessment to the taxpayer. Try counting how many federal, provincial, municipal, town or goods/services taxes you're paying.

5. Forms. It seems that you can't go anywhere without having to complete a form before you're served. Even scheduling a haircut or massage demands that you answer questions about how you found the establishment, whether you have any specific medical issues and what personal preferences you might have.

6. Points cards and memberships. Most companies offer discounts or rewards if you sign up for a membership with them. You'll need your membership number at the time of each purchase in order to receive the promised benefits. Then, you choose to redeem the blessings and find out that there are hidden charges. Moreover, if you do not have transactions within a certain period of time, you might even get a letter that threatens expiry of the points which you have accumulated.

7. Meal deals - Often you can get a meal with French fries that is more affordable than the exact same meal with no chips. I really don't want the chips! (but I want the better price).

8. Hiring practices - Most companies do not accept resumes from people. They have to be uploaded on a website rather than being delivered in person. Full-time employment is scarce as many employers tend to hire a number of casual and part-time employees instead, so they can avoid offering benefits and change schedules at will. This is likely great for the operational requirements but difficult for the person who wants and needs to work.

9. Liars - I'm always amazed when someone looks me in the eye and deliberately lies, particularly when the subject is of little significance. Even high-profile leaders and actors tell tall stories while forgetting that you will find videos, witnesses and recorders that could reveal what they'd done or said on an earlier occasion.

10. Customer support - Frequently voice mail messages, texts and emails are ignored without responses. Store clerks are a rare find. Manners, respect and knowledge can be missing. The good news, of course, is that the companies who provide customer support have an edge and will grow quickly.

Please don't get me wrong. I am not complaining. I am just noting that the world I grew up in has changed significantly. There is not any point in being upset or worried about it. Just ensure that you ask good questions when you're confused and make good choices as you proceed.
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