by Angela Cranon
As Republican and Democratic candidates gear up to run for President of the United States, the three top worries of Americans, according to the Gallup polls, are still “unemployment, the economy and the dissatisfaction with the government, particularly its federal spending habits.”
Unfortunately, these concerns are not new so when and what will it take to get these issues off of the radar so that the country can move forward and live up to its “super-power” of the world status?
In these presidential debates, which is no surprise, voters will be looking to hear solutions to these particular problems. More specifically, getting Americans back to work will be a primary focus.
Since entering office, under President Barack Obama, the status of unemployment has been up and down, still not giving many job seekers confidence in the market. According to FactCheck.org, under the Obama Administration, 7.2 million jobs have been added, making the unemployment rate lower than the historical median, and job openings at its highest point in 14 years. Nonetheless, there are still millions without work.Is it even possible to fix these problems or should America just accept the fact that government has only the ability to change the bandages on the wounds, just enough where the country does not bleed to death?
Of course, there is no simple solution, but one aspect is for sure, America needs to become more educated to become employable. Without a degree, and in some cases, the need is higher than a Bachelor’s, Americans will not get back to work. Even the youth are being pushed out of their minimum wage jobs by older America to support their families. This pattern is expected to increase as the approved hike in minimum wage takes affect.
Most of the jobs in demand require, at minimum, a four year degree. From dentists, to software developer, to market research analyst, to public relations specialists, the requirements are demanding, but the salaries $40,000 to $146,000 more than compensate for the education needed. Some of the less popular jobs like school psychologist, plumber, art director, to cost estimator can still provide a solid living with earnings from $44,000 to $88,000, according to money.usnews.com. A solution to some of these problems is for America to get educated. For the less educated, find ways to earn a living while going back to school or learn a specific trade that is a demand of today’s society. Think of the future. Don’t act randomly. Look at the future to determine what will Americans want, need, and desire. And for those already educated, spend time being more innovative and strategizing to make money. Choose the less popular jobs that actually earn a solid salary. Become your own boss. Look at the needs of society and evaluate your skills and match those needs up with what you already know how to do. Or just reinvent yourself. Get out of your comfort zone and stop looking for the same kind of job that laid you off, closed its office, or shut the door on you.
When I think about these strategies, I immediately reflect on Apple, the corporation. The products they make and release each year are not necessities, but a strong desire by the American people, and for that matter, around the world, to have the latest gadget. If people were more conservative at their spending, only products and items to be bought would be necessities. Because Apple makes a living at “wowing the world”, why can’t you?
