by

NOW HIRING!>

PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19TH HOLE:  This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

Have you noticed all of the “new hiring” signs lately?

They are everywhere.

  • On the backs of semi-trucks making their way up and down the highway.
  • On billboards on those highways.
  • On the sides of work trucks in my neighborhood.
  • On the lawns of employers in our area.

You get the point.

Hiring is going on around us.  Well, at  least advertising for jobs is.  Who knows if those jobs get filled?

Here’s quick summary of national statistics.

“Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 850,000 in June, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 5.9 per cent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, public and private education, professional and business services, retail trade, and other services.”

So, the economy is percolating and unemployment is holding steady, if not going down.

There are always economic uncertainties on the horizon, but, for me, one bottom line is:  I wish some of those persons who don’t have jobs these days would apply for openings and gain employment, which is one of the best social programs available.  Better, for example, than being homeless.

I know that may be a bit simplistic if folks face certain challenges, including mental health issues and lack of training.  But, in some cases, the jobs are there without specific training requirements.  Learning on the job can occur.

If unemployment was rising, that would be a different problem.  It is not, so I say, get a job.

Leave a comment