It's easy to think that we're in a temporary euphoria and that things couldn't possibly get any better, but they probably will. Just as supply and demand have driven up home prices for the past several decades, the same principle will boost salaries for the best people. The oldest of the baby boomers will turn 55 in 2001, and the wave of retirements over the next couple of decades will lessen the amount of available workers companies have to choose from. Talented people will have plenty of opportunities to leave mediocre employers behind, and not just in the high-tech industry. But just as in real estate, the boom won't be the same for everyone.
Nobody wants to pay an inflated price for a fixer-upper.
And although the market will stay strong, there are always a few downturns in any aspect of life. Don't let them rattle you. As bad as the Depression was, its aftermath was great for a lot of savvy people because they shared in the country's growth. Despite his one mistake, Dad did, too. But a lot of people never did find success.