Funny you would say that Glenn. I've been out of work since Jan 2010, and I've applied at McDonald's and several fast food joints just to get some income. "Not hiring" or "decided to pursue other candidates". Strangely though the person working the drive through window doesn't speak English for crap (but that's a different issue...or is it?).
You name the minimum wage job, and I've applied for it. I've also applied for every job I'm qualified for, and many I have no work experience in but I know can do the job if given the training or the chance.
I was talking to the manager of a local retail store the other day. One position open, and they've gotten over 300 applications in just the first two days they advertised. A good portion of those applications were experienced professionals. You know who that job is going to go to? Someone without experience that they don't have to worry about leaving the job the next week if the job they really want suddenly opens up.
It's easy for someone to say "get a job". It's not easy to actually get one in this market.
I just watched a coffee shop down the street from my house close up two days ago without warning with a sign on the door that says "closed due to economic realities." That's 10 more minimum wage employees now looking for a job, right next to everyone else.
I love you Glenn, but you currently are on the outside looking in so really don't understand what's going on in the streets. I will give you that some people in the 99'ers aren't really looking, but a good majority of them are.
You nailed it. McDonald’s isn’t looking to hire 55-year-olds with college degrees.
Honestly, I’m appalled at the number of Freepers who think that getting even an entry-level, low wage job is a breeze in this wretched economy. Entry-level means entry-level — they don’t want you if you’re too old or have too much education or experience.
The only answer for a lot of experienced folks will be to try to start their own businesses.