December 31, 2004

Interesting Numbers on Unemployment

Here.

From my own experience, the key to finding gainful employment quickly is to tailor yourself to the market rather than waiting for the market to tailor itself to you (which is what many people seem to do). I've found myself unemployed twice: once by choice and once through a lay-off.

In the first case, it took four months to find a new job; in the second, two months. In each, I made finding a job my full-time job, and in each case I've ended up somewhere better, in a position that is more fulfilling, for more money. I could have taken longer; I know my parents wouldn't let me, the wife, and the wee Fiona starve to death, but there's a certain shame in mooching off your folks that isn't really present when you get a check in the mail from a faceless shmoe at some state agency.

Could it be that extensive public social support networks reduce a person's sense of obligation to self and family to earn a living? The effects of more central planning on foreign economies? A little of both - a bit of neither?

Beats me; I just needed to get one post up before we're off shopping, then cleaning, then cooking, then drinking, then... other stuff. Might be back later in the day, but - if not - have a happy new year!