04-04-2008, 12:35 PM
It doesn't seem that description of "unemployment" is what they are using when they report the unemployment numbers since they usually list the number of new claims as well. I think most of the non-economic majors use the term "unemployment" to mean folks who don't have a job and are getting unemployment benefits. Part of receiving unemployment requires the beneficiary to be out looking for work. At least, that's how it works around here, it might be different in other places.
I think a lot of the difficulty in finding work in Hawaii is that the employers here put a lot of emphasis on getting workers who will fit in and be part of the team. I don't think it is so much about the work history the prospective employees have so much as if they will blend in with and be part of the existing work team. We have so many different cultures that they have all blended into a unique way of doing things and skills are much easier to train than attitudes.
Things are also slowing down and even if someone's business hasn't specifically slowed down they probably also read the headlines and don't want to take on a new hire at this time until things are a little less uncertain.
Our unemployment rates are also lower than the mainland since frequently when folks quit a job here they go back to the mainland and file a claim there. We also have folks working two or three jobs and if they quit one they are still technically working, too.
I think a lot of the difficulty in finding work in Hawaii is that the employers here put a lot of emphasis on getting workers who will fit in and be part of the team. I don't think it is so much about the work history the prospective employees have so much as if they will blend in with and be part of the existing work team. We have so many different cultures that they have all blended into a unique way of doing things and skills are much easier to train than attitudes.
Things are also slowing down and even if someone's business hasn't specifically slowed down they probably also read the headlines and don't want to take on a new hire at this time until things are a little less uncertain.
Our unemployment rates are also lower than the mainland since frequently when folks quit a job here they go back to the mainland and file a claim there. We also have folks working two or three jobs and if they quit one they are still technically working, too.
Kurt Wilson