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The great debate on internationally outsourcing American jobs teeters on two schools of thought. The first is that outsourcing is RIPPING US APART! The second is that a small sacrifice of jobs now will greatly benefit America in the long run. Here’s my interpretation of this ethical tug-o-war: It has been proven in the past that job outsourcing, if done properly, can yield long-term economic growth. But, America has three questions that demand answers. How much growth can we expect? How long is this shit going to take? And meanwhile, how many millions of jobs — and sane minds — must we sacrifice to make this economic deliverance a reality?
For this methodology to work, the eventual benefits must greatly and invariably outweigh the short-term handicaps. It is clear to me that this outsourcing craze fails this test, and it should be clear to everyone else, not just the people who are losing jobs — and their sanity. The President's chief economic adviser, Greg Mankiw, tried to make this point back in February about outsourcing’s hidden benefits, but he also FAILED miserably in delivering the right message about this touchy issue. I don’t mind, of course, because it sent ripples through the Republican Party, threatened his job, and sent President Bush running in the other direction saying, “Oh, you see, I’m not with this guy.” This is awfully strange and inconsistent for the President, since Mankiw was actually speaking on his behalf. Oops! I’d like something like this to come up again in the next few weeks. Please, oh please!
I’m sorry, but the economic growth to be gained someday by welcoming non-stop outsourcing will NOT appease displaced workers with entire families to support! This has nothing to do with me, a single gay guy with no family to worry about. In fact, I’m not even complaining about the tough job market, and you’ll quickly see why if you read some of my previous posts. I’m far more concerned about the strain that layoffs by outsourcing causes in these families such as marital problems, unaffordable childcare and health coverage, mortgage defaults, etc. Divorce rates are starting to climb again in most parts of the country, suicide rates are nudging higher (just spend a day on Golden Gate Bridge!), and the sap on physical and mental health of IT pros is undocumented but very real!
Luckily, for the moment, employment in the IT sector is not getting any worse and may even be adding a few jobs to its roster each month, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, things aren't really getting any better, thanks to the vacuum effect of outsourcing. For those IT professionals that do have jobs, many of those jobs may seem enviable on the surface, but the exorbitant workload many have to deal with – often in excess of 55 hours per week – creates many of the same stressors that the unemployed masses already face. It’s very tough to pull together statistics to back myself up on these points, but I did extract some sector data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (see graph below). I am not making this up; It sucks! If I had more money, I would help anyone that I could through the emotional trauma of job loss. And God help the few that deal with workplace violence, post-employment attacks, and abuse by neurotic ex-bosses (like I did!).
Just so I don’t leave anyone hanging, my final thought of the day is to HANG IN THERE. If you’re currently employed, be thankful for the moment and engage in relaxing activities to keep your stress at bay. If you’re between jobs, think positively and feel positively about your professional self, and be creative in your hunt for income, whether it’s looking for full-time work, contracts, or launching your own small business.
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