For most of the 2000s we had to put up with recruiters, HR consultants and others who justified their existence in good times by chattering
incessantly about a "tight skilled labor market" that's independent of
the economy, that has everything to do with the retiring Baby Boomers and the the Generation Y baby bust.
Well, the Boomers can't afford to retire even if they wanted to—and they do want to, because those who have jobs are miserable in them. And I'm talking about the kinds of talented, super well-networked communication execs who I deal with as a conference organizer and communication publisher.
These people used to have the pick of the best jobs. Some of their misery can be chalked up to the fact that all aspects of business are just less fun in a bad economy.
But much of what I'm hearing sounds like they have bosses with boots on their throats. They're harried and confused, scared and, to one extent or another, humiliated.
And so I ask again: Where are the tight job market assholes now?
And: Can anybody tell me you're having a good time at work these days?
I'll jump, I swear I will!
Um, ya, actually I am having a good time at work these days. I’m working on some kinda cool stuff. If it wasn’t for this nasty cold in my head, I would have been pretty happy to roll into the office this morning.
That’s one.
I think every work place is tense — I hear this all over. But I think it has more to do with what’s inside us, David. So am I happy at work right now? Yes. I have a good boss, interesting work to do (with all of its normal and abnormal frustrations), and good people to work with. And for those things I am indeed thankful.
That’s two.
Glynn, I agree that it’s a lot about what’s inside us, but the people I’m talking about have never EVER said things to me like, “I’d leave in a heartbeat,” or “I can endure a lot for a paycheck,” or, “I’m working for a monster but I can handle it.”
So I know what’s been inside of these folks for years, and I know what’s inside of them now, and it’s different. These are captains of their own careers–people like you, Glynn–and right now they seem locked in an pitching wheelhouse.
I’m glad there are those who see it differently (and as I’ve said, I’m enjoying my own work lately). But I’ll be happier when these captains have both hands on the wheel and a pipe in their mouths again.
Maybe I don’t count because I’m self-employed, but mark me down as three.
I feel immensely fortunate to have paying clients — and good ones, at that — in this economy. I haven’t missed a mortgage payment and I don’t take that lightly.
Are there times when I wish I was doing a different kind of work with different clients? Sure. Is there more that I’d like to do in the future? Yes, though I’m not yet sure what that is. I’m doing a lot of thinking and dreaming in that regard.
But, look — work is hard. We can always find a lot to hate about it, just as well as we can find a lot to love about it. So stop your whining and get back to work. 😉
Holland, stop whining about my whining.
I make four, but I agree with your original post. Heck – in some ways I’m relieved this has finally come. I got so fed up with working with older, highly paid but ultimately incompetent “professionals” that on more than one occasion I left an organization because of them. The twin forces of social media and the economic downturn have finally thinned the ranks. Those who are necessary and talented are (mostly) still among those left standing.
Oooh, now THAT’S a new angle. Laura, we’d love any elaboration that you could offer here, without naming names or companies of course.