Looking for a job these days is demeaning. Not that I’ve gotten to that point yet, but I have had my eyes and ears open – more out of curiosity than anything. Hopefully, I’ll never have to head down that path again – it would literally suck the life from me.
Browsing through a few of the job websites, I am noticing a very alarming trend. Most of the positions available these days are through a third party, or employment agency. Obviously, companies have evolved to the point where this is the favorable business model – no benefits, pension, or long term commitment, equals maximum profit for the shareholders. What has happened to the labor market in the last 20 years?
And why are people putting up with this crap! Are we all so hard up for work that we need to subject ourselves to this? Besides, I thought this country was on the verge of a labor shortage with the baby-boomers retiring. It would certainly seem to me that the employers still have the upper hand. It boggles my mind. We, the workers, should be laying out the conditions under which we will accept employment from them – not the other way around.
I feel for the young people just getting out of school and having to deal with that nonsense.
I’m really getting too old for this shit.
It seems like a lifetime since I’ve had to prepare a resume and fill out a job application. In fact, the last resume I prepared was done on a typewriter and actually mailed or hand-delivered to potential employers. The only advantage to doing it over the internet is the fact that you are able to blast your resume to numerous employers with one mouse click.
But, is it really an advantage? For one thing, the personal touch is history. Years ago, I took pride in the fact that I was handing out a nice, crisp (linen paper, $1/sheet), neatly typed, professional resume. Nowadays, they all arrive looking the same (on some manager’s computer screen). Man, I am starting to sound like an old fogey.
And, should you happen to be one of the chosen few that are selected for an interview; you have to fill out forms for background checks, credit rating, blah, blah, blah – and all this for a chance at a one year contract!
Now, if I were 20 again, I might be more inclined to jump through their hoops. However, at 45, and with 20 years in the corporate world, I’m a little more hip to how things really work. Some might even say I’m jaded. In any case, one advantage I do have is that I can spot bullshit a mile away – and the higher up you go, the more there is to deal with.
I tell you, it makes me physically ill to even think about working for some corporation again - Seriously.
As a matter of fact, I am going to make it my mission in life to avoid that at all costs. It just won’t happen, I won’t let it.
Ok, that’s my rant for the day!