Sign of the Times

**kita** · 12-10-2009, 10:32 PM

I went to Wal-mart tonight and realized something odd.

Not one of the cashiers were young high schoolers. And six of them were middle-aged men.

Unemployed who are glad for hours during the holidays I am guessing. But I am still amazed.

**Palooka** · 12-10-2009, 10:45 PM

I always see older people working at Walmarts here way before younger.

Maybe some have been there for years though.

**mauimagic** · 12-10-2009, 10:50 PM

I'm glad that they were able to find jobs and am sure that they are too!!

Are young people still looking for jobs?

**sinopa27** · 12-10-2009, 10:57 PM

The teenagers can't get jobs that are temporary or seasonal because the older people have them to support their families.
It is a sign of the times

**pollypurebred39** · 12-10-2009, 10:57 PM

Just heard a news report that in the age range of 16-24 45% are unemployed due to older workers filling those postions. It went on to say that this up and coming generation will not do as well as their parents did in their lifetime. The pay scale has dropped drastically and will remain so according to the reporter. They gave the example how the father yields $100,000 a year, the child can expect to top out at $30,000 a year for the same job in their lifetime. They said the ceiling will be much lower on the pay scale. I thought the report interesting if not a bit frightening.

**Inkstain82** · 12-10-2009, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

It went on to say that this up and coming generation will not do as well as their parents did in their lifetime.

That was pretty much inevitable.

The generation right after WWII got rich because America was the only world manufacturer that hadn't blown itself to pieces in multiple wars.

The generation after that kept up that standard of living by running up insane amounts of debt.

This generation has neither of those as options.

**Palooka** · 12-11-2009, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by sinopa27

The teenagers can't get jobs that are temporary or seasonal because the older people have them to support their families.
It is a sign of the times

But most teens I know aren't looking for a temporary or seasonal job. Just steady part time employment.

But then most teens I know don't apply at walmart either. It's like fast food, at the mall, or some local business like a hardwear store or a tanning salon.

**Palooka** · 12-11-2009, 12:48 AM

If teens want a job in retail they have a way better chance working at kmart/Sears. Don't know why that is, but it's true.

I worked for Sears for almost three years in high school and during going to trade school. Still if you walk into those department stores, you will find more teens employed there.

**frugalfranny** · 12-11-2009, 01:38 AM

The WM that I usually go to has very few young workers too. Young meaning----early twenties or younger.

The people working at the 'quik stop' type gas stations are all older too, but they have to be 21 to sell the beer. They look older than that though.

**chevy_chick95** · 12-11-2009, 03:18 AM

i sure wish my walmart was hiring at all...

i do agree tho seems as tho older people are getting jobs above me. i'm just glad someone is getting hired, and that companies in my area are still looking for employees

**imagine** · 12-11-2009, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

Just heard a news report that in the age range of 16-24 45% are unemployed due to older workers filling those postions. It went on to say that this up and coming generation will not do as well as their parents did in their lifetime. The pay scale has dropped drastically and will remain so according to the reporter. They gave the example how the father yields $100,000 a year, the child can expect to top out at $30,000 a year for the same job in their lifetime. They said the ceiling will be much lower on the pay scale. I thought the report interesting if not a bit frightening.

All the more reason to teach our children to be frugal.

**imagine** · 12-11-2009, 08:51 AM

My Wal-mart have adults working the normal shifts (8 to 4?)
and college students working the later day shifts.

I haven't been to Walmart after 9 so I don't know who is working the overnight shift.

**scooby8themall** · 12-11-2009, 08:56 AM

Our Walmart has a mixture of young and older some cashiers are 17 and some are 40ish-50ish .

**jlaporte** · 12-11-2009, 09:25 AM

sign of the times for sure. I too have noticed alot more older ppl at walmart. But hey we all need work.but turn over is high as well. so hopefully this wont just b seasonal.

**Pianolady** · 12-11-2009, 10:42 AM

It's definitely a sign of the times. Ds tried to find employment last summer, it was a total waste of time. Not one interview, even though he's a straight A college student! Summer jobs were not to be found last summer. I'm sure there are seasonal Christmas jobs, but those are usually taken by adults due to the kids being in school, and adults need the extra income. I know many people with 2 or 3 jobs instead of 1. This is common around here.

Dh just took an entry-level warehouse job he could have had right out of high school, he's in his mid-40's (with a degree). But, he needed a job due to the economy putting our family business out of business (we're still in business/hanging in there, just no income). There's many a person filling these type of jobs in their 40's and 50's because they can't advance in their current career or can't find a job in their field.

I'm not complaining about it either, it's just the way it is. We're thankful to be employed at all.