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!