Why Job Seekers, Employers Aren't Connecting

This recording was made in 2012 and the principles still hold true today. The paradox of unemployed workers trying to get a job and employers not being able to fill positions. People say they won't accept the job because they're making more on unemployment. Yes, at some point, having a job is better than none, but in some cases, taking a lesser job just to fill the space can make it difficult to attend interviews. Most of these jobs won't just let you leave or take time off to interview for the better jobs. I completely understand not taking a job because unemployment pays more, but only if you're actively looking for the next career move that will pay at least equal to or better than unemployment benefits.

Those unemployment payments don't last forever! If your time is running out it's probably good to get something decent at least. I agree that it's foolish to just "wait it out" and again, people need to know that unemployment expires. It doesn't go on forever. People aren't paid to permanently sit at home if they want to. Some states even require active job search and resume building workshops to help you get your new job. I've experienced it personally. Some critics will say people need to just move to lower cost of living areas or places with more jobs and better jobs. Ok, I get the logic and maybe it's a good plan for some, but people don't want to move away or can't move away because either they rely on others for support, others rely on them, or they just can't afford to relocate somewhere new and take risks without support.

The video interviewed young people who didn't want to work in factories or machine shops either because they saw their parents struggle in those jobs. They either didn't make enough money or they were laid off at every economic downturn. One person in this video quoted, "Many just won't take hard jobs at modest pay." Why should they? The job itself and the pay sucks. There are better alternatives. Why do people always call it modest, competitive, or good pay when the jobs don't even pay enough to live on independently? You will still have to live with roommates to help cover the costs of living. 

One case they highlighted was a guy out of prison that started out putting up cable wire for $200/week. Must've been part-time because that math doesn't add up to full-time minimum wage laws; then, suddenly, a short two and a half years later he's a manager making almost 6 figures!? Something is missing here. It's DEFINITELY an outlier and he's EXTREMELY lucky or there's a connection of some kind that was disclosed.

They kept asking employers, especially those typically working with immigrants, if they thought American workers are "entitled." Never mind the fact that employers are the one's acting "entitled" to having people do hard labor for slave wages. Pay better wages and be competitive if you want people to work for you. Again, pay better wages, offer better working conditions, offer good perks and benefits and be competitive if you want people to work for you. You are not entitled to cheap labor. People not wanting to work hard or low paying jobs doesn't mean their entitled, it means they know they deserve better and are finding better alternatives. Make it worthwhile to work with you.

In 2022 our economy is hurting because the costs of everything have been going up extraordinarily fast, but the quality of service has been dropping because everything is short staffed. We're all paying more and having to wait longer and get worse service. In the words of Butt-Head, "This sucks!"