Yesterday was the big first Republican Primary debate, in Cleveland, Ohio. This website is not about politics, but this politics does tie in this time, and you will see how as you read this article.
Today, I saw an interview with a young lady of the “Millennial” generation. She was being interviewed about who she, and those of her generation, liked for the next US President. Who she liked is not of importance to this article, that is not what this is about. She named a candidate and said the reason she liked this candidate was that “he would make the most jobs” for her and her countrymen.
Well, excuse me, but I disagree. Jobs, or rather, work or business is very important to me. But, even though it is a very important and interesting topic, I do not believe that ANY Presidential candidate from either party is going to create any jobs! I don’t want any of them to create any jobs, and I really don’t think they can create jobs anyway. I guess I am not precisely correct on that… a President can create jobs… he or she can create government jobs! But, in my opinion, government jobs are not really real, they are just a transfer of money from one person to another. Jobs are created by businesses, or by one’s self if they are self-employed.
I recently talked about the Gig-Economy here on this site. I love the idea of the gig economy, I have lived it for 20+ years, even before there was such a thing as the gig economy. I want a President who creates an economy where I can make plenty of money. That does not mean “making jobs,” it means creating a positive business atmosphere in the country, which by extension creates a positive business atmosphere across much of the world. I want a President and a Congress, from whatever political party, to put laws and policies in place that make it easy to do business. Such policies are good for any person who wants to make money, be it as a self-employed person, a Giger, or a laborer who works for some other business. If the employer is able to get more business deals, it makes more jobs for the workers!
My view is that it is not possible, and certainly not the job of a President to create government jobs, but it is a prime responsibility of any office holder to create the type of environment or attitude in the country that makes it likely for businesses and entrepreneurs to offer more jobs!
So, for me, my request to any person running for office is to please present a plan that will create a positive atmosphere for job availability. After that, just get out of my way and let me create my own jobs. Let me talk to other business people and work out deals with them, where they will hire me for a gig and let me do the work. Let’s forget about wanting a President who “makes” jobs, because it can’t be done, and shouldn’t be tried. Just do things that make more work possible (and likely).
What do you think?
If the government were to finally fund the repair of infrastructure, such as the thousands of aging bridges around the country…. for instance…..
I have no interest in government jobs. Yeah, it will help some thousands of people.. but there are millions who have no work because of the negative business atmosphere in the country. 🙂
I agree with you Bob (ooppss, hit the enter key by accident) Creative people like us can understand and can think of many ways of earning a living vs getting a job. I myseld am passionate about being an entrepreneur and I believe that is the different between me and that girl that was interviewed. My humble opinon
Jobs are a thing of previous times. Being creative and creating your own income is the way of the future. It is the way that we will succeed in our time, Geri.
Amen Bob. 🙂
Hi Bob,
The local paper had an article a few years ago about the types of jobs here. 10% were jobs that actually produced a product – manufacturing or agriculture. 23% were government jobs, local, state or federal. The rest were service jobs of one type or another. So it looks like 10% of the people generate the money that supports the other 90% that work (and that doesn’t count the people on the dole).
Like you I’m now in the gig economy which means I’m in a service business. Before that I was producing software, sometimes as a manager. I always looked at my managerial duties as ways to make work easier/smoother for my employees. I hated it – no one ever pats you on the back and gives you an atta boy for getting all the time sheets in on time (but get them in late…).
Anyway, I agree that government is supposed to help. When so many work in government though, they feel they have to make their mark. Usually IMO that means put up as many roadblocks as possible. But today that’s where the big bucks are – the average Fed job is over $100K/year. I once worked at a public university and after my short stint there I made a vow to never work at a government job again. Best decision I ever made.
Hi Tony. Interesting about the newspaper article and statistics that it laid out.
I agree, I am part of the gig economy, but I don’t consider that 100% service. I produce products. I produce books and language courses, among other things.
But, certainly, much of what I do is service related.
Have a great day, my friend!