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John Bressler -- Looking toward the future today
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John Bressler

I am glad that elections are over for the time being and now all will be waiting for the shoe to drop. By that, I mean it will be put up or shut up time. A huge fact: this voting public may be some of the most informed and motivated as most are far less concerned about the looks and demeanor of a candidate as they are about the credentials and ability each hopefully possesses. To boil this all down, the candidates have made a career choice, the electors have set high standards and all who voted will not be expected to sit back and wait for results but will encourage, support and enable those elected to respond as expected. I truly feel as though I am a partner in the politics of my country!

Since one very important issue - among a host of issues - is the job market for those who are not only qualified but are looking for job security so their families can hang on to their home, pay bills and have a promising future.

I believe this can only happen when companies no longer feel the need, by law or misplaced ideals, to transfer outside the United States where cheap labor and higher profits seem to abound. Job security will only be possible when our country returns to claim the title of being the manufacturing giant the world recognizes and respects. Job security will only be possible when we begin to take a hard look at what participation in the so-called "global economy" has cost us and reduce our dependency on other countries and focus on our economic prowess.

Now it is time for my quantum leap of faith: these young folks who will soon enter the job market need to realize that jobs are not as plentiful as in the past and being ready for the competition to get that elusive job needs more than a piece of paper. Our country has been built on quality and certainly not quantity. Made in America was the sign and seal that meant a firm handshake, a dependable product, a guarantee of excellence and a pride of ownership. This could only have happened when every man or woman who was involved in the process, from management to production, did it right the first time!

I have been going over a major source for career choice with every class this past week and have been talking about a hum-dinger of a source: www.bls.gov/oco/, which just happens to be the Bureau of Labor Statistics. I do not talk about salaries, prestige or romantic-sounding positions. I do talk about the reality of occupational requirements. Every student wants to be a teacher, sport trainer, lawyer, engineer - and you can fill in the blanks for a pot-full of other careers. The bottom line for so many choices just happens to be money. I do my best to move students away from the paycheck to the demands and expectations that must be met just to stand in line for an interview.

I was talking to a very intelligent young lady at one of the fine restaurants here in Statesboro. While I was waiting for my take-out order, we talked about her future. She is working part-time while finishing her education. She hopes to work for a professional medical journal. Wow! And what is required? For starters: a four-year degree, a master's degree, medical school, an internship and a couple of years for some hands-on experience. Will she make it? Darn tootin'!

With folks like her - and I am not just talking about those in scientific areas but those in any chosen profession - the future of our country will be in good hands.

I hope that these young people will sit in front of an employer and say, "I am prepared and I am ready to work. I know your company and your product as well as your reputation and I want to learn and grow right here. I will be someone you can be proud to have."

The rest of the dream is just around the corner. It's just around the corner!

 

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