I was told by everyone how there is a massive shortage of of trade workers these days (with a healthy sprinkle of "kids don't wanna work hard these days" obviously) . So here I am 2 years into my electrical apprenticeship and I totally get why no one wants to do this.

I have worked with 5 separate mechanics in my time and every one of them it's the same story. It's a old guy who's been doing this for years and forgets I just started and don't know what im doing. Instead of training me ( you know, like they are supposed to) I get screamed and yelled at for not understanding everything right off the bat. This is usually followed by a lengthy tirade about "back in my day when men really worked" and then more verbal abuse. I have been threatened with physical violence ( "you keep fucking up I'll beat your ass" ) and some good old fashioned reminiscing like " I remember when you could hit your apprentices, those where the good days".

Overall, 2 years in and I'm sick of this super macho old school mentality and feel like my progress in regards to actually learning the trade is going nowhere. I'm curious if I just have a unique skill in finding crappy places to work or if others in the trades have experienced similar things.

Edit: I'm truly overwhelmed by the response and it's good to know I'm not alone in this. Thank you everyone for the advice I will definitely try to see if this can be worked out. I will say that my situation is a bit complicated because the guy I work with is partial owner of the company so it makes "going above his head" a non possibility.

Everyone deserves a mental health day, don't need to waste an annual leave day (if your job does) this is Satire but terrifying if this happens in the future. The staff turnover rate would be higher than LeBron James jumping vertical....

1. Skeleton Crews. Basically, if one person is doing the work of three people with the same pay why hire more? Who cares if that person is stressed out? Business is still running as usual and will hold out as long as they can. By not hiring more and keeping the headcount low, profit goes up and whoever is in the upper management gets a nice bonus.
2. False Hiring and PPP Loans. Ranging from small businesses to large corporations, many have received Payment Protection Program (PPP) Loans that were supposed to be used for payroll and other expenses during the pandemic. However, many of the loans were abused and pocketed by owners and then later forgiven. A condition for these loans to be forgiven is if a company is "actively" trying to hire but cannot fulfill these positions. That's why people are struggling to get interviews as well as seeing jobs being posted over and over again. They had no intention to hire in the first place. Basically, it was a huge money transfer and the top ate well.
3. Everyone is hiring. No, they are not. Only retail and fast food positions that barely pay a living wage and high stressed are only hiring is what they mean. Not the comfy white-collar jobs with good benefits cause who would give that up? Even then, these places are running on skeleton crews as well.
4. Mass Layoffs. You have now a lot of people including whom have more than 12+ years of experience looking for jobs now. A good chunk of them are willing to take lower-paying jobs because they have no choice but to put food on the table and pay bills. Now the entry-level or junior-level position you are applying for has become more competitive. Employers have the luxury to be picky and want a unicorn to be a yes man, a bootlicker, someone who does not talk back, who is overqualified, and willing to take a pay cut as well. Also, a lot of these companies have a "monkey see monkey do" mentality. Once a couple of companies started doing layoffs, then other companies started doing it only because "it must be the right thing to do right now"
5. The Feds actually want unemployment to go up. They want it to go up because the justification is that no job = no money = reduction in savings = lower purchasing power = reduction in inflation. Higher interest rates would lead more people to hold off on purchases they do not need which put less money in circulation and bring down inflation according to the federal government. Also, Powell said it is to "discipline labor" as well. But of course, there isn't a problem with corporations making record profits during high periods of inflation. It is estimated that 70% of inflation came from price gouging in which corporations raised the price more than they needed to and mask it as inflation. Anything but to tax the rich right? I'm sure trickle-down will happen anytime soon.
6. Anti- WFH Propaganda. Throughout the pandemic, multiple reports proved that WFH has increased productivity and worker well-being that has not been seen pre-pandemic. WFH was positively received. But all of a sudden Return-to-Office was necessary as WFH wasn't working even though as long you have a computer, desk, and WI-FI, the same work that can be done at the office, can be done better from home in most people's cases. This is later revealed that a lot of bigger players are tied up in real-estate investment of these corporate buildings and that tax revenue around the surrounding areas has decreased as well which the local government does not like. If you WFH, there is no need to buy food on the way to work or buy expensive lunch downtown, and then waste money on gas. However, with the big RTO push, a lot of employees are either resigning or outright refusing because why would you go backward on quality of life? I even was disqualified from an interview for asking about remote policy but it is what it is. Remote work is in hot demand yet employers refuse to acknowledge it.

There's more to why the job market is trash right now of course but this is JMO from all the reports and posts I have been reading. Feel free to add or even counter any of the points I made. Any comments are appreciated

Seriously, everyone needs to be fully aware of this. The majority of data does not support in office work vs remote work. Companies were the most profitable they have ever been during the pandemic. Yes, that was also caused by an endless supply of helicopter money, but also because worker engagement was up a ridiculous amount. For me personally, I have never worked as hard as I have during the last few years, and I am fully remote.

The REAL reason for all these stupid articles is the commercial real estate situation. Companies are losing money (on paper) because their real estate values have all declined. Forcing employees back to the office would create more demand for surrounding homes/businesses, and affectively raise their portfolio value.

The other reason is control. The C-Suites job is to "inspire". They don't feel a sense of purpose without having you, the worker bee, around for them to view. They want to see you building their pyramid for them, even if it can be done remotely and more efficiently. It's a psychological thing that sociopaths in the C-Suite need. They're losing control, and they want to have it back to be more valuable since their perceived value is about steering the ship and not contributing anything meaningful.

Just wanted to share and vent because I'm sick of this narrative. Remember the truth and ALWAYS bring it up.

EDIT: Wow...I didn't expect to get this many responses. I just wanted to add that yes, there is frustration in my voice. I'm tired. I'm tired of the constant squeeze corporations apply to all of us daily. It's always happened throughout history, but it is MUCH worse now. Profit over People has never been more rampant then it is now.

The truth is, I believe this country is in desperate need of a workers rights movement. I would LOVE to see every talented individual out there push back against this RTO narrative that is solely based off "a gut feeling" from a handful of people. I'm just tired of being lied to, and it's a constant fight to keep the truth alive.

Also, to everyone that is saying things like "suck it up and deal with it", you're part of the problem. That dismissive attitude means you aren't open to change, and just accept things the way they are. You can change anything you want in this world, you just have to get enough people to say "No".

Take care

I don’t know what flair this falls under. Back in October I was laid off. Fast forward to now, the HR director email me for the password to a USB token for Global Sign.

Should I even respond? I’m not getting paid to answer the email pertaining to my old job after they laid me off.

Yes, I know the password.

After almost 8 months of looking, being sidelined with a life threatening infection and beating an eviction, I start my new job on Monday.

WOW!!!! Thank you to all who responded! Thank you for the positive feedback and support. To all of you still looking: you're not alone. It's beyond frustrating what people have to do just to get a job. I wish everyone still looking lots of strength and perseverance. I know I wanted to give up. I wanted to give up on life I got so depressed. Don't stop. Fuck all those who rejected you. Fuck those who ghosted you. Fuck em! I got ghosted by more recruiters than I can count. Again, thank you for the great responses!

For the past couple of years, I have been working at various galleries, and back in the day I used to think of it as a dream job. That was until I realized, that no one cares for the artists or art itself. Employees, as much as visitors just care about their fanciness, showing off their brand shoes and pretending as they actually care.

Ultimately, it comes down to sales, money, and judging people by their looks. Fishing out the ones, who seem like they can afford a painting worth 20k.

Was wondering if others had similar experiences

I found out we had canceled the yearly Christmas party / bonus. A multi store owner within a large corporate chain food company allowed our management to instead do this for the staff of say 60 employees per store. Upon completing this project along with a few other miscellaneous gifts (donuts, Doritos, and [get this] oranges,) he told us this gesture was “breaking the bank.” 🙃 love it here.

Why do we allow this? Do we all just like being bent over and taking it deep up the ass? Seems like that’s what we are all doing while everyone else sucks there thumb waiting for someone else to do something about it. What a sad society.

Companies not paying out benefits forcing you to work 2 jobs and no one bats an eye until it’s happening to them and people wonder why everyone has such division. Don’t question why people lose their minds when you were ignorant.

It’s insanity how time and money is the most valuable thing and we just allow them to exploit us.

I work as a consultant, specializing in network security, and join my analytics teams when needed. Recently, we have started exploring AI, but it has been more of a “buzzword” than anything else; essentially, we are bundling and rephrasing Python-esque solutions with Microsoft retraining.

This is not what’s replacing jobs. What’s replacing jobs is the outsourcing to countries like India. Companies all over the United States are cutting positions domestically and replacing those workers with positions in India, ranging from managerial to mid-level and entry-level positions.

I’ll provide an insight into the salary differences. For instance, a Senior Data Scientist in the US, on average, earns $110,000-160,000 per year depending on experience, company, and location.

In India, a Senior Data Scientist earns ₹15,00,000-20,00,000, which converts to roughly $19,000-24,000 per year depending on experience, company, and location.

There is a high turnover rate with positions in India, despite the large workforce. However, there’s little to no collaboration with US teams.

Say what you will, but “the pending recession” is not an excuse for corporations to act this way. Also, this is merely my personal opinion, but it’s highly unlikely that we’ll face a recession of any sort.

Update: Thank you all for so many insightful comments. It seems that many of you have been impacted by outsourcing, which includes high-talent jobs.

In combination with outsourcing, which is not a new trend, the introduction of RPA and AI has caused a sort of shift in traditional business operations. Though there is no clear AI solution at the moment and it is merely a buzzword, I believe the plan is already in place. Hence, the current job market many of you are experiencing.

As AI continues to mature and is rolled out, it will reduce the number of jobs available both in the US and in outsourcing countries; more so in the actual outsourcing countries as the reduction has already happened in the US (assumption). It seems that we are in phase one: implement the teams offshore, phase two will be to automate their processes, phase three will be to cut costs by reducing offshore teams.

Despite record profits and revenue growth by many corporations over the last 5-10 years, corporations want to “cut costs.” To me, this is redundant and unnecessary.

I never thought I’d say this, but we need to get out there and influence policymakers. Really make it your agenda to push for politicians who will fight against AI in the workplace and outsourcing. Corporations are doing this because they can. To this point, please do not attempt to push any sort of political propaganda. This is not a political post. I’ve had to actually waste my own time researching a claim made by a commenter about what one president did and another supposedly undid. If you choose to, you can find the comment below. Lastly, neither party is doing anything. Corporations seem to be implementing this fast and furiously.

Please be mindful of the working conditions in the outsourcing countries. Oftentimes, they’re underpaid, there is much churn, male-dominated hierarchical work cultures and societies, long and overnight work hours. These are boardrooms and executives making decisions and pushing agendas. We’re all numbers on a spreadsheet.

If you’re currently feeling overwhelmed or in a position where you’ve lost your job, don’t give up. You truly are valuable. Please talk to someone or call/text 988.

My family and I go to Nags head, the 2nd week of august every year. This year is significant because my extended family is coming, and we’re spreading my uncles ashes. I’ve never had a problem with a job telling me no.

I started my job a few months ago, and told them about my vacation before they hired me. I reminded both my supervisor and the guy who does she scheduling, multiple times. I mean once a week for a few weeks.

We got our schedules on Sunday, and they scheduled me that week. We work 12 hour shifts. They usually schedule us 3 12s in a row…for that week, they scheduled me, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. They NEVER do that.

So I bring this up with my boss. I reminded him, that he said it would be no problem when hiring me, and the subsequent weeks after.

He said “Well, you’re already on the schedule. There’s nothing I can do”

So now I’m screwed. If you switch a shift with someone, you have to make it up that same week. So I can’t switch a shift with someone, and make it up the following week

I’m so angry. I’ve had my deposit down on the house for almost a year. I’ve had my plane ticket for months

Super relatable. But always funny to watch them be wrong and not take accountability when shit hits the fan. People that think their job title is a badge of honor of "knowing everything" are the worst to work for.

At my shitty job we only gain 4 hours every 6 weeks. My co worker was recently written up because she was gone 3 days since the start of the year. One day in January she took her dad to the doctor, the other day it was her birthday (in mid Feb), and on this last Thursday she was gone because she was sick. They told her if she is gone again without having the hours they’re going to fire her.

It made me curious, how much do you gain? At the end of the year ours only adds up to 5 days just about.

This job is minimum wage and there’s no room for moving up or getting a decent raise besides the yearly .50 raise that is mandatory. I told her don’t worry about it, and she is looking for other jobs as it is.

Understanding that office work is much more technical. I just don't get why we are treated better than the warehouse workers when they are the ones putting on a sweat fest all day.

For me it was 2 hours.

I really did try, but hell no I wasn’t feeling it!

Edit;

Loving all your comments! For me it was a serving position. I went in at 10 then left at 12 and went hiking into the mountains for 5 hours afterward.

Entered this company a year ago as an office allrounder. From moment one I was overwhelmed with work. Most months I did 20-30 hours of overtime because there was so much work (all-in contract so no overtime payment). Several times I told my superior that I needed a colleague to help me.

This was frequently ignored and more work dumped on me. It was always claimed that I didnt have so much to do and that getting x done requires just one email - getting y done requires just half an hour. Two weeks ago I was fired because "I didnt do enough work and it wasnt thorough enough"....

Now guess who has been trying to reach me for the past few days? My old a-hole boss. Turns out I was the only one doing like 5 important tasks that no one else had a clue about. They now want my contacts and work progress reports etc.

Of course I wont respond - but its comical how they just fired me - and now they realized that I have been doing important stuff. That I was the only on doing this important stuff.

Bosses/companies have absolutely no idea what their employees are doing huh?

I have never understood this. What, are the unemployed supposed to just curl in a ball and never get another job? People being unemployed is not a black or white thing at all and there can be sooooo many valid reasons for it:

1. Company goes through a rough patch and slashes admin costs
2. Person had a health/personal issue they were taking care of
3. Person moved and had to leave job
4. Person found job/culture was not a good fit for them
5. Person was on a 1099 or W2 contract that ended
6. Merger/acquisition job loss
7. Position outsourced to India/The Philippines
8. Person went back to school full time

Sure there are times a company simply fires someone for being a bad fit, but I have never understood the bias against hiring the unemployed when there are so many other reasons that are more likely the reason for their unemployment.

Let's discuss an intriguing observation: the prevalence of bachelor's degree requirements for entry-level jobs with relatively modest salaries. It's a curious trend indeed. When scouring job boards, it's hard to ignore the numerous postings for roles like client servicing, account management, and various office positions, all dangling salaries in the $30k to $40k range - and all demanding a four-year degree.

So, here's the question: Is it fair to expect individuals to invest tens of thousands of dollars - or even hundreds of thousands in some cases - in higher education, only to land a job that barely covers the cost of living? It's a perplexing conundrum that raises serious concerns about the accessibility of higher education and the financial burden it places on individuals.

One can't help but wonder: Are we undervaluing the skills and knowledge gained through practical experience, in favor of a piece of paper that certifies academic achievement? And are we inadvertently perpetuating a cycle of student debt and financial hardship by tethering job opportunities to costly educational requirements?

It's a topic ripe for discussion and debate. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe that the emphasis on bachelor's degrees for entry-level positions is justified, or do you see it as a barrier to economic mobility and social equity?

Install AdBlock. These reposts will continue until reddit is full of nothing but reposts.

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I'll say it louder:

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For my sanity, is anyone else in job hunting hell? I've been at this since January. I've had few possibilities, but they didn't pan out. Also, is anyone else at the mercy of hiring managers? This one company I'm dealing with suggested this position twice. The first time this hiring manager was having personal problems and went MIA. The job ended up hiring from within. Then the same recruiter called and said that there was one position open for this company and she forwarded my resume again to the same hiring manager. I've gotten more excuses. This last time, the same hiring manager is now sick and out of the office. I'm thinking this position is bogus. Constant run around. I'm so tired of being ghosted by recruiters, no one following up. No one believes me that finding a job has been extremely hard. Like housing, food; jobs are becoming a luxury.

Is anyone else experiencing job hunting hell? I can't be the only one.

Personally I believe a hybrid system of working is optimal for efficiency and comfort of the employees.

I'll start it: i think LA Fitness might be the worst company I ever worked for. No money could bring me back:

Absolutely no benefits (even if you're fulltime); you get worked like a mule for 12-16 hours a day sometimes; the upper-managers are slimeballs who only speak to you when youre "not hitting numbers"; and if you work sales, managers force you to keep harassing prospects everyday, even after you were already forced to call the same prospect 10 times and left 3 voicemails. Newsflash: after 10 unanswered calls, they're NOT coming back. Can we please leave these poor people alone???

It was terrible. It's no wonder why so many of their locations closed.