I work in a public place that offers computer access. That means I get exposed to a lot of people looking for work.
Now, I'm aware that the down economy has hit many different sorts of people, but what astounds me is how some people seem to refuse to adapt to the changing times.
I often see people who have little or no computer knowledge come in to apply for jobs online only to tell me that they're "computer illiterate." They offer this up right away, and almost seem proud that they're so behind the times.
Part of me wonders if these same people go into job interviews with the same attitude.
In fact, some of them come in after job interviews wearing completely inappropriate outfits then complain that they felt the interview didn't go well.
The subtext I hear over and over again is that these people used to be able to find work without having to acquire new skills or change who they were. They seem to be unwilling to accept that in a bad economy you have to figure out a way to give yourself an edge.
In a way, I feel like the arts seem to be having the same trouble.
Arts organizations all over my state are struggling, and they're quick to point the finger at the economy.
Well, I'm sure the bad economy doesn't help, but again, there's that subtext: When things were good, we got away with more.
...Or less, rather.
In a good economy, you have the option to be mediocre. To phone it in. To fund projects you may only slight believe in. To wear jeans to a job interview.
Those options aren't there anymore.
I realize that some people and organizations are struggling because of the times, and strictly that, but it's hard to look at other people who are floundering simply because they don't realize that the waters have gotten choppier and dog paddling won't cut it.
It would be nice to be in an economy where jobs pour forth to everyone, but until then, people have to learn to fight their way to the top.
Now, I'm aware that the down economy has hit many different sorts of people, but what astounds me is how some people seem to refuse to adapt to the changing times.
I often see people who have little or no computer knowledge come in to apply for jobs online only to tell me that they're "computer illiterate." They offer this up right away, and almost seem proud that they're so behind the times.
Part of me wonders if these same people go into job interviews with the same attitude.
In fact, some of them come in after job interviews wearing completely inappropriate outfits then complain that they felt the interview didn't go well.
The subtext I hear over and over again is that these people used to be able to find work without having to acquire new skills or change who they were. They seem to be unwilling to accept that in a bad economy you have to figure out a way to give yourself an edge.
In a way, I feel like the arts seem to be having the same trouble.
Arts organizations all over my state are struggling, and they're quick to point the finger at the economy.
Well, I'm sure the bad economy doesn't help, but again, there's that subtext: When things were good, we got away with more.
...Or less, rather.
In a good economy, you have the option to be mediocre. To phone it in. To fund projects you may only slight believe in. To wear jeans to a job interview.
Those options aren't there anymore.
I realize that some people and organizations are struggling because of the times, and strictly that, but it's hard to look at other people who are floundering simply because they don't realize that the waters have gotten choppier and dog paddling won't cut it.
It would be nice to be in an economy where jobs pour forth to everyone, but until then, people have to learn to fight their way to the top.
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