Job Creation vs. Work Creation
Ok everyone. Listen up. I am hearing over and over again that this new Bill is going to put a lot of people to work. I TOTALLY agree. The government is good at creating work but there is a HUGE difference between creating work and creating jobs.
Let me explain. We keep hearing about all these new roads, bridges, buildings, etc that are going to be built. That’s great if you are a construction worker. It’s great if you land that particular contract. But it is all WORK. It doesn’t create a long term job for you. It’s a tactical move not a strategic one. What happens when all the government sponsored roads and bridges are built? Well, those people that WERE working are no longer needed. Is this the plan? Really?
The only way to create long term jobs is through growth. When companies are growing, they hire employees; plain and simple. Building roads will create work that needs to be done. Helping companies grow will create jobs. That is the difference between Job Creation and Work Creation. The government is great at creating work but not so good at creating jobs. This stimulus package focuses on creating work, not jobs.
Just listen to all the supporters of the stimulus package. They all talk about putting people to work. They use very specific language. The Republican opposition says they are not going to back anything that doesn’t create jobs. Again, very specific language. I think there is a need for both but this Bill is loaded with short term, tactical work creation. We need jobs.