Where are those unemployed folks who want to really work?

[Lisa]

This just gets me....we are fair to work for...everyone is paid by the law and we are flexible when folks need off for just about any occasion at any time...we really try hard.

In the past year, I bet we've hired no less than 8 people who would show up one day, maybe two, and then never show up again. No call, nothing. (Unless its to ask us to put their paycheck in the mail) This weekend, hired someone, told her she could start Saturday and she acted excited, but never showed up.

Then we have employees who think they can call off all of the time...we do ask for a doctor's note after so many call offs. Like I said, if they give us warning, we can work around it but those last minute call offs are bad.

We have a policy...never rehire if we don't get a two week notice. Often, we don't even know they are not coming back until they don't show up.

Even have a job posted on career link and will contact folks who express interest but they never come in for an application and to meet with us. They just have to fill a quota for putting out their name so many times a month.

As a small business it sucks. I even heard of a sandwich shop that just opened this year who is already closing because he can not find folks to work for him.

We thought with the price of gas, we would see folks who don't want to travel into State College or other areas and work close to home apply but they don't.

If unemployment is up in this area, its not because there aren't jobs available.

[Rich]

People want big $$$, big bennys and work as less as possible. Plus, why work when you can get food stamps and an access card with a phone call.

I've worked at the same place for 15/16 yrs. Haven't had a raise in a while. (Years) I make "ok" money. My bills get paid, mostly on time. Sometimes not. I drive close to a hour 1 way. And the health Ins is to high for me to afford. I'm gone 12 hours a day at least from my family. And usually work Saturdays from 7am till noon or 1pm....

So, in short.... I think people are lazy!!! People dont need to work to put food on the table or a roof over there heads anymore. It's handed to them...

Just my 2 cents... For what it's worth...

[Hawk]

It's everywhere. My wife works in retail for a large chain clothing store. They have the exact same problem.

I don't think there is an easy answer to this because each individual you dealt with may have different circumstances. For instance if they live with a parent. Some may be just plain lazy.

I think (I hope I'm wrong) that in today's society many people are just rude. They only care about themselves - not you. They have become self centered. And they think everyone they deal with is like them.

[I know welfare is going to come into this thread. As it should. But we don't know each person's reasons for not showing up. Welfare fraud does suck. But there are some people who need it, and the cost of finding all of the frauds would cost more to find them. ]

Some people might think they are worth (payment wise) more than they really are. I would say that is the biggest problem you are dealing with.

[bassist_25]

I think (I hope I'm wrong) that in today's society many people are just rude. They only care about themselves - not you. They have become self centered. And they think everyone they deal with is like them.

I don't know if people as a whole have gotten any more rude over the generations; however, I know that I've become more cognizant of people being rude and self-centered as I've become older.

[Rich]

You are correct "Hawk".... There are people out there who need the help. I'm not talking about those people.... BUT..... When Central Pa advertises on bill boards about "Come and get it." That just kinda sucks!! How do you think that makes the people who actually have some respect for themselves and other, to actually work. And bite the bullet every week/month when the bills come??? And it makes the people who actually need the help, look bad as well.... Guiltly by association.

[Hawk]

I think (I hope I'm wrong) that in today's society many people are just rude. They only care about themselves - not you. They have become self centered. And they think everyone they deal with is like them.

I don't know if people as a whole have gotten any more rude over the generations; however, I know that I've become more cognizant of people being rude and self-centered as I've become older.

Of course there are many people who are not self centered as well. I, like you, just seem to see it more often.

Take for instance a benefit for anyone via Rockpage and watch how many Rockpagers give of themselves ! Now that's cool !

[Hawk]

You are correct "Hawk".... There are people out there who need the help. I'm not talking about those people.... BUT..... When Central Pa advertises on bill boards about "Come and get it." That just kinda sucks!! How do you think that makes the people who actually have some respect for themselves and other, to actually work. And bite the bullet every week/month when the bills come??? And it makes the people who actually need the help, look bad as well.... Guiltly by association.

I agree.

But we shouldn't turn Lisa's problem into a discussion on welfare.

[Hawk]

I'd be curious what you ask them during the interview ?

Like, are you reliable and are you willing to commit to x hours each week ?

How much do you expect to make each week ? Rather than this is what you will make each week.

Are you planning on working here until you find something better ? Or do you think you'll be comfortable here for a while ?

Find out THEIR expectations first.

[Rich]

Not trying too... She asked for peoples opinions... That was mine... I have alot more... But you know the old saying about opinions...

[Lisa]

I'd be curious what you ask them during the interview ?

Like, are you reliable and are you willing to commit to x hours each week ?

How much do you expect to make each week ? Rather than this is what you will make each week.

Find out THEIR expectations first.

My husband's former job was hiring for a big company. He knows all of the right questions to ask. He's experience this all before to some degree, but nothing like we've seen here. He even tries to scare them away during the interview process...let them know up front all of the rules, etc. Describe the job fully so they know its not just standing around collecting the tips but there is a lot of other stuff involved too. He's even taught classes on interviewing.....so I think he knows how to do it....

You can ask them these questions and they will tell you what they think you want to hear.....

[Hawk]

I'd be curious what you ask them during the interview ?

Like, are you reliable and are you willing to commit to x hours each week ?

How much do you expect to make each week ? Rather than this is what you will make each week.

Find out THEIR expectations first.

My husband's former job was hiring for a big company. He knows all of the right questions to ask. He's experience this all before to some degree, but nothing like we've seen here. He even tries to scare them away during the interview process...let them know up front all of the rules, etc. Describe the job fully so they know its not just standing around collecting the tips but there is a lot of other stuff involved too. He's even taught classes on interviewing.....so I think he knows how to do it....

You can ask them these questions and they will tell you what they think you want to hear.....

I wasn't suggesting you don't know how to interview. Please don't think that. I was more curious about what is asked ? Being that I'm self employed, I've never been through the interview process, so I don't know how it works.

If you were looking for some / any answers on this thread, I was only trying to look for some. If you are just complaining and are looking for solace, I wish you the best of luck with your next employee.

[DirtySanchez]

Some people are just fucking worthless.

Lisa- Screen the shit out of these people. give them attitude tests/check references and dig. This is why a lot of employers run a credit check now.
It sucks, but you gotta do it. Turnover is more expensive than anything, financially and it also hurts the morale of your team in place.

Call these people up who quit and make them do an exit interview (they'll have to sign a document upon hire agreeing to such before they get their last paycheck). This will give you an idea of why people quit. It could be anything (cliques within your core people could scare newbies for example). At least you'll get your answers.

[songsmith]

I think lots of folks view food service and waitstaff jobs as transitional, it's usually not something a lot of folks aspire to. That said, my sister has been cooking for the same place for years and loves it. One of my best friends is a line cook, and while he's a musician, he really genuinely enjoys his day-job.
I think it's kinda like doing a solo act... you can actually make a pretty tidy living, once you learn how to work folks for tips, and actually deliver good service. I'd be a terrible waiter (I'd know everything about you, then forget half the stuff you ordered), don't hire me. I couldn't cook either, my wife does all the cooking here... she insists on her food being... good. --->JMS

[CHICKSINGA]

It's very much the same as sending an e-mail or calling or showing up to talk to a club owner to inquire about a gig and never getting the courtesy of an answer. Or being strung along for awhile and then getting no answer. I have a hard time feeling sorry for club owners who do that then bitch that people are working as they should. I believe it's called karma.
I'm not saying anyone here has done that, but if you have maybe that's what the problem could be attributed to. We all need to be careful in all the aspects of life, lest it come back to bite when least expected.

[moxham123]

Being a business person, I deal with people from many parts of the country and what I have noticed, no matter what type of business you have here, that there seems to be a much higher percentage of rude, inconsiderate, unprofessional people from the bottom to the top in this region than anywhere else. It is shame that people do not take pride in what they do and act in a professional manner in a working environment.

Lisa,

I hope some of these people list your business on future job applications as previous employment and somebody calls you about them. Some poetic justice would be sweet for you.

[Gorr]

heck I have been looking for job myself.........

[Lisa]

It's very much the same as sending an e-mail or calling or showing up to talk to a club owner to inquire about a gig and never getting the courtesy of an answer. Or being strung along for awhile and then getting no answer. I have a hard time feeling sorry for club owners who do that then bitch that people are working as they should. I believe it's called karma.
I'm not saying anyone here has done that, but if you have maybe that's what the problem could be attributed to. We all need to be careful in all the aspects of life, lest it come back to bite when least expected.

I can understand that one....but as someone that gets the calls, emails, etc, I would hope that I've responded to all of them. There's probably been a few that got by me during the times that I worked my real 50 hour a week job to keep our home, then helped with my husband's business for another 30+ hours a week because of staffing issues. ( have to admit I never thought owning a business would truly be a 24/7 job but we wish we could get a little more hours in our 24 hour day to get a little more done)

The difference being....we don't get to predict when we get have time to respond to a band's contact. We do the best we can as a business and I would hope others do too. But when we interview someone, and both parties agree to work, we've asked them to make time to work for us and they expressed the desire to give us that time.

I don't think its really quite the same.

[Mistress_DB]

The younger people today want the big bucks but they don't want to have to actually work for it. (I'm talking late teens to 20's) They want the CEO's salary without all the work that goes with it. They have that sense of entitlement like everything should just be handed to them on a silver platter.

[RFBuck]

+1 to you mistress and on the same token it works on the other end of the age scale, too. A lot of older people feel that because they've been busting their hump for so many years why should they get paid the same as some young punk?

When I lived at home, I had a neighbor that was a coal miner for 20+ years and got laid off just shy of his retirement (which was totally bogus, I must say). Anywho, he refused to look for work because he was so used to a high pay scale and anything less was beneath him. Now he wasn't living high on the hog to where any lower pay would hurt his bills or such...he just felt he wasn't gonna work for what he considered so little money.

Days ticked by, and when things did start getting tight he eventually buckled and took a job "beneath" him. Bitched about it constantly, but the bills were getting paid again and he wasn't living any worse than he did before.

Everyone thinks they're worth more than what they're paid but I say if you really need the funds suck it up and WORK and if your clothes don't have holes in them, your roof doesn't leak, and your stomach isn't growling consider yourself lucky just for that. Reality check: we can't have everything in life.

[Naga]

Yeah, that's pretty much it. I know I wouldn't mind making a few extra $$$ in my paycheck. Right now, I'm taking work as it is... WORK. I'm learning, trying hard to learn, and hopefully building myself up for a better job as we speak. I don't think I'll ever get to sit in a chair for 6hrs a day, walk around for 2, and enjoy my breaks and lunch as I see fit. If that comes,... Awesome. If not,... Well, I don't know. I guess I'll deal with that over time, won't I?

One of the guys I work with has that whole, "I hate this job" attitude. Thinking about it the way I do sometimes, yeah... Any job is work. It's not gonna be pretty. But then he's comparing what we do and what money we earn to other people in other businesses that're earning a fair bit more than what we're earning. However, watching how he works and watching how much he works,... Yeah, I don't think he'd cut it

Of course then again, there's always what you can tolerate work-wise too. What field you work in can make a big difference. There're some places and types you can't cut but love, and some you just don't like, but can do them with no complication

As with anything out of your own thing, it's not what you like... It's what you can tolerate

Anyway, barring my half-topic ranting,... Lisa, that's rather unfortunate. I don't know what it's like down there, but good luck finding a few people. A lot of people have this "Give me what I think I'm worth" attitude... But not all. You'll find someone to do what needs to be done though

[cucuplex96]

I know I would almost do anything for money at this point.. I just dont make enough.. or get enough hours..

I see it like this, and this sorta goes with what Naga just said...

I worked for a guy doing landscaping.. I had one other guy with me.. we were a two man crew... well I was there longer.. but the other guy made 50 dollars more than me a week...and we had the same exact duties..... so I decided that if he was gonna pay me x amout of money, he would get x amout of work.. period.. I'm not gonna break my back for shitty pay... treat me good.. then i will break my back for ya... its just the kinda guy i am... I will do anything for anyone.. if they treat me right... and everyone that knows me personally knows that is true.

so to sum that up.. if your paying me minimum wage... your gonna get minimum wage work outta me.. if you wanna treat me a little better i will treat you a little better... Work shouldnt be slavery.. Money is what makes the world go round.. and if my world cant go round with what i am getting paid.. chances are I wont be there long.. and I will be one my way searching for ideas on how to get my world to spin.

[cucuplex96]

The man just keeps holding you down too... they raise the minimum wage, and then prices go up on everything.. so you just end up at square one again... making it pointless to even raise minimum wage. And if you worked somewhere before the wage went up.. you dont see it.. the people that work with you after the wage went up advance faster than you. I can smell bullsh*t

I wish I had a dumptruck.. I would go into business for myself building retaining walls, or mulch jobs.. cause there is money there.. and people with money obsess over how good their property looks

[cucuplex96]

I once seem a man vacuming his lawn.. haha thats a joke but he might as well have been

[Lisa]

That's the one thing about wait wages...you may only get any where from $2.85 to $5.15 an hour from your employee, but if you are good at it and put some effort into it, you should be able to earn tips and take it way up. Heck, I've worked days where I've taken home on average $15 an hour. And its considered an entry level job. And if the tips are bad, then we would raise up the wage to the min. wage...but then we need to discuss why the person isn't getting tips and maybe they are not cut out to be with us. They probably should look for a job outside of customer service.

Raising of the min wage sucks big time for small businesses. And not for just the higher wage, but the taxes that we must pay on those higher wages. Its a double wammy. Then we have to raise the prices of our food and drinks, and people can't afford to come out to eat and drink....so we need to lay off people and pick up more hours on our own and then we can not do the maintenance and paperwork, etc that we need to do because we own the place and it all starts to go downhill. Its tough being a small business. Heard today about 3 businesses such as ours that may be closing up shop in our area alone....

Well, I need to go and do some bartending now.....

[Bag]

I wish I had a dumptruck.. I would go into business for myself building retaining walls, or mulch jobs.. cause there is money there.. and people with money obsess over how good their property looks

My tri-axle has been broken down for a month. The hoist decided to take a crap, and because of diesel prices and other repair bills, and finding someone who can actually fix it, we haven't been able to get it back yet. Add to that, that the state has shut down a bunch of road repair jobs until spring, and I'm pretty muched fucked! There's ALOT of stuff that can (and usually does) happen that you don't think about.

Don't mean to crush your dream or nothin!