Long-term economics of the pandemic

[LDAHL]

In a similar discussion about 25 years ago in a college class, I asked “but if this is our definition of assimilation (ie: one component being not working blue collar jobs per the professor’s definition) and if everyone gets assimilated as per the ideal - then who will change our oil and stock the supermarket shelves?”

I was arguing that we need a broader definition of assimilation. We need better working conditions and pay for all jobs. Because we need someone to change our oil.

The professor was not impressed. I think she didn’t know what to do with a 30 -something student bringing the real world to the classroom.

Wasn’t that a bit like discussing your need for a haircut with a barber?

[bae]

By low skilled labor? Jobs requiring little by way of training or skill. Often found in retail, food service or Congress.

Hmmm.

There are a lot of low/semi-skilled jobs in agriculture and infrastructure maintenance that I don't think will be done by robots or via Zoom anytime soon. Real-world jobs involving labor and such.

Face-to-face retail and food service I can see passing the way of the buggywhip however.

[catherine]

Face-to-face retail and food service I can see passing the way of the buggywhip however.

Step inside any airport and see how servers have been replaced by iPads.

[LDAHL]

Step inside any airport and see how servers have been replaced by iPads.

Or those things that buzz to tell you to come fetch your food.

[JaneV2.0]

A relative has a job in robotics--engineering, I think. That should be good for awhile.
We need an expansion of various trade and tech schools with apprenticeships, like Germany has.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Germany has a high wage economy though, yea not gonna work here.

[Yppej]

Today I heard on the radio UPS is looking for a bunch of both regular and seasonal employees.