Quality of jobs matters more than quantity.

Recently, there has been a mixed reality in the job market. Job creation is on the rise with numerous job openings across various sectors. This abundance of job opportunities means that losing a job doesn’t necessarily translate into a prolonged job search. Unemployment rates have been consistently low, which is a positive development. However, there is more to the story.

While the job market offers many openings, the quality of these jobs is a concern. Simply having more jobs available doesn’t address the needs of working-class individuals who are struggling to make ends meet with one or two jobs. Despite having job security, the pay and benefits provided by these jobs fall short.

In the recent past, hourly workers saw only a minimal wage increase of six cents. It’s worth noting that a significant number of available positions offer minimum wage or even lower, which is insufficient for sustaining a family. Surprisingly, there are more job openings than workers willing to fill them. This scenario starkly contrasts with the lucrative salaries of top executives and CEOs in major corporations, who often receive six-figure incomes.

Although the overall unemployment rate is decreasing nationwide, having a job doesn’t guarantee contentment. As the cost of living and property ownership expenses escalate, stagnant hourly wages pose a challenge for workers to support their families or maintain stable housing.