Will the workers of tomorrow pay for your retirement?
Continuing on the subject of “Capitalism”, our economy here in the west is fueled by people: spending, making, buying and creating. With “off-shoring” and “out-sourcing” rapidly entering the realm of mainstream concerns, there is a distinct sense that substantial structural changes are underway in the societies of the developed world. In Europe, Israel, and Russia unemployment rates among young people hover steadily around 10-12%. Is it lack of paying jobs or lack of opportunities? What available jobs capture the imagination and talents of “Indigo Children”, this generation astrologically predestined to feats of creative strength
The modern mega-cities import workers for low-paying jobs from developing countries. Since the Palestinian uprising, Romanians and Koreans have become the builders of Israel and an exodus from the Balkans feeds the construction needs of Western Europe. The low-wage semi-legal workers overburden social systems of their host countries, brewing inevitable conflicts and resentment. But “native” youngsters are not exactly rushing to compete with the determined newcomers for the 'golden opportunity' of paving roads, for example. A recent Jobs section of Canadian daily, The National Post attempted to steer first time job seekers exactly in this direction: construction workers and hair-stylists are expected to be in high demand through 2012.
Has this generation of I-POD Web-Surfers has developed skills and perspectives, mental landscapes if you like, which have subsequently rendered it unsuitable for the types of occupations on offer? Based on what we heard in some of our interviews, the answer lies in not having a single 'job', not aspiring to a profession, or becoming a specialist. Shifting grounds in the marketplace call for adaptable skill-sets. Young people respond by focusing on building a portfolio of skills acquired through pursuing interests that appeal to them. We saw them kite-surfing in Tarifa on the Costa del Sol, and organizing pan-European graffiti fests from San Francisco. Contemporary youth have a strong awareness of time's essential value. Corporate types can suggest all the entry-level jobs they like, these young graduates really work for themselves. They patch together personal projects and temporary jobs. They receive no benefits or guarantees for the future beyond the lasting relationships developed while working together.
Fair is fair, I suppose: it's a low commitment relationship on both sides. I haven’t asked if these youths pay taxes on their small sources of income but I have a sneaking suspicion.
Posted by sublime at May 22, 2004 01:54 PM