The end of jobs or the end of jobs as we currently know them?
Many love to push the idea that we are running out of jobs. I disagree, I think we are running out of jobs as we know them.
People will always find ways to provide things of Value and people will always find a way to "pay" them for it. Humans have been trading since cavemen started crafting bones and stick into tools.
Let's pretend for a minute that some Nation does try out Universal Basic Income. The concept being that someone presumably a Government begins to pay people just to be alive. (Many if not all states and Nations already have a Welfare System for those who can't work) So, the idea is you get $1000 a month just to be alive.
My short story version of how it might go:
Year 1: Those who pay taxes and work are angry. Those who feel they will receive are happy. The budget is done and they begin to print and mail checks. Many keep working, but those who hate their jobs quit and decide to collect UBI.
Year 2: The project is already over budget as more people quit working than anticipated and due to taxes even working people had less disposable income so they quit buying things, which in turn hurts tax revenue and the income of the businesses who are paying the taxes. Some layoffs begin to happen.
Year 3: Many of the elective jobs in year one have now gone away, luxury items already hurting are now taxed harder to try to make up for the difference. There are a few new jobs to administrate the new project but the working class is taxed at very high levels. Many of the people who are collecting UBI are unable to manage their money and are now showing up at food banks and other places.
Year 4: $1000 a month in cash is determined to be too high and many are mismanaging these funds and still living without healthcare, quality food, etc. Seeing this as a problem: Leaders replace the cash with food stamps, government issued shoes and hair vouchers. Smart people learn to cut their own hair and the hair of their friends to save and trade hair coupons. The friends tip and trade for these services. Others who love fancy hair buy these vouchers. A new economy begins to develop. It is obvious the program is in financial trouble.
Year 5: Most private businesses have now closed as people cannot afford designer clothing, shoes, eating out and cars are unneeded and deemed a luxury. So few people are working that the burden of the program continues to collapse. All clothing for those on UBI are now standard issue tee-shirts and jeans, 2 new pairs of brown leather loafers are provided. Along with food stamps and even less cash. Sally who lives on the corner of 3rd and Parkplace begins to sew designs on the clothing for those who's fashion sense is offended by the bland clothing. People trade food, money and other items in exchange.
Year 6: Taxes have grown so heavy that nearly no one is working, the program no longer can provide a standard of living above poverty levels and people once again learn to do trades, grow food, cooperate and trade labor to rebuild houses and pave the roads. (We have to have roads)
Anyway, you can see where this is headed. No jobs will never go away, UBI will never be sustainable and you would likely hate it, anyway. No one WANTS to be the ward of a government, if you question this you have missed history.
However, jobs as we know them, are going away, and I am thankful. Businesses were meant to produce or sell something, or maybe provide a service. They shouldn't be responsible for their employees' retirement, healthcare, sick leave, baby leave, vacations, mental health and in some places even sexual equality. That's not what they are good at and it's not what they do. The sooner jobs as we know them go away the better. I'm not saying it is going to be a comfortable road, but I do not think the current model is in anyone's best interest.
I have no idea what this post is besides a collection of odd thoughts on jobs going away and UBI.
