Why does work seem to have gotten worse in the last 50 years?

mr_fegelien

Statisticians always use metrics like health, GDP, etc.. to judge that we are better now in 2019 than in 1969. No doubt things have gotten better in many ways.

However, from talking to my grandparents and parents, one thing that seems to have gotten massively difficult is gaining employment. It seems it was easier to get jobs in the past but now, it's the complete opposite. Even fast food joints have intricated personality tests you must do.

What happened? Ironically technology may have made things difficult by automation.

Augme

You might want to look up Irelands historical unemployment rate.

beauf

https://www.thejournal.ie/self-aid-30-year-anniversary-2773961-May2016/
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/ultimate-guide-to-biggest-irish-gigs-and-festivals-of-summer-2019-1.3875278

I'm not sure if you mean doing meaningless personality test is very hard or that its hard to get a job. Considering its a time of low unemployment vs a time of peak unemployment.

But I think what you mean is easier to filter applicants these days using technology.

Very little talk of emigration these days compared to the past.
https://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/how-the-brain-drain-hit-ireland-in-the-80s-26506538.html

OMM 0000

Previously it was mostly men who went to work, so the jobs market was a lot less competitive (now you're competing with both men and women). Also one salary would get you a house and car. Now two salaries can barely get you this, so life has a lot more pressure.

Back then most people didn't go to college, so the average person wasn't competing with people who have degrees and masters.

Another issue is life today is drastically more competitive. You need all the skills from back then + IT skills + qualifications + the workplace is a lot more complex (gender politics, etc.)

However it's not all bad. Women are now free to do what they want. Workplaces are generally safer. We have better employee protections. And so on.

99problems1

There's a constant feedback loop of improvement.

How do we make things better? It's not about the end result, things have to be improved now.

Think of a car wash.

First you'd have a sponge and bucket and you might pay someone to do it.
Then powerwashers came along.
Then drive through car washes.
Then they were able to wax, clean alloys and dry.

It's a constant belt tightening and it happens with people too.

rock22

Nothing. it wasn't easier in the past

GooglePlus

My grandfather had to emigrate to the UK for work.