As my newsletter subscribers know, I love science fiction. I also love predicting the future. I’m certain that somewhere in another dimension there’s a Thea who works as a futurist, and I’ll be channeling that (optimistic) Thea in this blog post. 10 years from now, what will an introvert’s life be like?
2024: The Introvert Revolution has not been silenced, and Susan Cain’s Quiet Revolution is still going strong. Open plan offices have started to be replaced by individual cubicles created out of a clear material, which can turn opaque at the push of a button. When an employee no longer needs a distraction-free space and is free to collaborate they touch a button, and the walls of their cubicle silently recede.
High school classes alternate between lectures and self study, with students encouraged to approach the teacher, independently, with any questions. During Homeroom, lessons will be taught on life skills, including how to keep an energy calendar. Students will learn whether they concentrate better during the day time or evening, what activities they find overstimulating, and how much down time they normally require after overstimulating activities.
Introvert memes are still very popular. A new animal meme, the Ambivert Zebroid, has joined the meme ranks.
Saying “Sorry, I’m an introvert and already have another social event I’m going to that week” in response to a barbecue or party invitation will not result in hurt feelings, odd looks, or a request for additional explanation.
The majority of managers are trained to understand and respect personality and temperament. As a result, employees will be able to turn their cubical opaque without the risk of managers viewing them as aloof or unfriendly. It’s not unusual for employees who dislike tooting their own horn to send out a quarterly email to their manager, detailing their accomplishments . Employees will also be given the opportunity to brainstorm prior to a meeting, so they can contribute during brainstorming sessions.
Introversion will, finally, no longer be confused with shy.
