Welcome to the new economy. How many times have you heard that phrase recently? Now you can add a new problem to the new economy. Some people who have jobs are holding on so tightly, they may be afraid to help the unemployed.
Friday’s pathetic payroll report showing the U.S. economy added just 18,000 jobs in June underscores the fear.
Before the world financial crisis and the great job purge of 2007-2009 when nearly 8 million Americans lost their jobs, if someone knew of a person looking for a job, most people would lend a helping hand. Nowadays some are hanging on so tightly to the jobs they have, they’re afraid to even acknowledge a job seeker, afraid to give the job seeker an introduction much less a recommendation.
IS THAT REALLY WHO WE ARE
Yet workers are not the only ones gripped by fear. Companies are sitting on piles of cash afraid to hire until they see definite signs the economy is picking up steam or a clear picture of what government policy will be.
And it seems politicians are afraid to acknowledge the nation’s most urgent problem is jobs – not the deficit.
MAYBE IT’S TRICKLE-DOWN FEAR
Unemployment jumped to 9.2 percent in June, but real unemployment topped 16.2 percent. According to some estimates, there are 25.3 million Americans out of work. Nearly half are the shadow unemployed. They have either exhausted their unemployment benefits and given up looking for work, are working part time, or have been forced to create their own jobs. Many of those lucky enough to find or create jobs are eking out a living sometimes earning half of their previous paychecks.
DIGITAL DISTRESS
Not only are job seekers battling through fear and self-confidence busters, today’s digital economy means almost everyone has to apply online. It is like a modern version of Alice in Wonderland. Once your job application goes down the online rabbit hole, it may simply disappear.
Making matters worse, the digital process allows companies to cherry pick applicants – avoiding the more experienced and more expensive workers or whomever they don’t want.
The point is – it’s nearly impossible to get a job solely online. You have to get help from the inside. More than 70 percent of hires come through networking, so without reaching someone in the know, your chances of success are very slim. Something to consider the next time a friend or a former colleague asks you to shine some light on an application lost down the rabbit hole.
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