For Many, Recovery Means Lower Expectations

The Associated Press ^ | June 7, 2010 | ALLEN G. BREED and RICH MATTHEWS

[Nepeta]

Somehow, we have to get back to manufacturing things to sell to each other and other places in the world. We cannot survive selling each other hamburgers.

[Oatka]

I’m surprised the answer wasn’t “Go earn your own $5.”

Good point. That omission is part of the problem.

[RWB Patriot]

Hmm, what I would give to live in the days where people understood their financial position and lived on it, children weren’t spoiled, people knew the difference between rights and privileges, and big brother somewhat minded its own bloody business.

It really highlights the difference between generations when we see how people view lowering their expectations nowadays.

[redgolum]

Sounds like the bad old days. Sad thing is, for the middle class, if you take that menial job, it might just lock you out of the type of job you used to have. Going from a manager to a janitor on your resume is a red flag, as is being laid off.

[walford]

Your responses would easily make or break the interview. And, if you're confident - also if you look like an office worker, rather than a taxi driver (1st impressions are EVERYTHING!) - that'll come through in the interview, too.

I am so glad you are here to tell me how to dress and act. My 30+ years in the job market [including 16 in offices] have served me poorly.

I hate to break this to you, but the days of hiring and retention being based upon competence and reliability are long-gone. Back in the olden days -- when it was called the Personnel Dept rather than HR -- you were interviewed by your potential supervisor and went into Personnel AFTER you were hired to fill out your W-2 form. Now you have to make it past people with silverware in their faces who know nothing about the job you're applying for. So they ask stupid questions, mostly to justify their own jobs.

"So tell me about yourself."

"What would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

"If you were an animal, what animal would you be?"

"How would your boss/friends/subordinates describe you?"

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

There are now Master's degrees in HR!

But HR bimbos are not the only obstacles. Headhunters are asking you to report for interviews based upon keywords that are flagged on your resume -- which is not actually read until you are there in person. Then they determine that you didn't meet the minimum qualifications. You learn to interrogate people before agreeing to report for an interview.

"What are the minimum qualifications?"

"I dunno."

"Have you actually read my resume?"

"No, but just come in."

^^^ Actual conversations.

Bottom line, the corporate culture has changed dramatically away from productivity to "fitting in" according to nebulous standards. Any situation that depends upon recognition/approval from others in this environment is iffy at best. If you are more goal and task-oriented, you are going to have a hard time. Far too many employers would rather have someone they "like" who is incompetent than a sonofabitch who actually shows up and gets the freaking work done.

It's a Brave New World.

[wbill]

It’s unfortunate that your experiences have left you so embittered. Good luck with your continued career.

[Ciexyz]

People are learning to live like retirees when they are far from ready for that life of lower expectations. Welcome to the era of watching every dollar and evaluating every expense. And do not get pi##ed off when the government gives 400 million dollars to the Palestinians or spends one billion on a new embassy in London.

[kcvl]

I don't know about Walgreen's around the country, but ours sucks!