Where did everybody go?
One of the mysteries that has confused me in recent months as we sorta, somewhat, maybe turn the corner on this COVID thing is where did all the workers go?
I’m sure it is as noticeable on the farm or in rural communities as much as it is in the city. It doesn’t seem to matter where I turn today, there is a help wanted sign, or if some service has slowed or is not available, it’s because the business couldn’t find workers.
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And, of course, one of the big factors in the whole supply chain failure over the past few months is this colossal worldwide traffic jam in the movement of goods, blamed not only on exceptional demand (and that guy who parked the container ship sideways in the Suez Canal) but compounded by the fact that companies can’t find workers. Where did everyone go? A lot of people died during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (and some are still dying) but not everyone died.
It is like a scene from a science fiction movie, where the world is overcome by some mysterious fog. And when the fog lifts, the few survivors come out of their secure bunker to learn they are the only ones left. Everyone else has mysteriously disappeared — just vaporized.
It is good in a way that unemployment is low, and it is relatively easy for people to find jobs, but I still haven’t heard a really satisfactory explanation of where did everyone go? Some reports blame it on COVID-19. Others say don’t blame it on COVID. Blame it on the war in Ukraine, no don’t blame it on the war in Ukraine.
The country and the world seemed to have been gainfully employed up until March 2020 — COVID Day.
Personally, I haven’t been looking for work for a few days, but it seems back in 2018 and 2019 there were stretches where it was difficult to find work. Hearing from friends in Calgary, contractors had a wide open choice of workers. You needed a college degree to get a labourer job on a construction site. Today, if you just know someone who knows how to hold a broom you’re hired on the spot.
Just about every service sector has a shortage of workers. Restaurants are closed or have limited seating due to a shortage of workers. The construction industry is looking for skilled trades people as well as labourers.
I almost took a trip
For a few minutes after COVID restrictions lifted, I thought it might be fun to do a bit of travelling again, until I saw news reports that there is only one baggage handler left working in all Canadian airports, so luggage does not move.
There are fewer pilots and flight attendants. Airlines have cut thousands of flights from the schedule because there aren’t enough pilots to fly the planes or attendants to look after passengers … never mind that poor baggage guy who is remarkably overworked.
And now hospitals and urgent care centres are shutting down across the country because there are not enough doctors and nurses and other support staff to keep the doors open. Perhaps many people are still receiving timely care but the only reports I hear are about people sitting for eight, 10, 12 hours in an emergency room waiting to be seen by a doctor. There are a few reports of patients dying before they could be treated. Thank God I am feeling well because going to a hospital for help does not seem like a viable option. What the hell is wrong with the health care system?
And at all political levels everyone wrings their hands, looks very concerned and says this is “unacceptable” but that seems to be where it ends. As long as the situation has been described as “unacceptable” that takes care of it — now let’s go talk about something green and environmentally sustainable.
Speaking of that, what the hell happened to the price of fuel? I like that joke about the guy at the gas station on pump No. 3 who bought $10 worth of gas. Somebody asked him where he was going and he said pump No. 4. Another moment of gratitude — thank God I don’t drive for a living.
Fuel prices are high, food prices are ramping up!! I’m not losing any weight, mind you, but if this keeps up there is a very real risk that I could be eating less. And that really would be unacceptable.
I think that’s why Queen Elizabeth is staying on the job at the age of 96. They just can’t find a replacement.
Probably every generation since the ice age has had that “what is the world coming to” moment. Well, I guess this is my moment. After all of my complaining, the facts are I am feeling good, and I know there is supper ahead tonight. Maybe I’ll get reckless, throw $15 worth of gas in the truck and just see how far that takes me. Born to be wild — that’s just the way I roll.
