The media has been full of warnings about a possible recession. I’m not sure how they come up with those predictions. I’d think one of the first signs would be the unemployment rate. And yet, everywhere I’ve gone this week, businesses are understaffed. Why must we wait in line for help?
It started last weekend. I tried to deposit a check in my bank’s ATM machine over Labor Day. Alas, it was broken. On Tuesday, it was still broken, and long lines formed inside. There were only three open slots with clerks—the other five were empty. Several of us turned around and left, rather than wait 15 or 20 minutes with arthritic knees or a bad back. When I got home, my phone rang. The bank was calling to say I’d left my bank card in the ATM machine. Bummer! I took this opportunity to complain about the short staff after a long holiday. Not to mention a broken ATM system. They informed me that several people were on vacation, and there were several vacancies to fill. They didn’t apologize.
That afternoon, we had an appointment to have a new TV installed. When the service man came, he discovered our TV Stand was too small. We would have to buy another stand, and make a new appointment, which would take at least a week. The reason? Short of staff. He is the only technician the company has available, and he’s working ten hour days, going all over Indiana & Illinois.
At the VA last month, veterans waited several hours to see their physicians. Why? Same answer. Sudden shortage of staff.
Drove to the supermarket yesterday. Same problem. Long lines, only 2 checkout stands open. Signs all over the place that they are taking employment applications.