Many roles

News hit this past weekend that unemployment has shot up, with approximately 84,000 jobs shed in February. Losses were driven by full-time positions being eliminated, primarily within the private sector. Manufacturing and construction cuts represent the downturn in both of those markets. If there isn’t work, there isn’t work.

The supercharged economy of just a few years ago has abated. Cheap interest loans, increased demand for real estate and renovations drove markets upward, resulting in inflation not seen for decades. 

One could suggest we are now in the hangover phase of a surreal time. Economists and pundits would be more likely to suggest it is a corrective phase. Whatever it is, it is troubling.

Compounding those internal issues are international decisions now resulting in increased petroleum costs – in other words, more inflation. Transportation and many forms of manufacturing rely on fuel prices. With the war in Iran and the resultant attacks on ships within the Strait of Hormuz, the impact on the world economy will be hazardous in the interim. 

While watching this news play out, CBC interviewed a few young people on the job market. One mentioned the volume of resumes she had dispatched without a response. And another young man suggested the same, capping off his disclosure that he would be suitable for so many roles. The word “roles” caught our attention. It hung in the air like much of today’s language.

It wasn’t that long ago we had pages of help wanted ads. Add to that a plethora of online sites with job postings, and it was very much an employee market. Employers were quite frustrated looking for workers, let alone qualified people with experience. Candidates they may have attracted didn’t always last in the position or “ghosted” the employer before even starting.

With the number of jobs dwindling, it would seem natural that employers would see more applications when jobs are posted. This isn’t always the case, evidenced lately by a posting for numerous sales positions in Bruce, Perth and Huron counties that did not draw one response. Not one.

While sales aren’t for everyone, it tells us there is still ample room within the economy for job seekers to be picky. Perhaps the chap with the “role” comment was on to something. This might also explain the reported unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 24, which is over 14%, more than double the rate of 6.7% for workers overall. 

Reminiscing with our cohort that survived the tough Recession of the early 90s, the need to work was very much a matter of survival. Pride factored into that too. Eager to work and needing to pay bills, people took jobs, despite that work not being in a chosen field or role. They had gumption and while offside with today’s current labour rules, plenty made the offer to work for a day for free, to get their foot in the door. Necessity turned into action.

Not surprisingly, some of those jobs turned into careers or at least provided exposure to other opportunities. People needing to work, just need to get out there. Keep pushing.

Spring begins

We cannot recall a year when people were so anxious for spring.

The hardy Canadian has had enough after snow landed in December and stayed.

Geese are descending and robins have returned signaling a return to warmer times. 

Spring – music to our ears.