Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

 
When the media talks about jobs and the economy, they always paint with too broad of a brush. Some examples:

1. We always hear that people with college degrees make a million or more dollars over their lifetime than those without. The question is: Which people? A tradesman, i.e., an electrician, plumber, etc., will make more during a lifetime than most people with bachelors, some of whom are insanely rich, but many of whom have basic administrative jobs.

2. Talking about unemployment figures of Americans as a whole is useless. For example, unemployment for young African American males might be quadruple another group.

3. When we talk about jobs added, it's key to distinguish what kind of jobs they are. Most new jobs are service sector, lower paid than the manufacturing jobs they are replacing.

4. When discussing wages and salary it's absolutely crucial to talk about benefits. Many low wage workers get no sick or vacation time. Missing a day is something they can't afford, even when ill.

5. It's often claimed that the main cause of unemployment is the lack of proper education. I don't buy that. If more people get law degrees there won't be more legal jobs as a result.  Most training for skilled and non-skilled positions actually happens on the job. I'd love to see more apprentice programs, since a lot of people can't afford to get a degree or certificate and then be unemployed.