A post submitted by CGI member Morgan.

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https://youtu.be/iuuqXeGPpdk

In recent times, the American workforce has been gripped by the narrative: the labor shortage myth. Despite the clamor for workers across various industries, there seems to be a startling reluctance among individuals to re-enter or even join the workforce. This phenomenon has sparked widespread debate, with many attributing it to a myriad of factors. However, beneath the surface lies a truth obscured by misconceptions and oversimplifications.

One of the primary drivers behind this phenomenon is the high cost of living in the United States. As housing prices soar and basic necessities become increasingly expensive, individuals find themselves struggling to make ends meet. This has led to a surge in the adoption of frugal living practices as people strive to stretch their dollars further. In such a climate, the prospect of working low-wage jobs that fail to adequately cover these rising expenses becomes unappealing, if not unsustainable.

Furthermore, the issue of stagnant wages exacerbates the situation. Despite economic growth and productivity gains, real wages have remained largely stagnant for the majority of workers. This discrepancy between the rising cost of living and stagnant wages creates a disincentive for individuals to actively participate in the labor market. After all, why would one choose to toil away for minimal financial gain when their efforts barely make a dent in their expenses?

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Uh, example here. I could work 40 hours a week, but I don't theenk so. We get by on our technically poverty level incomes due to a very nice landlord and how my hours at work are. I get about 5 hours overtime a week, and when there's a holiday, more.

If I work more, I'd have to pay for covered calipornia which I refuse to use since I think allopathic medicine is garbage, not to mention if I get sick, I either recover on my own or I'm off the planet, the latter being something I see as a blessing. I also pay very little in taxes, and considering how much I hate de

gubment, I want to support it as little as possible. I do everything as little as possible, living a minimalist lifestyle, keeping myself entertained with the internet and books exclusively. No stupid superfluous bills. We live cheap. No cell phone, no telly, no restaurants, no paying with plastic, no debt, ancient car, no personal vanity garbage, no brand names or any other pointless mortal flotsam garbage society is programmed into flushing down the toilet over. Vegetarian diet and only driving when absolutely necessary helps too. Don't do anything that costs that's not critical.

My discretionary time is more important than money that I don't NEED. Breaking even is good enough for me, setting aside just enough to cover car maintenance and other emergencies. No, it's not a luxurious life, but hey. I delight in costing calipornia many times over what I give it in taxes. (The state pays about $15,000 on my in covered calipornia, and I paid less than $200.00 in state income tax, most weeks, all they get out of me in sales tax is toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning products. I shop at the cheapest places to get those, not to mention everything else. Thank the gods for Grocery Outlet, Dollar Tree, Trader Joe's and the East Indian store across from where I work that has better prices on some things than even Grocery Outlet.)

What would the world be like if everyone lived with that CATITUDE?

Morgan