Honest Days Work for an Honest Days Wage

Job searching is a frustrating way to fill your day.  In Bellingham, at least, it is an exercise in perseverance in the face of continued rejection, non-replies, and people out to hire skill for nothing.  Additionally there is no cross over in this job market.  Cross-over meaning, for my purposes today, the chance to take applicable skills from one profession and apply them to another.  For every non-carpentry job in which I could utilize effectively and skillfully a lot of the logistics, organizing, project management, and customer skills I have developed and honed as a carpenter there is a focused professional right behind me or right in front of me with their resume, cover letter, and tie -- I don't even know how to tie a tie -- applying for the same job.  But the truly frustrating thing about looking for jobs in Bellingham is the nature of potential employers trying to take advantage of desperate people by offering pathetic wages for skilled positions.

Since I was laid-off the first time, four years ago for the better part of a summer (and that has been the pattern since then) my wage has fluctuated dramatically in a negative fashion.  And it is isn't just my wage but wages for nearly every job I see, employers demanding certifications, permits, licenses, and training but paying at an entry level wage. 

It isn't right to take advantage of desperate people and no amount of social help (welfare) can replace the rich, accomplished feeling of an honest days work for an honest wage.  Cliche, I know, and undoubtedly relative to people in different situations.  But it is an arrogant, conceited, and selfish way of thinking to set low wages in the mindset that at least a job is being provided.

I believe we are people intended to work.  As a husband and father a crucial role in my life is that of provider -- worker.  When I have no work my identity is ripped apart, my sense of worth and responsibility is shattered, and my family suffers on a variety of levels not the least of which is sacrifices the material comforts that we grow so reliant on but the disruption of routine and schedule and focus day in and day out.  I need to work, it fulfills my duty, my identity, and a key part of my intended purpose in this life but I will not be taken advantage of.  Nor should anyone be expected to.

Skilled workers are skilled workers and should be paid accordingly.  I do not see a great deal of difference between a highly skilled/accomplished waitperson and their carpentry counterpart or anyone in between (baristas, bartenders, plumbers, etc...) as all fill a key role we depend on a great deal.  Good service should be rewarded with a living wage.  The old adage "you get what you pay for" is proven again and again and again and we should all take notice.