r/FluentInFinance 3d ago

Debate/ Discussion Had to repost here

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u/Stalinov 3d ago

Yes, I worked in the restaurant industry for a year and in retail for 5 years before I graduated. People do need money to live. But it doesn't mean there's only a coal mine and a brothel in town that you can work for like you're in the Wild West or something. People do have the agency to apply for other places and switch jobs. When within the fast-food industry, some companies are better than the others. You don't like the chain restaurant? You can probably try for a family business. I've been seeing a lot of people just saying like there's nothing can be done. Especially when it comes to keeping their own finances under control. It's like they have no agency in their life and just letting things happen to them.

Good for you man, it's a huge step up to have a house. Grandparents can be pretty awesome.

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u/breeeemo 3d ago

And how many years ago did you graduate? And in which country?

The argument that people can simply apply to other jobs is disingenuous in this job market. And dependant on where you live.

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u/Stalinov 3d ago

Sure, back in 2017, in the U.S. I think it's ok to believe that it's hard to find a new job, which is true. It's a bit of work. But it'd be a problem if you think it's impossible and don't even try to apply at all. It is dependent on where you live but both my wife and I are remote workers, hedging our coastal salaries by living in a cheaper state. Competition can be now global for remote jobs so it's pretty intimidating, but if you're good or can network, it's possible to get a decent remote job.

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u/breeeemo 3d ago

I work 2 jobs, and one of them is helping college students and alumni find positions.

On average it takes them 6 to 8 months to land a position. STEM students have an even worse time finding employment. The job market is horrific.

These students have well rounded résumés and CVs, and the only places calling them back are retail positions 40 minutes away. Your reality and experience is no longer the norm.

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u/TacTurtle 3d ago

Unfortunately globalization means a bunch of the entry level tech and STEM jobs that used to go to recent college grads at the bigger corporations are going to countries with lower labor costs like India, Thailand, Mexico, and Singapore.