29 MARCH 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Latest Pandemic by Troy Cunningham, Vice President, WorldWide Drilling Resource® Everyone knows about the COVID-19 Pandemic, but has anyone seen the latest pandemic creeping up on America, or as a matter of fact, the world? With decisions from politicians and direction of the new generation, America is losing its workforce by thousands or even millions. The new generation is looking for the easy way out, or fast cash like TikTok, or being an influencer. One question: What the h- - - is an influencer? Isn’t it someone influencing your behavior by deciding what you should wear or do, so you don’t have to make decisions on your own? What happened to making your own decisions, good or bad? The American workforce, actually manual labor, has just disappeared. Small businesses have seen a major decline in their workforce. For instance, a business employed ten workers and two owners, and has lost all ten employees; owners who started the business with blood, sweat, and tears are right back where they started when they opened their doors. It’s not in just one region of the country or one industry, it is across the board. I had a gentleman say he thought it was just his business. I had to reassure him, it was in any industry involving manual labor. His business went from about 18 employees, down to four and only one of those is not family. I talked to another gentleman, who made the statement, that kids can make money off of just videos and don’t want to work with their hands. I asked him what happens when computers or the power stops working - can those individuals survive? Can they grow their own food, build their own shelter, and how would they barter or make money? This new pandemic is a silent killer of America! What, or who, is behind it? Is it just evolution taking its course? Is this a new type of warfare (from inside)? One last question and statement. Who thought long and hard about raising minimum wage (lowest pay for a task or job), high school or college students needing a little side money? This wage is for fast food (beginner) workers (just one industry that comes to mind). No real talent or skill is needed for such a job and minimum wage went from $5 to $15, which increased lunch at burger joints from $5 to $15. Do you see the correlation? So, for those who can’t figure it out, at a minimum wage job, one hour of work pays for your lunch. You didn’t get ahead by raising minimum wage, you stayed the same. What we should be striving for our youth to do is to make something out of their lives. Strive to be better than minimum. Remember, a worker who is irreplaceable, is worth a lot more than minimum wage, and should and would get paid more. What’s the old saying (this may offend some, so if you are offended easily please stop reading here), “You are worth your weight in salt.” See, salt was a form of payment way back before any of us on this earth were thought of. Yes, it was used to pay for slaves, goods, and services rendered. In other words, if someone said you aren’t worth your weight in salt, then that meant you were a minimum wage worker, step it up so you can get a raise in pay, or we will have to let you go! Your thoughts and input are greatly encouraged because this writer can handle other ideas and opinions. This is just one writer’s opinion of the direction of the world from his eyes! Have a good day, and next time you buy a $15 lunch, think what it would be like if it was back to $5, and if it came out in 5 minutes, not 20 (due to nobody working, short staffed, or your fast food place is closed due to no staff). I Say Pandemic!
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