Happy to have a job

Commentary by Jeff Burgar

I remember patiently waiting to pay for a karaoke CD at a Wal-Mart store. Three elderly chaps, the youngest of whom was probably 70, and the eldest at least ten years older, were huddled around the electronic, flat-screen cash register device. All wore nice Wal-Mart aprons. Each took turns, poking at the touch screen, trying to make something happen. “Maybe you push here,’’ said one, as he stabbed a finger at the screen. Nothing happened. “No, I think you push here,’’ said another, also trying to get something to light up. The third rubbed his bald head and looked concerned. Finally one said, “Let’s get Becky.’’ “Yah,’’ said another, “Let’s get Becky. Becky knows everything.’’ The third nodded, “Becky, let’s get Becky.’’ And, in a few short minutes, a young lady about 25 showed up, and zippity poke here and there, the cash register did it’s thing and took my money. I remembered the story while reading how the so-called retirement age is fading away. Freedom 55 is a fond memory, if it ever really existed. Now it’s Freedom 65 and beyond. And what the heck is this “Freedom’’ stuff anyway? What’s wrong with the way we are today? A recent survey by Sun Life says that almost half of people now intend to work past 65. The most obvious reason why of course is people are just living longer. Lots longer. Why put yourself out to pasture when you can still put in a day’s work, take home money and keep on living a comfortable life? Active minds and active bodies, right? The best part, up to the time of the financial meltdown, was business was incredibly happy just to have a warm body show up. So, you could pretty well set your own hours, responsibilities and duties - in other words, sort of be your own boss. Can I take Monday off? Sure thing. Can I take another week in Jamaica next month and an extra couple of weeks off in September? No problem. I can’t lift those heavy boxes. That’s okay says the boss. I’ll do it. Or maybe he will get Becky to do it! What’s not to like about a job like that? This is Alberta. While 20,000 people aren’t getting laid off at the car factories, many businesses struggle to find and keep staff. While mainstays like forestry, agriculture and energy reel, some governments are still passing out raises and hiring new faces. The way it’s looking, (and I am crossing my fingers about me) Becky and I will still have jobs. Perhaps it will be for some godawful low amount of money, but there will be some kind of work as long as we want to work. For myself, I am going to be quite happy doing it!