Staffing Issues for Summer of 2021

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by swnoel

This thread makes me laugh... it seems like the ones that complain most are the liberals preaching about a living wage and in the same breathe complain that it costs them so much to get others to do something for them! My grandson just got a job at Hannaford's stocking shelves for $12 hour. Who actually gets paid minimum wage in NH? I'm not talking about the food industry and their base pay. I have actually talked to waitresses in the past and everyone of them did not want $15 per hour... seems like they make way more money with tips. Some actually make $400 per shift!

Ya, it's only the liberals that complain about inflation.

[swnoel]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Ya, it's only the liberals that complain about inflation.

I never mentioned a thing about inflation...

[Biggd]

Maybe I should have used "rising costs" instead of inflation for those that don't understand the relationship between the two.

Originally Posted by swnoel

I never mentioned a thing about inflation...

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[phoenix]

it wont help the VK this summer

[John Mercier]

I don't think it will be this one year.
The demographics in the area have skewed to an older generation.

The old ''family tourism'' dynamic that used to run from during the summer vacation from school, and that we tried to expand into the early spring and late fall with weekend events has been replaced for the time being by near retirement/retired individuals/couples.

Since the largest number of Boomers were born in 1959, and will not turn 65 (Medicare) until 2024... I think the current situation still has ''legs''.

[Biggd]

I hope you're right. This expansion has gone on longer than I expected it would. But then, Covid thru a wrench in all predictions and no one knew how it was going to shake out and still don't.
It's better to be busy and under staffed rather than slow and over staffed.

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I don't think it will be this one year.

The demographics in the area have skewed to an older generation.

The old ''family tourism'' dynamic that used to run from during the summer vacation from school, and that we tried to expand into the early spring and late fall with weekend events has been replaced for the time being by near retirement/retired individuals/couples.

Since the largest number of Boomers were born in 1959, and will not turn 65 (Medicare) until 2024... I think the current situation still has ''legs''.

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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I hope you're right. This expansion has gone on longer than I expected it would. But then, Covid thru a wrench in all predictions and no one knew how it was going to shake out and still don't.
It's better to be busy and under staffed rather than slow and over staffed.

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I expect it to go on much longer.
I think we will see the phenomena in the lakes region for at least another decade. Lots of Boomers looking to retire... many of them New Money.

[Biggd]

On a positive note, College grads are able to get good jobs right out of the gate. My grandson graduates this month and landed a great job starting in June.

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[phoenix]

the town of Moultonboro has posted summer openings for things like cemetery mowing . I Will be interested if they get any bites as this is outdoors

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by phoenix

the town of Moultonboro has posted summer openings for things like cemetery mowing . I Will be interested if they get any bites as this is outdoors

They will also be posting (if they have not already) two FT office positions.

[WinnisquamZ]

Maybe NH should take this same approach as Montana just did

GOP Montana Governor Offers Get Back to Work Bonuses, Cancels Federal Jobless Programs https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2...less-programs/


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[Heaven]

I understand that some hotels around the lake are going to extended stay options because they haven't the staff to do the room turnovers daily.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Heaven

I understand that some hotels around the lake are going to extended stay options because they haven't the staff to do the room turnovers daily.

Won't be long before hotel room clean ups will be self service.

[phoenix]

i haven't stayed a lot over last couple of years but when I have there has been no room service. If you want towels you call up and they leave outside your door. they only cleaned rooms between guests

[Shreddy]

Don't forget that the bulk of discussion revolves around Gen Z and even millennials who all but rely on social media. Instagram and TikTok have provided a platform for much of these generations to focus. Becoming an influencer with many followers whether it be Instagram, TikTok, Youtube, OF, etc. can pay crazy and I mean CRAZY amounts of money.

I'll also say with social media such as reddit, some of these kids are getting inherently smarter/educated (if you want to disagree, fine), but understand that they're the one's popping meme stocks and making THOUSANDS by undermining the market as well. There's a reason they're called Meme stocks. Point is, they're learning things far more important than certain things a classroom will ever teach them. No, not all get it and many will lose, but do some research and understand that they're not all just looking for handouts (yes, there are many that are too) just looking for a different way to work more efficiently to make more money than old school manual labor.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Gov. Sununu has just signed an order that stops the Federal unemployment premium as of June 19th. State unemployment will STILL exist.

This may mean that some of these folks may have an incentive to return to work and help out the many New Hampshire businesses who are starving for employees.

Good news and let's hope it helps out!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Gov. Sununu has just signed an order that stops the Federal unemployment premium as of June 19th. State unemployment will STILL exist.

This may mean that some of these folks may have an incentive to return to work and help out the many New Hampshire businesses who are starving for employees.

Good news and let's hope it helps out!

If you come off unemployment for 8 consecutive weeks you can receive a 500 employment bonus for part time and 1000 for full time employment

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[Descant]

Bravo Gov. Sununu

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Descant

Bravo Gov. Sununu

Twenty-one states involved:

https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampprojec...nt-benefits%2F

[thinkxingu]

NPR went deep into this yesterday and claimed three reasons for people not returning to work: 1. Low wages and/or hours/flexibility—that the closures through the pandemic opened people's eyes to their situations. They gave people with children who struggled to pay for childcare as the prime example. 2. Remaining fear—people with health issues or who remain unvaccinated are still hesitant to return. 3. People using this opportunity to investigate different paths forward.

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[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

NPR went deep into this yesterday and claimed three reasons for people not returning to work: 1. Low wages and/or hours/flexibility—that the closures through the pandemic opened people's eyes to their situations. They gave people with children who struggled to pay for childcare as the prime example. 2. Remaining fear—people with health issues or who remain unvaccinated are still hesitant to return. 3. People using this opportunity to investigate different paths forward.

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# 4 = laziness / feeding at the government trough. But NPR won’t go that far.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

# 4 = laziness / feeding at the government trough. But NPR won’t go that far.

They cited a few reports that said that even though people want to believe that narrative, it's not what they found on the whole.

We know where you stand with confirmation bias, so it probably doesn't matter, but these reports are based on facts and data:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/04/rese...g-to-work.html

https://tobin.yale.edu/sites/default...tion_vF(1).pdf

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[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

They cited a few reports that said that even though people want to believe that narrative, it's not what they found on the whole.

We know where you stand with confirmation bias, so it probably doesn't matter, but these reports are based on facts and data:

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/04/rese...g-to-work.html

https://tobin.yale.edu/sites/default...tion_vF(1).pdf

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I believe that it’s necessary to consider the reports “based on facts and data” with a healthy dose of skepticism. Sad to say, I believe that we are being given incomplete information and half truths. It gives me zero satisfaction to say this, and it’s painful to realize that this is undoubtedly widespread.
P.S. I don’t believe that your #3 has merit; people should not be rediscovering themselves at taxpayer expense!

[thinkxingu]

And in case you don't feel like reading the Yale study:

"We find that that the workers who experi-

enced larger increases in UI generosity did not experience larger declines in employment when

the benefits expansion went into effect. Additionally, we find that workers facing larger ex-

pansions in UI benefits have returned to their previous jobs over time at similar rates as others."

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[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

And in case you don't feel like reading the Yale study:

"We find that that the workers who experi-

enced larger increases in UI generosity did not experience larger declines in employment when

the benefits expansion went into effect. Additionally, we find that workers facing larger ex-

pansions in UI benefits have returned to their previous jobs over time at similar rates as others."

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Yale study….is this unbiased? The chickens are on the move now, and will soon be coming home to roost. Food, lumber and now fuel prices are headed to the moon. Anyone that wants to work is working, for the most part. The rest of them are sitting around making excuses as to why they don’t want to or “can’t” work, based on today’s climate.

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Yale study….is this unbiased? The chickens are on the move now, and will soon be coming home to roost. Food, lumber and now fuel prices are headed to the moon. Anyone that wants to work is working, for the most part. The rest of them are sitting around making excuses as to why they don’t want to or “can’t” work, based on today’s climate.

Just wanted to elaborate on Seaplanes comment about food prices.
Our suppliers are saying they've never seen anything like it.
They can not fill orders for chicken,cooking oils such as canola have tripled in price.Shucked clams and lobster meat are double last years prices.Some red meats have nearly doubled and any products related to corn will be scarce and expensive due to loss of crops in South America from drought.
At least fish has not gone through the roof yet.......guess it's just the times we're in.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Just wanted to elaborate on Seaplanes comment about food prices.
Our suppliers are saying they've never seen anything like it.
They can not fill orders for chicken,cooking oils such as canola have tripled in price.Shucked clams and lobster meat are double last years prices.Some red meats have nearly doubled and any products related to corn will be scarce and expensive due to loss of crops in South America from drought.
At least fish has not gone through the roof yet.......guess it's just the times we're in.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starting to feel like the frog in the “boil the frog” parable…. The water is getting warmer by the day!

[fatlazyless]

Local restaurants, just like everyone else, get high quality - low prices by making the drive to Market Basket in Plymouth and loading up the car/suv/pickup.

Like ...... quality food supply is quality food supply ..... so, why not and a good restaurant meal is all about the food preparation and presentation. No one really seems to care where the restaurant supply came from ...... whether it was delivered by www.Sysco.com or purchased at http://www.shopmarketbasket.com/stor...rket-basket-86.

[MotorHead]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Local restaurants, just like everyone else, get high quality - low prices by making the drive to Market Basket in Plymouth and loading up the car/suv/pickup.

Like ...... quality food supply is quality food supply ..... so, why not and a good restaurant meal is all about the food preparation and presentation. No one really seems to care where the restaurant supply came from ...... whether it was delivered by www.Sysco.com or purchased at http://www.shopmarketbasket.com/stor...rket-basket-86.

While I know nothing about running a restaurant or even a sub shop, I can not imagine a restaurant owner going to Market Basket or Shaws or wherever.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by MotorHead

While I know nothing about running a restaurant or even a sub shop, I can not imagine a restaurant owner going to Market Basket or Shaws or wherever.

Just off the top of my head, it seems entirely possible and reasonably doable to operate a restaurant in the Plymouth area where each and every food/restaurant item is sourced entirely, 100%, from the Plymouth Market Basket.

Running the business model 100% based on this rule that it comes from this Market Basket, or we do not have it or get it from any other source. It's Market Basket and no where else seems very doable for a restaurant.

Like .......... why not .......... said the inquisitive poster?

[Biggd]

If they can't get enough help to man the restaurant how are they going to break away to go shopping at Market Basket?
You obviously have no clue what it takes to run a small business!

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Just off the top of my head, it seems entirely possible and reasonably doable to operate a restaurant in the Plymouth area where each and every food/restaurant item is sourced entirely, 100%, from the Plymouth Market Basket.

Running the business model 100% based on this rule that it comes from this Market Basket, or we do not have it or get it from any other source. It's Market Basket and no where else seems very doable for a restaurant.

Like .......... why not .......... said the inquisitive poster?

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[fatlazyless]

Market Basket-Plymouth is open every single day, 7-days/week, from 7am to 8pm and open starting at 6am for seniors, age 60 and older.

For a restaurant business located, say, within a relative short drive away, it could be an advantage to have such a large food supply for running a restaurant always open seven days, and always available as opposed to getting deliveries from a restaurant supply like Sysco.

How do restaurant food items from a delivered food service like Sysco COST as compared to Market Basket and what is the difference between restaurant food service and buying at a super-market?

In the summer months, I have noticed what must have been summer camp dinning room customers at the Walmart with shopping carts very loaded with many items probably intended for feeding a lot of campers. Specifically, giant cans of tuna fish and mayonaisse.

Summer camp dining room food service is different than restaurant food service but the buyer made their decision to purchase at the Walmart so there's probably a number of reasons for where commercial dining gets its food supply. Is probably a very competitive business based on price, quality, choice, convenience.

Does Sysco hire extremely attractive restaurant sales ladies who are encouraged to dress provocatively as a design to help its restaurant sales to individual restaurants or do the Sysco truck drivers who deliver the items do the sales calls as well as driving and delivering the big semi tractor trailer truck?

What do you think? ......

[MotorHead]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

In the summer months, I have noticed what must have been summer camp dinning room customers at the Walmart with shopping carts very loaded with many items probably intended for feeding a lot of campers. Specifically, giant cans of tuna fish and mayonnaise.

Oh that was me, buying lunch for my sons.

[fatlazyless]

So many choices for where to buy for a restaurant business ..... a restaurant supplier that delivers ..... or a local super-market.

Could be the restaurants go to both depending on what they need and how fast they need to get it?

As far as I know, there's really not much difference in price between the two, with all three, Walmart, Hannaford, and Market Basket all lower priced than the restaurant suppliers ..... which seems surprising ..... but that's the way it supposedly is because these three stores all have to compete on prices to attract customers.

[MotorHead]

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/mcd...-YRagtkbyuj9ym

[phoenix]

most big companies are doing this. They have more pricing ability and name brand recognition . Tougher for a small mom and pop. This is free market at work . I was on a board of a residential brain injury company with a facility in Gilroy Cal, we were paying aids around 13 per hour and we found that Wendy's was paying $14 for a much easier job so we raised wages. Of course the insurance companies didn't allow us to raise prices regionally

[8gv]

Originally Posted by MotorHead

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/mcd...-YRagtkbyuj9ym

McD's has some major problems operating in a rising labor cost market.

First, there's the menu and its price structure. There is a "value" section of the menu and there is all the rest of the menu. When prices are increased on the rest of the menu the return from that increase is reduced by trade off to the value items.

This makes it harder to keep the value items priced low. Eventually "value" has to be redefined. You may recall the McD's "Dollar" menu. Now it is "$1, $2 and $3" value menu.

The second and in my view bigger problem, is the quality of execution when each labor hour costs so much. To provide fast, accurate and friendly service there needs to be adequate staffing. Herein lies the dilemma. Hourly pay that is too low can result in understaffing. Raising wages to an attractive level can bring in more bodies but there is no guarantee that the additional employees improve results. The cost to train them becomes higher and there is a temptation to minimize the hours spent doing so.

If the pool of available workers does not increase you just end up with the same tight staffing and mediocre execution but at greater cost.

This situation is worsened by the current government sponsored couch careers.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by 8gv

McD's has some major problems operating in a rising labor cost market.

First, there's the menu and its price structure. There is a "value" section of the menu and there is all the rest of the menu. When prices are increased on the rest of the menu the return from that increase is reduced by trade off to the value items.

This makes it harder to keep the value items priced low. Eventually "value" has to be redefined. You may recall the McD's "Dollar" menu. Now it is "$1, $2 and $3" value menu.

The second and in my view bigger problem, is the quality of execution when each labor hour costs so much. To provide fast, accurate and friendly service there needs to be adequate staffing. Herein lies the dilemma. Hourly pay that is too low can result in understaffing. Raising wages to an attractive level can bring in more bodies but there is no guarantee that the additional employees improve results. The cost to train them becomes higher and there is a temptation to minimize the hours spent doing so.

If the pool of available workers does not increase you just end up with the same tight staffing and mediocre execution but at greater cost.

This situation is worsened by the current government sponsored couch careers.

Full disclosure: I'm not an economics guy, but here goes:

Robert Reich, in his book The Common Good, delves into "Shareholder" capitalism and "Stockholder" capitalism. The former, he claims, exists when all three points of the capitalism triangle—consumer, worker, and owner—exist in a state that works equally for all. For example, workers get paid well, owners make a reasonable amount of money, and consumers are offered solid products at fair prices.

The latter, however, maximizes profit and pay for the owner/stockholders while adversely affecting product quality and price, worker pay, or both.

My basic question is this: why is it that worker pay and benefit questions always result in "costs of products will skyrocket" rather than "CEOs/stockholders/etc." might not make 320x what their employees make?

This is a serious question as, long before my father passed away, he watched this trend in his company and it always hurt him. In the 60's when he started, his bosses made five times what he made while in the '00s when he retired, they were making thirty times.

I looked this up not long ago, and though his numbers were probably off (low!), he wasn't wrong at all: https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-...ypical-worker/

Thoughts? Why isn't this talked about more?

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[Biggd]

Only one reason, GREED.

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Full disclosure: I'm not an economics guy, but here goes:

Robert Reich, in his book The Common Good, delves into "Shareholder" capitalism and "Stockholder" capitalism. The former, he claims, exists when all three points of the capitalism triangle—consumer, worker, and owner—exist in a state that works equally for all. For example, workers get paid well, owners make a reasonable amount of money, and consumers are offered solid products at fair prices.

The latter, however, maximizes profit and pay for the owner/stockholders while adversely affecting product quality and price, worker pay, or both.

My basic question is this: why is it that worker pay and benefit questions always result in "costs of products will skyrocket" rather than "CEOs/stockholders/etc." might not make 320x what their employees make?

This is a serious question as, long before my father passed away, he watched this trend in his company and it always hurt him. In the 60's when he started, his bosses made five times what he made while in the '00s when he retired, they were making thirty times.

I looked this up not long ago, and though his numbers were probably off (low!), he wasn't wrong at all: https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-...ypical-worker/

Thoughts? Why isn't this talked about more?

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[jeffk]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Full disclosure: I'm not an economics guy, but here goes:

Robert Reich, in his book The Common Good, delves into "Shareholder" capitalism and "Stockholder" capitalism. The former, he claims, exists when all three points of the capitalism triangle—consumer, worker, and owner—exist in a state that works equally for all. For example, workers get paid well, owners make a reasonable amount of money, and consumers are offered solid products at fair prices.

The latter, however, maximizes profit and pay for the owner/stockholders while adversely affecting product quality and price, worker pay, or both.

My basic question is this: why is it that worker pay and benefit questions always result in "costs of products will skyrocket" rather than "CEOs/stockholders/etc." might not make 320x what their employees make?

This is a serious question as, long before my father passed away, he watched this trend in his company and it always hurt him. In the 60's when he started, his bosses made five times what he made while in the '00s when he retired, they were making thirty times.

I looked this up not long ago, and though his numbers were probably off (low!), he wasn't wrong at all: https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-...ypical-worker/

Thoughts? Why isn't this talked about more?

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I'm not an economics guy either but :

"why is it that worker pay and benefit questions always result in "costs of products will skyrocket"" is NOT true if the individual workers EARN their pay and benefit increases through higher productivity via education/learning and good work practices. Such a worker returns more in profit to a company than their wage increases cost. Good companies HAPPILY pay such employees what they are worth.

On the other hand, unions often bargain for wages that exceed what productivity will justify. Or, set in place rising compensation based on longevity rather than productivity. These increases DO increase production costs but are tolerated by companies due to union pressure and the limited and predictable nature of the increases. However, that's a trap. Any non productivity based increases eventually corrode a business, i.e. the American auto industry. Auto unions controlled wages in the US but couldn't control competing wages in foreign countries. Nor could they control the growth of robotics that eliminated overly expensive workers.

""CEOs/stockholders/etc." might not make 320x what their employees make?"
It is the classic "the buck stops here" which implies that the RESPONSIBILITY (and the pay) accrues to the top. The CEO (and the Board) make the major decisions that guide the growth of a company. It the company is smart, a significant portion of the CEO's compensation is tied to profitability. The CEO is not only making sure that products get built but also predicting future needs for products and actions of competitors. Further, no one else is above the CEO making sure he doesn't mess things up. As an employee or even a manager makes decisions and take actions, others are overseeing their work. No one oversees the CEO. They walk a tightrope without a net. Employee mistakes might cost $100s. A CEO's mistakes could cost $billions. The top level people EARN their money by growing profit.

Further, it is not how many times the salary is of a CEO compared to one worker that has meaning. It is how many times the salary of a CEO is compared to the cumulative salary of ALL the workers in a company BECAUSE the CEO is in charge of ALL of them and ALL of their efforts. For example, Microsoft's CEO makes $44 million vs $4 billion in overall employee payments, about 1.1%, i.e. for each employee dollar paid the CEO gets 1 cent. OR how much the CEO makes as compared to the revenue of the company. For example, the Microsoft CEO's $44 million against a company revenue of about $160 billion or about .1% of revenue. Another way to think about it is when you buy a $2000 computer, the CEO makes $2. Of course this is a simplified example because CEO's also get performance bonuses and other perks. (Numbers were pulled from various public Microsoft reports and are not meant to be precise but as an example only.)

Without a competent CEO, products wouldn't get made at all, no workers would earn anything, and you wouldn't have your computer to purchase.

I won't say that all companies are well managed or that many CEOs aren't overpaid but such companies usually struggle or fail eventually. Smart management KNOWS how it is supposed to work and keeps compensation for EVERYONE in line with their productivity. The process is VERY dynamic and challenging as markets, competition, and the overall economy is always changing.

[MotorHead]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

Yale study….is this unbiased? The chickens are on the move now, and will soon be coming home to roost. Food, lumber and now fuel prices are headed to the moon. Anyone that wants to work is working, for the most part. The rest of them are sitting around making excuses as to why they don’t want to or “can’t” work, based on today’s climate.

How did we get into this mess?
Who made the stupid decisions to get us into this inflation.

Maybe someone can provide answers.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by MotorHead

How did we get into this mess?
Who made the stupid decisions to get us into this inflation.

Maybe someone can provide answers.

That is an excellent question.

[phoenix]

always find it interesting but not surprising that many economist will find a study that will support their ideology ( Paul Krugman is an example) . There are a record number of job opening over 8m right now. As SAMIAM said kitchen help can make 15 per hour working or 15 per hour not . Most people will make the logical decision . Business will have to make the rational decision which the VK did that is close for dinner. They know their customers and raising prices by a lot will drive customers away. By the way I am a graduate economist( certainly not bragging ) and very few economist have ever had to manage a payroll.

[Pam]

Seeing all the help wanted signs everywhere I go, I read through this thread with interest. Something that no-one addresses is the fact that there are fewer teenagers and young adults today than there were in yesteryear. I worked until recently at a large university in Boston, and they started planning for the drop in college aged people back in the late 90's. Schools that depend on a large applicant pool noticed that the birthrate had begun to fall, and that they would need to strategize to remain competitive in the future. We just got confirmation of this fact in the 2020 census.

I don't know what this means for business owners who depend on the teenage/young adult labor force, but it's a definite factor.

For the people who like to speak of grazing at the public trough, etc., it seems that a large part of the labor shortage (though not entirely) is for seasonal workers. Those people are not getting unemployment.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by phoenix

always find it interesting but not surprising that many economist will find a study that will support their ideology ( Paul Krugman is an example) . There are a record number of job opening over 8m right now. As SAMIAM said kitchen help can make 15 per hour working or 15 per hour not . Most people will make the logical decision . Business will have to make the rational decision which the VK did that is close for dinner. They know their customers and raising prices by a lot will drive customers away. By the way I am a graduate economist( certainly not bragging ) and very few economist have ever had to manage a payroll.

One thing that economists on both sides of the aisle have pushed for over the past 5 years has been higher bargaining power for working class Americans. Trump's immigration policies, Biden's covid relief, and stated objectives of both, have all included policies that put direct upward pressure on domestic wages. Setting aside whether this is a good thing or a bad thing in general, no economist should be surprised that Sam is having a tough time hiring this year (or next...)

[Biggd]

It's the old supply and demand issue.. It was bound to happen. You close businesses up for over a year then the economy bounces back and there just isn't enough built up surplus to keep up with demand. It will take a while for businesses to catch up but it will.

Originally Posted by MotorHead

How did we get into this mess?
Who made the stupid decisions to get us into this inflation.

Maybe someone can provide answers.

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[thinkxingu]

A line from one of those articles above sums up this discussion (paraphrased): the system of people returning to work or not in relation to supplemental unemployment is much more nuanced than the current narrative that people simply aren't returning to work because they can make more on unemployment.

In my original post, above, I referred to a few of the other variables NPR and others have added to the nuance.

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[phoenix]

well i guess we will get a good example soon as 21 states will eliminate the added benefit and offer a substantial bonus if they go back to work including NH

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by phoenix

well i guess we will get a good example soon as 21 states will eliminate the added benefit and offer a substantial bonus if they go back to work including NH

WSJ reported yesterday that Missouri, the first state to cut additional unemployment benefits, "saw an uptick in applications." Looking at the graph (which shares the same slope as the US on the whole) and anecdotal evidence presented (interviews with two employers with mixed results), it certainly doesn't appear as clear as they make it sound, so it'll be interesting to see future reports from other states.

Side note: the governor's office website has NH unemployment as of a week ago at 2.5%. That certainly doesn't sound like a problem with people "staying on the government dole," so what gives with the "hard to find help" narrative?

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/ame...ts-11624786202

https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-and...nt-rate-nation

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[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

WSJ reported yesterday that Missouri, the first state to cut additional unemployment benefits, "saw an uptick in applications." Looking at the graph (which shares the same slope as the US on the whole) and anecdotal evidence presented (interviews with two employers with mixed results), it certainly doesn't appear as clear as they make it sound, so it'll be interesting to see future reports from other states.

Side note: the governor's office website has NH unemployment as of a week ago at 2.5%. That certainly doesn't sound like a problem with people "staying on the government dole," so what gives with the "hard to find help" narrative?

https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/ame...ts-11624786202

https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-and...nt-rate-nation

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Unemployment numbers are a very confusing mess and not indicative of much except to watch the trend if they are increasing or declining.

But as a legitimate measure of percentage of people working or not and any organizations ability to attract and retain staff, they are virtual worthless numbers.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by XCR-700

Unemployment numbers are a very confusing mess and not indicative of much except to watch the trend if they are increasing or declining.

But as a legitimate measure of percentage of people working or not and any organizations ability to attract and retain staff, they are virtual worthless numbers.

In this case, they are determining how many individuals in each area are collecting UE compensation.
The thought process is as the compensation amount declines, those individuals will instead seek active employment.
Since the number actually collecting is low, businesses do not expect an on-rush of applicants.

Oddly, it isn't a labor issue, it is a demand issue.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

In this case, they are determining how many individuals in each area are collecting UE compensation.
The thought process is as the compensation amount declines, those individuals will instead seek active employment.
Since the number actually collecting is low, businesses do not expect an on-rush of applicants.

Oddly, it isn't a labor issue, it is a demand issue.

It is also not a measure of how many people are actually unemployed, its a very filtered and corrected measure of a segment of the population that are not working but who were recently working.

We do such strange things with the raw data it begs the question of what are we really trying to accomplish. I truly dont know anymore.

Given all the the effort and expense that goes into publishing this date, I hope its useful to someone. I personally dont get much out of it and it doesnt provide me helpful information to gauge the condition of the economy or the success of the politicians in delivering on their campaign rhetoric.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by XCR-700

It is also not a measure of how many people are actually unemployed, its a very filtered and corrected measure of a segment of the population that are not working but who were recently working.

We do such strange things with the raw data it begs the question of what are we really trying to accomplish. I truly dont know anymore.

Given all the the effort and expense that goes into publishing this date, I hope its useful to someone. I personally dont get much out of it and it doesnt provide me helpful information to gauge the condition of the economy or the success of the politicians in delivering on their campaign rhetoric.

For NH, and more accurately the Laconia district, we are looking at those that are collecting benefits. People that are ''unemployed'' and not collecting benefits will not be effected by the cut in federal benefits... because they are not collecting any benefits.

[CatLady]

It is affordable work force housing that keeps more young people from working in our tourist industry. Where will they live that is anywhere near these jobs? How will they find any childcare, much less afford it, to be anywhere near work? It is not "lazy" young people; there are plenty of willing people to work, and there will always be those who will avoid work.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by CatLady

It is affordable work force housing that keeps more young people from working in our tourist industry. Where will they live that is anywhere near these jobs? How will they find any childcare, much less afford it, to be anywhere near work? It is not "lazy" young people; there are plenty of willing people to work, and there will always be those who will avoid work.

Exactly. The only housing available is people who own housing full time or have parents who own. Almost impossible to hire a kid from out of the area for a summer job. So with a small full time population, and a huge summer influx of labor demand...

[phoenix]

interesting article in the Journal today. Northern New England ( Ver/ NH and Maine) has 3.6 job openings for every 1 job seeker.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by phoenix

interesting article in the Journal today. Northern New England ( Ver/ NH and Maine) has 3.6 job openings for every 1 job seeker.

A local (to me) sub-pizza-sandwich shop has had a sign up for weeks offering $14 Hr starting pay for counter help, and from what I can see few takers.

Very few people I see seem interested in working in any retail or labor positions.

Lots of people wanting to rise up the ladder to manager status in little time and hold positions with titles like influencer, director, chief, ETC Etc etc,,,

Dont know anyones kids looking to become a plumber, electrician, welder, plumber, machinist, mechanic, barber/hairdresser, cook (not chef), accountant, nurse or even doctor. Its seems that business management is (and management being the key term) is what most are seeking.

After 40 years in the workforce, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and do it all over again, I would do ANYTHING but business management!

Looks like we will soon have a society of bosses and no workers, and when you need a trades person you will pay them double per hour than what you make and at the end of the day and on weekends they will be the ones with their feet up and enjoying life while the business folks will be answering emails 24 hrs a day and reviewing reports and presentations on weekends and holidays.

Not better,,,

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by XCR-700

A local (to me) sub-pizza-sandwich shop has had a sign up for weeks offering $14 Hr starting pay for counter help, and from what I can see few takers.

Very few people I see seem interested in working in any retail or labor positions.

Lots of people wanting to rise up the ladder to manager status in little time and hold positions with titles like influencer, director, chief, ETC Etc etc,,,

Dont know anyones kids looking to become a plumber, electrician, welder, plumber, machinist, mechanic, barber/hairdresser, cook (not chef), accountant, nurse or even doctor. Its seems that business management is (and management being the key term) is what most are seeking.

After 40 years in the workforce, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and do it all over again, I would do ANYTHING but business management!

Looks like we will soon have a society of bosses and no workers, and when you need a trades person you will pay them double per hour than what you make and at the end of the day and on weekends they will be the ones with their feet up and enjoying life while the business folks will be answering emails 24 hrs a day and reviewing reports and presentations on weekends and holidays.

Not better,,,

My grandson, just out of college, started a job in Business management just a week ago. We'll we were at a cookout on Saturday and he was getting call after call. He said I thought I was just working 9-5 M-F.
It's unfortunate but there really aren't many jobs that are 9-5 anymore, esp when they give you a cell phone. That should be a clue right there that you are on call 24/7.

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by Biggd

It's unfortunate but there really aren't any jobs that are 9-5 anymore

Sure there are, but they are in specific industries and mostly labor fields.

Most factory worker are on very fixed schedules, but then so are banks and other white collar organizations, but those are usually reserved for people either willing to do labor, or or legitimately have the the higher skills and capabilities OR connections.

For the masses following each-other in the line, its a whole new ball game and one not very personally rewarding.

[Biggd]

Went for my yearly physical yesterday and my doctor told me he was going to retire because he couldn't get any help. He said he just couldn't work around the clock anymore like when he was younger. He said Covid has made his decision much easier.

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[thinkxingu]

Oh! Did anyone see the Dunkin' sign in Meredith center last week? $1000 sign-on bonus! Crazy.

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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Oh! Did anyone see the Dunkin' sign in Meredith center last week? $1000 sign-on bonus! Crazy.

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And all the coffee and donuts you can eat?

[Biggd]

Demand will drop just as the extra unemployment payments stop so it will all stabilize after Labor Day.
The people that are trying to run out their extra unemployment monies until the end will be disappointed when all the hiring bonuses and prime openings dry up.
If you're looking for a job there's no better time than now to jump in.

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[John Mercier]

Really?
So you aren't going to build that screen room and deck?

That is the demand side...

[Biggd]

I'm buiding it myself, cheap labor.

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Really?
So you aren't going to build that screen room and deck?

That is the demand side...

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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I'm buiding it myself, cheap labor.

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Materials?
Labor is involved in a lot more than just building the structure.

We have to employ people in the yard to unload and put the product away, clerks to take the orders, and if you need delivery... then we need a truck driver.

The demand is not going down.
Sales and tickets (those are the invoices for the sales) are up roughly 40 percent this year over last... and that is with the shortage of material supply.

Two years ago, I could cover windows, doors, decking, siding, and roofing. We now have a five person team to cover the retail customers that walk-in... and are still at times coming up short on coverage for the customer service that we think should be the norm.

It will take a while before the New Money crowd now moving into the area settles down.
Once that happens, the demand on local labor will level off.
But I would not hazard a guess as to when that will be.

[Biggd]

I hate to say it but most of these kids are making more money without even working, and it's not from unemployment. They are all gamblers. During Covid they went from gambling on sports to gambling on stocks. Many of these kids haven't experienced a down turn yet. When that happens they will feel the cruel reality of losing everything with no way to stop the bleeding. They are all day traders and that's what's propping up the markets. Wait until they all start heading for the doors at the same time.
This has been going on for 12 years now. It started long before sleepy Joe.

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[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I hate to say it but most of these kids are making more money without even working, and it's not from unemployment. They are all gamblers. During Covid they went from gambling on sports to gambling on stocks. Many of these kids haven't experienced a down turn yet. When that happens they will feel the cruel reality of losing everything with no way to stop the bleeding. They are all day traders and that's what's propping up the markets. Wait until they all start heading for the doors at the same time.
This has been going on for 12 years now. It started long before sleepy Joe.

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How many "kids" do you know to make this generalization?! I mean, I teach seniors in high school and continue to keep touch with many of them, and I know half a dozen of hundreds that gamble. The other 99.9% are working their butts off (too many hours in my estimation).

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[Biggd]

Not so much high school but after high school. Kids in school aren't collecting unemployment. Most high school kids are still being subsidized by their parents. My youngest is 33 so I'm not talking about youngsters.
My son has made quite a bit of money over the past 10 years in the market. I try to stress upon him the risk and that the market can drop a lot faster then it goes up. All the kids he grew up with are doing the same thing, risky business.

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

How many "kids" do you know to make this generalization?! I mean, I teach seniors in high school and continue to keep touch with many of them, and I know half a dozen of hundreds that gamble. The other 99.9% are working their butts off (too many hours in my estimation).
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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

How many "kids" do you know to make this generalization?! I mean, I teach seniors in high school and continue to keep touch with many of them, and I know half a dozen of hundreds that gamble. The other 99.9% are working their butts off (too many hours in my estimation).

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They work pretty hard. Even the high school employees we have are pretty hard working. Fast and very quick to adapt.

Just not enough of them for the increased demand. I do more than four times the business that I used to do, and we now have five of us doing the same thing.

I think that business managers, and customers, need to adapt to more efficient use of the labor force.

As for the difference that I have seen in their investment-style, more of a "Bogle" approach with index funds compared to the older generations use of target funds. They don't tend to trade more often, but do have to make an allocation adjustment at least once a year.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

They work pretty hard. Even the high school employees we have are pretty hard working. Fast and very quick to adapt.

Just not enough of them for the increased demand. I do more than four times the business that I used to do, and we now have five of us doing the same thing.

I think that business managers, and customers, need to adapt to more efficient use of the labor force.

As for the difference that I have seen in their investment-style, more of a "Bogle" approach with index funds compared to the older generations use of target funds. They don't tend to trade more often, but do have to make an allocation adjustment at least once a year.

They must be behind the kids in the cities like Boston and NY as far as investing. Most of those kids are investing in Crypto currencies and NFT's which are highly volatile but are taking off right now. They start out with Crypto and from there they buy all their other investments with their crypto profits. It's gambling, as far as I'm concerned! The NFT market is crazy right now. I don't understand it so stay far away from anything I can't wrap my head around, or wrap my fingers around.

[John Mercier]

You mistake being more conservative for being less sophisticated.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

You mistake being more conservative for being less sophisticated.

Great point. Pretty much everything about cryptocurrency, NFTs, and meme stocks flies in the face of finance theory and should cause sophisticated investors deep confusion and discomfort.

Do you really trust an anonymous black box such as Bitcoin with your life savings? Is one digital file that is indistinguishable from another digital file really worth more, simply because you have an NFT that shows the first file was created first? Do you really think that Game Stop is worth 10X what the professionals believe?

[John Mercier]

I don't think those investors are any less sophisticated... just more New Money rather than Old Money in the attitudes.

Most think those two markers are about how much wealth someone has rather than the attitude on life that they have.

Tortoise and the Hare.
New Money is more like the Hare, flashy and focused on now.
Old Money is more like the Tortoise... conservative and focused over the generations.

[thinkxingu]

I just heard a phrase I hadn't heard previously and thought I'd share an article that corresponds to the "great resignation."

I've not read this yet but thought I'd put it here for thoughts. Have any business owners seen a "return to work" movement since the unemployment benefits have been cancelled?

https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/10079...-saying-i-quit

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[jeffk]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I just heard a phrase I hadn't heard previously and thought I'd share an article that corresponds to the "great resignation."

I've not read this yet but thought I'd put it here for thoughts. Have any business owners seen a "return to work" movement since the unemployment benefits have been cancelled?

https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/10079...-saying-i-quit

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Interesting article.

I would point out that, like the people in this article, many people have been stressed out either by COVID issues, resulting short staffing, or by the nature of their jobs in general. Some feel under paid and/or unappreciated.

OK.

Like the software developer, some people are looking for job satisfaction/life balance. Great. But guess what. The nature of work is better paying jobs come with higher skill requirements and demands for performance and responsibility. Some are looking for other work that lets them spend more time with their kids. Nice, however, when those kids want to go to a sports camp and eventually go to college, you ALSO need money to pay for those things. Only YOU can decide if 10 extra hours per week at work and away from your kids plus additional work stress is WORTH being able to pay the bills that go along with raising kids.

These people questioning their life path WILL have to find other work. They will probably eventually find another truth as well; THERE IS NO PERFECT SOLUTION TO LIFE'S CHALLENGES AND DEMANDS. All jobs have their flaws. There is always a problem balancing available free time vs. money needed and the balance point is UNIQUE to each individual. Further, you may feel you are underpaid but do you have the skills and work ethic to get a better paying job? Are you willing to put in the effort to achieve the skill levels needed? I would suggest that the thing holding most people back from better pay and more rewarding work is THEMSELVES.

So, there is going to be a great reshuffling. Some people, as bills pile up, are going to end up in the same type of jobs they were in before. Some will jump into entirely new fields with success or failure. Old jobs will be picked up by other people making a change or new in the workforce.

COVID has been a great unsettling influence and it may take a few years to rebalance the economy. This kind of process has happened before and will happen again.

[Biggd]

My daughter and son inlaw, with 3 kids under 8, both work their arses off. My son inlaw is a fireman and sells real estate, my daughter is a buyer for TJX and has her own online business. They are both going in a hundred million directions 24/7.
While I commend their work ethic the children suffer because only one parent is available a any one time. We try to help as much as possible but my wife and I are 66 and 67 so our energy level isn't what it use to be.
My daughter just quit her TJX job because it was taking a toll on their family life, physically and mentally. So their income is basically cut in half.
At some point you have to take a step back and reassess the goal of chasing the all mighty dollar and having a happy family life.

[phoenix]

I wasn't going to write this but each needs to make the decision that’s best for them and their family . I was raised by a single mom who worked in a shoe shop and we lived over a bar. I managed to graduate from college from a school that wouldn't be in any top 500 colleges. I got a job and worked up to become a ceo of a large company. Was i home during the week not usually ( many times out of country) but i chose not to plan golf on the weekends and went to all their sports all over the country. I had three kids all went to top 30 schools and were able graduate with no debt. I have done well enough that all ten grandkids are funded at least for instate tuition . Are they better off who knows. So everyone takes their owe path but if you chose a lower stress job i applaud you but don't also lambaste the other person who went down a different path . That seems to be the trend in this country. Sorry to get off the lake topic but just got in today and having a glass of wine.

[Biggd]

They say if your work involves doing something that you love you will never work a day in your life. It seems as though many younger folk are doing just that.
Me, I had a love/hate relationship with my career for 50 years, 35 in business for myself, but the driving force was having a good home life.
My 3 kids are all healthy and have good jobs. Now it's up to them to choose their own best path.
Don't be afraid of change. "Today is the first day of the rest of your life". Words to live by!

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by phoenix

I wasn't going to write this but each needs to make the decision that’s best for them and their family . I was raised by a single mom who worked in a shoe shop and we lived over a bar. I managed to graduate from college from a school that wouldn't be in any top 500 colleges. I got a job and worked up to become a ceo of a large company. Was i home during the week not usually ( many times out of country) but i chose not to plan golf on the weekends and went to all their sports all over the country. I had three kids all went to top 30 schools and were able graduate with no debt. I have done well enough that all ten grandkids are funded at least for instate tuition . Are they better off who knows. So everyone takes their owe path but if you chose a lower stress job i applaud you but don't also lambaste the other person who went down a different path . That seems to be the trend in this country. Sorry to get off the lake topic but just got in today and having a glass of wine.

Exactly! If you have the brains, work ethic, and luck to be a successful CEO, then the economy works great for you, your children, and your grandchildren. I'm happy for you--it's the American dream. But I'm sure you remember hundreds of hard working people from your company who had a tough time making ends meet, and it sounds like you know your grandchildren may not have the same college choices or real estate choices that your kids did. This is a real problem

[WinnisquamZ]

Discussed this same issue this morning as my daughter had someone quit at 9:30 today. We believe the individual had been hired by a west coast company and had to call in. Call in to work, never thought I would read that as normal. Low unemployment, work from home, and no ties by a employer makes it easy to shift from one company to another.


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[phoenix]

Quits are up, available jobs still high, lots of people not looking . Don't know what it means for country over next 10-20 years but to me it means we need more immigration as they tend to work hard, are from countries with nothing and generally believe in the American dream of yesteryear. that is work hard to get ahead for their families

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by phoenix

Quits are up, available jobs still high, lots of people not looking . Don't know what it means for country over next 10-20 years but to me it means we need more immigration as they tend to work hard, are from countries with nothing and generally believe in the American dream of yesteryear. that is work hard to get ahead for their families

Agreed on the right type of immigration!!

I am a partner in a 10 person security consulting firm based in MA that does business internationally. We have recently brought 2 new, very good people onboard. One is located in TX, the other is in SC. I know a big factor is getting them on was not having to come into our office regularly, only to client sites as needed.

There are some people that are just going to take the summer off knowing that the HR process is very slow this time of year.

[Tank151]

New Hampshire is going to struggle, especially competing with border states when their minimum wages are much higher than NH...

New England Minimum wage rates:

New Hampshire $7.25 per hour
Vermont $11.25 per hour
Maine $12.15 per hour
Massachusetts $13.50 per hour

[John Mercier]

It has very little to do with hard work.
Plenty of jobs mean that they can take the one that best suits them.
And plenty of customers mean that we can pick and choose which to do business with.

[8gv]

As we drive down the main drag in most towns wifey makes note of the help wanted signs.

She suggests that even I could now get hired.

The trouble is that the employer would want me to show up for work at a certain time and day.

That doesn't suit my schedule.

I guess I shall remain... unemployable.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by 8gv

As we drive down the main drag in most towns wifey makes note of the help wanted signs.

She suggests that even I could now get hired.

The trouble is that the employer would want me to show up for work at a certain time and day.

That doesn't suit my schedule.

I guess I shall remain... unemployable.

You bring up a new reality, though, I think: all those retired people I know no longer want to bother with work. I mean, who wants to be a Walmart greeter for $10 these days (besides maybe FLL)?!

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[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by phoenix

Quits are up, available jobs still high, lots of people not looking . Don't know what it means for country over next 10-20 years but to me it means we need more immigration as they tend to work hard, are from countries with nothing and generally believe in the American dream of yesteryear. that is work hard to get ahead for their families

I would respectfully disagree.

Legal immigration, yes. But many of the people breaking in to our country are here for the free ride, free medical, or even worse, to commit crimes (Other that the one they committed by breaking into the country)

The number of unemployed roughly equals the number of job openings. In other words, if you shut off 100% of unemployment benefits the unemployment rate would get to near zero because people would need jobs to survive. The system has made it too easy to be lazy and too many have taken advantage of it.

In the current economy there is no reason for someone to say that they cannot find a job unless their mental or physical limitations prevent them from working. Many employers I know are practically begging for people to work and many available positions are for entry level jobs.

[John Mercier]

Your numbers are bad.
Employment is a local situation, and locally we would need four times the number of unemployed to meet the current known demand for employees.

No one would ''escape'' a country with constitutionally-ingrained free healthcare to come to one without it for the express purpose of free healthcare.

And the concept of immigration restriction is a relatively modern concept based on the Reserve Army of Labor Theory.

[phoenix]

i never said i support illegal immigration. The number of temporary visas for summer help have been reduced and these were many workers that handled summer work. Give more of them out to help the country wide summer jobs. Prior to the change in laws in the 60's Mexican labor could flow back and forth and did. There was little interest in becoming American citizens but wanted to work in seasonal jobs and go back home when done.

[TiltonBB]

In states that ended expanded unemployment benefits claims have dropped 41% in the past 6 weeks. In states that continue to pay the higher amount claims have only dropped 33% in the same 6 week period.

That makes it pretty obvious that some people who could be working are staying home collecting the "free" money.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

In states that ended expanded unemployment benefits claims have dropped 41% in the past 6 weeks. In states that continue to pay the higher amount claims have only dropped 33% in the same 6 week period.



That makes it pretty obvious that some people who could be working are staying home collecting the "free" money.

8% isn't that "obvious."

Also, just doing a quick research piece now, it seems like that number is directly affected by a state's unemployment rate. So, 33% drop in a state with lower unemployment to begin with is as good/better than the alternative.

I'd be interested to find out the percentage of people who "can't" just take another job and are waiting for the "right" because of the financial need piece. Specifically, a software engineer who was making $100k can't just take a MacDonald's gig making $10/hr. and meet the bills, etc.

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[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

In states that ended expanded unemployment benefits claims have dropped 41% in the past 6 weeks. In states that continue to pay the higher amount claims have only dropped 33% in the same 6 week period.

That makes it pretty obvious that some people who could be working are staying home collecting the "free" money.

And what does any of that have to do with local business having trouble finding help?

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

And what does any of that have to do with local business having trouble finding help?

Really? You have to ask that?

Let me explain: If more people want to stay home and collect unemployment there will be fewer people looking for and taking jobs. Fewer people taking jobs means more business with unfilled positions.

Or, to put it another way: As long as the government makes it more lucrative to sit on the couch than look for a job and go to work, people will stay home.

As has been said by a local talk show host: The safety net has become a hammock!

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Really? You have to ask that?

Let me explain: If more people want to stay home and collect unemployment there will be fewer people looking for and taking jobs. Fewer people taking jobs means more business with unfilled positions.

Or, to put it another way: As long as the government makes it more lucrative to sit on the couch than look for a job and go to work, people will stay home.

As has been said by a local talk show host: The safety net has become a hammock!

The State knows exactly how many checks it writes to the unemployed.
Belknap County in May listed 430 unemployed.

By the middle of June, the State of NH has switched from enhanced unemployment to an incentive.

We are no longer even looking for the correct skill sets to achieve productivity, just warm bodies.

[tis]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

We are no longer even looking for the correct skill sets to achieve productivity, just warm bodies.

Perfectly said! I agree.

[John Mercier]

Even when we do get them... dealing with their scheduling desires and personalities is a huge trick.

It seems that no one wants to work a weekend... which seems so strange to me. So we have to adjust to that and all the customer profiles that fit them.

We just ran the numbers Saturday and found out that I have more sales volume than the other six members of my team.

Oddly, I take off a day mid-week, and my customer profile is anyone that is honestly interested in a product we sell.

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Even when we do get them... dealing with their scheduling desires and personalities is a huge trick.

It seems that no one wants to work a weekend... which seems so strange to me. So we have to adjust to that and all the customer profiles that fit them.

We just ran the numbers Saturday and found out that I have more sales volume than the other six members of my team.

Oddly, I take off a day mid-week, and my customer profile is anyone that is honestly interested in a product we sell.

I hear you.......last saturday at our drive-in there were three teenagers out.
1 soccer camp
1 family vacation
1 called in sick (posted FB video on the lake with friends)
The four that showed up really struggled

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

I hear you.......last saturday at our drive-in there were three teenagers out.
1 soccer camp
1 family vacation
1 called in sick (posted FB video on the lake with friends)
The four that showed up really struggled

I had a Mobil gas station back in the 90's and had the same issues with help back then. The economy was booming, everyone was making and spending a ton of money.
My station was open from 6am to 10pm 364 days a year and I can honestly say I worked pretty close to all of them.
It was a constant battle to find and retain help because you're dealing with young kids that haven't decided on their future path so it's a revolving door.
We use to say, "hold a mirror up to their face and if they fog it up they got the job".
I had that business for 13 years, made a ton of money but I hated every minute of it!
When you have a family of 5 you do what you have to do.
I followed the the old Nike slogan, "just do it".

[phoenix]

And not just the lakes region as Canopie lake park reduces its hours to five days vs seven and closes early other than Friday and Saturday