Jobs and wages

 I see many businesses looking for employees.  Pizza parlors are only open for 3 days a week.  The National Coney Island has a big public sign posted looking for all positions.  It's been up there for about a month.  A local MacDonalds is paying up to 14.00/hour for employees.  Hours are abbreviated because of a lack of employees.  A local restaurant that I frequent has an owner that complains that no one wants to work.  There is a government pay subsidy that will end soon. Was it a good idea? The jury is still out on the duration of that decision.  The real bottom line on this issue is that absolute fact that these jobs that are begging for takers do not pay a living wage.

Even at 15.00/hour a 40 hour week would yield $450/week or $1800/month. Rents are at least 800/month and car payments are about 300/month plus the cost of insurance. Health insurance is yet another discussion. After taxes you might be able to achieve a subsistence living on this wage for one, no kids allowed. 

Will the expectation be that workers will return when the subsidy expires, being employed at 7.50/hour?  Really no one is getting rich here.  The business owners are getting by but not getting rich.  Consumers are not patient with all the waiting to be served.  You could make your own dinner and wear last years clothes.  You could scramble your own eggs and spread peanut butter and jelly on a couple of pieces of bread. Going out, you could expect to spend a little more time, be kind to your server and be generous with your tip.  These people are not tending to as many customers and in fact earning less. 

The pandemic has lead us to this point.  

Went to the Detroit Zoo yesterday to enjoy the perfect weather gifted to us in mid October.  The photo is from the butterfly garden exhibit.  The little creatures were in abundance on the sunny side of the structure with very few in the shade.  The camels were sitting in a clump enjoying the sunshine and the pride of lions were lounging as well.  The wallabies were hopping and the kangaroos were basking.  The place was all decked out for the remaining days of the Zoo-Boo celebration. The the top photo "I am out of things to say; with onlooker".

all for now 

stay safe 

enjoy this day