What's With Young Adults These Days?

"Work" has become a dirty word for many

These days people are uncertain about what to do with their work life. We read all the time that the Covid lockdown caused many people to reconsider whether to go back to the job(s) they had, or something like them. Maybe they were working for minimum wage, maybe working two or more jobs to make ends meet, putting in 80 hours in conditions that weren't all that great, getting few or no benefits. This situation has made "work"a terrible thing for some. 

There is even a subReddit called "antiwork," with a half million members. (The graffiti above is from that sub.) Judging from their comments and votes, most of their work experience has been really rotten. It is fundamentally a sad subReddit. They are looking desperately for an alternative way to survive - and enjoy life in the process. 

...Short of that, how about a decent job?

With a while to think about their personal rat race, some have thought it over and decided if they must work they will look for something better.  Better pay, some sick leave, a vacation, health insurance. A little security would be nice. Hours regular enough to let you have a schedule for all the other things you need and want to do. How about a boss who respects you and values you as an employee?

Maybe a job you could be really proud of is the most important thing. And for some, the idea of having your own business is where it's really at.  

But how? Where? Can you really qualify for such a step up job? Do you have to go back to school?

Then, right there on a web site you run across, is at least one answer, and it's a big opportunity.

 SLAM DUNK

Get Trained in a Trade With Good Wages for Clean, Interesting Work While Earning Apprentice Money!

Even better, your employer who will train you is a master appliance maintenance technician, a nice man who will teach you to diagnose problems, replace failed parts and test your work. You will have the gratification of a valuable work product. That broken appliance will be fixed, and your customer will be happy.

After you get competent in this trade, a year tops if you really try, ...

Andre Chacon, master appliance technician, and young apprentice

... you can start your own company. Low capital needs and a very large demand for your service (just try to find a good appliance fixer)!

Here's the Rub

Andre tells me he can no longer get serious applicants.

Few apply for the apprenticeships, and those that do don't even show up most of the time. I could tell by talking to him that he was as confounded by this as I am.

     "It's a good, clean trade. You don't have to be in hot attics like electricians or crawling around under houses like plumbers, and you can make the same money if you are good. What's with these young people?" said Andre.

I'm waiting to see how this shakes out. I'll stay in touch with Andre and report back in a while.  

Here's Andre's web site.