The US “labor shortage” is just a wage shortage (2021)
Here&#x27;s something I noticed when talking to or observing others when it comes down to this kind of thing.<p>When people are in unacceptable work situations, which almost always comes down to (at least seemingly) bad management, lack of respect and low wages, they tend to avoid the issue either by leaving and finding a better place or by trying to level up if they have the guts to change anything at all. Often they try and suck it up, which leads to all kind of issues down the line.<p>There is another way, which is negotiating and clearly stating one&#x27;s goals. Workers tend to underestimate a couple of things: Their value, their ability to work out and improve a workplace situation, and often also the ability of their superiors to change perspective and collaborate on moving forward.<p>And it is understandable. We tend to get taught how to be good worker bees. Reading and writing, math, discipline, shallow&#x2F;propagandized politics and skills that prepare for work.<p>But we aren&#x27;t taught how to negotiate, question authority, organization (the real kind, not the following orders kind), collective bargaining, solving conflicts and compromising as equals etc. These are _essential_ life skills.<p>Good leaders respect you if you have these skills, they love to solve problems and improve situations. And it can have powerful long term effects on a workplace if you become active. Freedom and power come from realizing that you already have it.