Where is Everybody? by Don Tassone

24/6/2022

I had learned not to try to go into restaurants because they were no longer open for dining. Another casualty of Covid, I thought.

But I was shocked when the drive-thru of my favorite burger joint was closed “due to staff shortage.”

So I decided to stop at the grocery store to pick up food for dinner. But a sign on the door said, “Closed due to staff shortage. Try our autonomous vehicle delivery.”

Hospitals are closing units. Not enough nurses.

Airlines are cutting routes. Not enough pilots.

Pools aren’t opening this summer. Not enough lifeguards.

Where is everybody?

Pamela Kennedy

24/6/2022 11:24:53 am

Good question, Don...we have to get back to some sense of normal some day...

PEppermint

24/6/2022 12:37:03 pm

Maybe they are home awaiting their unemployment checks.

Mary Anne Mc Enery

24/6/2022 01:04:24 pm

It is a present-day problem that I often think about. I am glad you posed the question, Don.

The disappearance of foreign workers was mainly due to two factors:—and I can only speak for Europe—,

Covid and the uprise in economics. Covid was the cause of their leaving and the uprise in economic activity was the reason they never returned. Especially in certain sectors; entertainment and horticulture.
Covid closed the entertainments industry and by the time the pandemic was over there were jobs but not attractive
enough conditions to tempt them back plus being able to find alternative work in their own country.

Bobby Warner

24/6/2022 02:41:39 pm

I'm still here, Don. But where is everyone else? Good job.

Padmini Krishnan

24/6/2022 02:49:45 pm

In my country, there are excess staff but not enough jobs. This was a thought-provoking story.

Peggy Gerber

24/6/2022 02:49:59 pm

Great question! Such a multi-layered story. I think Mary Anne is correct, but additionally, so many lower income workers are finding that after they pay the baby sitter, there is nothing left.

Jim Bartlett link

24/6/2022 04:21:54 pm

This is the same question we ask almost every day, Don. Our grocery store shelves have returned to covid level emptiness. Flights are being cancelled daily due to pilot and attendant shortages, "Help Wanted" signs dominate every storefront. I think, for at least part of the picture, Peggy has struck a chord. Childcare is very expensive, and wages do not make it worth the costs.
I had been trying to find words to voice my frustrations, but you have found them for me.
Nicely done.
Jim

Jennifer Duncan

24/6/2022 04:21:55 pm

Here in Ontario, childcare and gas are so expensive that women can actually lose money by going to work. So if they have a partner who can keep the family afloat, many women are staying home. How about increasing wages, like seriously increasing wages, for these low-end jobs. When I was young,( in the 1970s) minimum wage was much higher in proportion to every day expenses.

Kathy K.

24/6/2022 06:04:49 pm

Here in Orlando, most theme park workers have to hold down two jobs to survive in this economy. Rents are sky high and affordable housing is nil. Still we see shortages of staff especially in restaurants. Very interesting discussion.

Dee Lorraine

24/6/2022 08:38:26 pm

Is this the impact of the Great Resignation and transition to self-employment?

Don Tassone link

25/6/2022 02:51:03 am

Well, I know where you all are! Thanks for your very thoughtful comments.

Paritosh Chandra Dugar

25/6/2022 07:41:24 pm

A short and simple question but it needs a big answer. Wonderfully done, Don.

Don Tassone

26/6/2022 10:10:37 pm

Thank you, Paritosh!

Sue Clayton

27/6/2022 03:28:44 am

The world is suffering from long Covid that's affecting every part of our lives, both in the physical material sense.

Don Tassone link

27/6/2022 03:40:45 am

Yes. Thanks, Sue.

Michael McCarthy

9/7/2022 04:15:18 pm

Yes, the silence is deafening. You summed it up perfectly

Don Tassone

9/7/2022 04:30:41 pm

Thank you, Michael.

Comments are closed.

Where is Everybody? by Don Tassone

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Where is Everybody? by Don Tassone

"Classic"100-WordStories﻿

Archives

"Classic"
100-Word
Stories