ST Alpha - "There's nothing wrong with skilled labor. But there's simply more jobs and more specialized tasks out there now." (Reading a Post)

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In response to "Mike Rowe testified before a Senate committee about the "skills gap". Transcript is worth reading -- (link)" by TWuG

There's nothing wrong with skilled labor. But there's simply more jobs and more specialized tasks out there now.

Posted by Mop (209 lbs) (aka rburriel) May 13 '11, 14:36

Not everyone is a polymath any more, and no one can do all things. Mike Rowe's grandpa probably can't do simple computer functions, much less program the routines necessary to keep planes in the air or operate our electrical infrastructure. These systems have become more complicated not because we want them to be, but because we need them to be in order to handle the additional load we put on them. We simplify them only at the risk of reducing capacity and efficiency.

I don't care that I can't fix a toilet. I can fix Mike Rowe's grandpa's computer so he can play cheese on Yahoo with his friends, and that's something he can't do.

Mop

Responses:

Rowe's point is that the number of people who *can* fix a toilet is decreasing, yet toilets still need fixing. - TWuG May 13, 14:51 5
- thus the price will rise. and old people will bitch about it. - Beryllium May 13, 14:55 4
  - We replaced our kitchen sink a few weeks back. Wife looked up some online videos, and got to work. -- nm - Mop (209 lbs) May 13, 15:00 1
    - Mrs. Vermin and I fantasize about quitting our office jobs and restoring/flipping houses. - Dr.Vermin May 13, 15:05
  - Or just pee on the floor! -- nm - CovingtonCat May 13, 14:57 1
    - *nice*. also, eww. heheh -- nm - Beryllium May 13, 14:58

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There's nothing wrong with skilled labor. But there's simply more jobs and more specialized tasks out there now.

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