Where will the resources come from to staff all the new businesses in TV?

[billethkid]

At it's current level it is very difficult for retail/commercial/restaurants/service companies to get sufficient people to staff the businesses that serve the needs of residents of TV. Now add all the future businesses as TV continues it's expansion South.

There is not sufficient affordable housing. There is a limit to how far folks are willing to drive to get here to work.

One of the negative side effects is compromised selectivity when looking for the best of the best.
Another is that businesses ability to replace currently unacceptable performing employees.

More and more job opportunities to come....insufficient work force to fill the current jobs.

How to attract and maintain "good" help!?!

[skip0358]

Couldn't agree more. Look at the rents on apartments in the area then look at what the workers get paid. It's only going to get worse and only so many older people want to get back in the job market! Affordable housing is definitely needed but who's going to build it.

[Chatbrat]

Florida salaries have always been 40 yrs being what is paid in other areas of the country, an example a waiter @ a local restaurant was an EMT in OCALA, he left an $11.00 hr job to become a waiter here, people, we are surrounded by a lot of have-nots--its a shame- but we can not compare our six figure retirement incomes to locals who are still working

[graciegirl]

Florida salaries have always been 40 yrs being what is paid in other areas of the country, an example a waiter @ a local restaurant was an EMT in OCALA, he left an $11.00 hr job to become a waiter here, people, we are surrounded by a lot of have-nots--its a shame- but we can not compare our six figure retirement incomes to locals who are still working

I don't think many or most Villages have six figure incomes. I think that the market will drive the changes and attract people to live here and find homes in their price range just as it has done in the past couple of decades. The biggest problem with jobs here and in all of Florida is the higher need only part of the year that is high season and reduced need the rest of the time..

I think the work force in the future may well be all of the new people who have recently moved to the U.S.

[vintageogauge]

I'm pretty sure that Sumter county has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. If that is true why aren't all of the unemployed individuals accepting all of the newly created jobs?

[LuvtheVillages]

There is not sufficient affordable housing. There is a limit to how far folks are willing to drive to get here to work.

More and more job opportunities to come....insufficient work force to fill the current jobs.
![/QUOTE]


Workforce housing will be built behind Lowes on 466A and on the Beaumont property next to Lowes. A good start, but more is needed.

There is a labor shortage in every industry, nationwide. The only answer is immigration. We need to develop a LEGAL way to bring in the people who want to work. Where else will we find the landscapers, the CNAs, the housekeepers, the waiters, and those who will take care of us, and also pay taxes into the system.

[Chi-Town]

Who historically stepped in to fill jobs in an expanding economic sector? Immigrants and transferees.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Velvet]

So the current unemployed US people will stay unemployed? That’s the other Half of that picture.

[Chatbrat]

I'm willing to bet all the NYC retiree's ,here have six figure incomes-be it pensions alone, NJ school teacher's here have six figure pensions, California public employee's here definitely have six figure pensions + what they sold their houses for-- there are two worlds in the US=-- big cities on the east & west coast and the rest of us.

[Kenswing]

So the current unemployed US people will stay unemployed? That’s the other Half of that picture.

Pretty much. With an unemployment rate around 3.6% anyone that wants a job has a job..

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm pretty sure that Sumter county has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. If that is true why aren't all of the unemployed individuals accepting all of the newly created jobs?

Economics. If you're getting health care subsidies for yourself and your family, and you get a job paying only $7.60 an hour, you just incomed yourself out of health care and the buy-in costs more than the $7.60/hour you get paid.

Similarly, some jobs need you to work a minimum number of hours per week to justify the training and whatever benefits they offer (even if it's just a few sick days and holiday pay). If you're receiving Social Security, you are penalized if you go over a certain income, and that threshold is pretty low.

If you were earning $40/hour doing professional work and were forced out of your job due to company restructuring, would YOU be willing to accept a job paying $7.60/hour for 15 hours a week bagging groceries? Your unemployment checks would be higher than that.

Florida is known to have absolutely no respect for the minimum wage worker. They don't even require workers to get breaks, and federal law leaves it up to the states to decide about break times. Most jobs needing to be filled are minimum wage jobs.

On the other hand, there are people (like myself) who aren't eligible for social security yet, who would LOVE to work part time, but don't want to screw myself over with regards to health insurance. I can't afford the buy-in, with zero income. I also can't afford to be sick. So I have to rely on the ACA marketplace and subsidies. That means I can, absolutely positively work. But I have to be careful how many hours I work, and how much I get paid per hour, or it will cost me dearly for the privilege.

If companies paid for insurance, or heavily subsidized part-time employees for their comprehensive plans, it'd be different. But most don't do that.

[Chatbrat]

Big difference between a job and a living wage, my wife's nephew is a union carpenter in NYC, he makes 20K month with OT

[vintageogauge]

Pretty much. With an unemployment rate around 3.6% anyone that wants a job has a job..

The unemployment rate in Sumter and Citrus counties is over 5% plenty of people out there and plenty of jobs. I think you know the answer.

[vintageogauge]

Economics. If you're getting health care subsidies for yourself and your family, and you get a job paying only $7.60 an hour, you just incomed yourself out of health care and the buy-in costs more than the $7.60/hour you get paid.

Similarly, some jobs need you to work a minimum number of hours per week to justify the training and whatever benefits they offer (even if it's just a few sick days and holiday pay). If you're receiving Social Security, you are penalized if you go over a certain income, and that threshold is pretty low.

If you were earning $40/hour doing professional work and were forced out of your job due to company restructuring, would YOU be willing to accept a job paying $7.60/hour for 15 hours a week bagging groceries? Your unemployment checks would be higher than that.

Florida is known to have absolutely no respect for the minimum wage worker. They don't even require workers to get breaks, and federal law leaves it up to the states to decide about break times. Most jobs needing to be filled are minimum wage jobs.

On the other hand, there are people (like myself) who aren't eligible for social security yet, who would LOVE to work part time, but don't want to screw myself over with regards to health insurance. I can't afford the buy-in, with zero income. I also can't afford to be sick. So I have to rely on the ACA marketplace and subsidies. That means I can, absolutely positively work. But I have to be careful how many hours I work, and how much I get paid per hour, or it will cost me dearly for the privilege.

If companies paid for insurance, or heavily subsidized part-time employees for their comprehensive plans, it'd be different. But most don't do that.

Hardee's starts at $10.00/hour, Target at $12.00/hour, I doubt there are any employers other than ma and pop shops that are still paying minimum wage in TV. There is nothing wrong with a healthy individual working two jobs to get ahead, 60 hours a week is not going to hurt and it's a heck of a lot better than sitting around the house doing nothing.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Big difference between a job and a living wage, my wife's nephew is a union carpenter in NYC, he makes 20K month with OT

Union carpenters who are continuously employed will do great, pretty much anywhere. Even if the pay is lower in a different area, it'll still be significantly higher compared to the cost of living in the lower-paying area.

Hubby's situation was similar. Not quite as good, on a much smaller scale, but the same type of thing. Union skilled tradesman at a journeyman level. All gone, 2 years too early for Social Security, 4 years before Medicare.

Stress level is through the roof until we sell our house up north. Once we get our mortgage and home equity line of credit brought to 0, we'll be fine. Between now and then, it's a daily dose of Xanax to prevent anxiety attacks.

[Velvet]

Yes, in Hawaii the typical person I met works at 3 jobs to make ends meet, the young people are leaving the island or they end up working homeless. They say charity begins at home.

[skip0358]

I'm willing to bet all the NYC retiree's ,here have six figure incomes-be it pensions alone, NJ school teacher's here have six figure pensions, California public employee's here definitely have six figure pensions + what they sold their houses for-- there are two worlds in the US=-- big cities on the east & west coast and the rest of us.

I guess maybe some but certainly not most. I know quite a few who came from non teacher and professional jobs who are definitely not in the 6 figure jobs myself included. I would guess those that still have their old homes plus there Florida home might fall into that category. That was one of the main reasons for leaving Long Island and the expenses that went along with living there.

[skip0358]

I'm willing to bet all the NYC retiree's ,here have six figure incomes-be it pensions alone, NJ school teacher's here have six figure pensions, California public employee's here definitely have six figure pensions + what they sold their houses for-- there are two worlds in the US=-- big cities on the east & west coast and the rest of us.


I have to disagree with that. Maybe some but certainly not all. Maybe those who can still afford there 2nd home or had one of those super high end jobs. I know quite a few who are not in the six figure retirement category myself included. That was one of the main reasons for leaving Long Island as we have a much better lifestyle here and our money goes a lot further.

[Velvet]

3 jobs: for example, lovely blue eyed blond 35 year old from California, modeled for me and the art academy in Honolulu, works as a nursing home aide, house sits or walks dogs when she can, and she drives for Uber when she can. She is talented and beautiful and has no private life at all too busy eating and sleeping when not working.

People are going to say, that’s not here in TV. But it sounds like it is to me.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

3 jobs: for example, lovely blue eyed blond 35 year old from California, modeled for me and the art academy in Honolulu, works as a nursing home aide, house sits or walks dogs when she can, and she drives for Uber when she can. She is talented and beautiful and has no private life at all too busy eating and sleeping when not working.

People are going to say, that’s not here in TV. But it sounds like it is to me.

I'm not lovely, or blue-eyed. I'm 58, not a model, not trained in nursing or able to lift someone if they fell. I couldn't successfully walk my own dog when I had one, let alone someone else's. After over 40 years of working mostly retail, my hip and spine are starting to fail me so I can't do that full time anymore.

So tell me where I can find a job that will pay the bills, and NOT knock me out of health care subsidies (or provide me with comprehensive health insurance so I don't have to pay for it).

Working 60 hours a week at 2+ jobs (to whoever said that) is not an option for MOST people who live in the Villages and are looking to work.

That is WHY the unemployment rate is so high here. Because the people who are actually willing to do the work, can't work more than x hours per week at entry-level jobs, without risking their Social Security payments, or health insurance, or their actual health.

The majority of people living in Sumter county are seniors, either wealthy enough to not have to work, or on fixed incomes who can't afford to be shut out of Social Security or health care by earning too much.

[Kilmacowen]

What I see here in stores, restaurants, and offices are fellow retirees. Sure, they are not getting their previous wages. They like to be involved and like or need a little extra cash.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

BTW: once I get settled into permanent residency at The Villages I will be looking for part time work - probably at places like Target, which have policies for break periods so employees can sit down every few hours, and they pay better than minimum wage, which will cover the costs of reduced subsidies for health care.

[Kilmacowen]

Union carpenters who are continuously employed will do great, pretty much anywhere. Even if the pay is lower in a different area, it'll still be significantly higher compared to the cost of living in the lower-paying area.

Hubby's situation was similar. Not quite as good, on a much smaller scale, but the same type of thing. Union skilled tradesman at a journeyman level. All gone, 2 years too early for Social Security, 4 years before Medicare.

Stress level is through the roof until we sell our house up north. Once we get our mortgage and home equity line of credit brought to 0, we'll be fine. Between now and then, it's a daily dose of Xanax to prevent anxiety attacks.

Jaz, wish you luck selling your house. Coming from New England myself, you need to get your house on the market in April or early May. It's certainly a nerve racking experience.

[Taltarzac725]

Some of the health care workers I have talked to here in the Villages live in Ocala, or near Orlando, or in Leesburg, etc. That trend may continue of workers driving from other communities and working at hospitals or other health care services.

[C4Boston]

Bottom line for the new businesses coming, if they want to recruit the best employees they will need to pay wages better than the competition and/or better benefits. Smart business leaders will ultimately prevail. Those that continue to treat employees like slaves will lose.

[tampabay]

They will have to pay a little more and/or rely more on automation. Look at what is happening in some family restaurants, ordering at a screen on your table, afterhours, using Roomba type devices to mop up. Japan is devoting 1/3 of its government spending to developing robots to assist in care of the elderly.

[Velvet]

For somethings, you need the human touch. The Roomba needs a person to clean it, or help it when it gets stuck. Personally, I won’t paint a life drawing model who is a robot. And the list goes on....

I can just visualize arguing about free pour with a robot or screen.... talking with robots at TOTV....

I’d rather pay a living wage, whether to an immigrant (like I was) or to a citizen. I especially like hiring vets if they are available, who were willing to sacrifice for this wonderful country.

[vintageogauge]

I'm not lovely, or blue-eyed. I'm 58, not a model, not trained in nursing or able to lift someone if they fell. I couldn't successfully walk my own dog when I had one, let alone someone else's. After over 40 years of working mostly retail, my hip and spine are starting to fail me so I can't do that full time anymore.

So tell me where I can find a job that will pay the bills, and NOT knock me out of health care subsidies (or provide me with comprehensive health insurance so I don't have to pay for it).

Working 60 hours a week at 2+ jobs (to whoever said that) is not an option for MOST people who live in the Villages and are looking to work.

That is WHY the unemployment rate is so high here. Because the people who are actually willing to do the work, can't work more than x hours per week at entry-level jobs, without risking their Social Security payments, or health insurance, or their actual health.

The majority of people living in Sumter county are seniors, either wealthy enough to not have to work, or on fixed incomes who can't afford to be shut out of Social Security or health care by earning too much.

This post is about the lack of workers not about elderly people that can't work. When I stated that there is nothing wrong with working 60 hours a week I noted that if you are healthy referring to all of those able bodies sitting at home doing nothing. The unemployment rate does not include retired individuals, you have your numbers and thinking all mixed up. If an able bodied individual works 60 hours per week at somewhere between $10 and $12 per hour he would make over $35,000 per year and if he is married and his wife did the same that's $70,000 per year. That is a pretty good living for this area of the country and there are plenty of able bodied individuals out there that are either too lazy or can't pass a drug test. If your health and mobility is limited you should apply for disability and supplement that with a sit down job such as a ticket taker at the movie theaters, there is always a way.

[Fast Freddy]

Agree, IF there is a will, a way can usually be figured out.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This post is about the lack of workers not about elderly people that can't work. When I stated that there is nothing wrong with working 60 hours a week I noted that if you are healthy referring to all of those able bodies sitting at home doing nothing. The unemployment rate does not include retired individuals, you have your numbers and thinking all mixed up. If an able bodied individual works 60 hours per week at somewhere between $10 and $12 per hour he would make over $35,000 per year and if he is married and his wife did the same that's $70,000 per year. That is a pretty good living for this area of the country and there are plenty of able bodied individuals out there that are either too lazy or can't pass a drug test. If your health and mobility is limited you should apply for disability and supplement that with a sit down job such as a ticket taker at the movie theaters, there is always a way.

You assume that everyone who is healthy is qualified to work one of the available jobs, AND that their expenses don't exceed that $12/hour job payment, (such as student loans for a degree) AND that health insurance is available for them at a reasonable cost without subsidies (since that income would disqualify them for ANY subsidies at all). You also assume that every one of these married couples has no children, or is in a $12/hour job that provides them with child-care for every hour they are out of work, or they maybe live with grandma who watches the kids til they get home, or are in school full time already and can get in and out of the house without their parents. You ALSO assume that working a $12/hour job is so simple that anyone who isn't a drug addict or lazy can do it.

In other words, you assume everyone fits your idea of "should work 60 hours and be married to someone who also works 60 hours, OR be lazy or a drug addict."

That's some entitled privileged horsepucky, to me.

[Two Bills]

Agree, IF there is a will, a way can usually be figured out.

I always thought that where there is a will, there is usually a family to fight over it! :icon_wink:

[vintageogauge]

You assume that everyone who is healthy is qualified to work one of the available jobs, AND that their expenses don't exceed that $12/hour job payment, (such as student loans for a degree) AND that health insurance is available for them at a reasonable cost without subsidies (since that income would disqualify them for ANY subsidies at all). You also assume that every one of these married couples has no children, or is in a $12/hour job that provides them with child-care for every hour they are out of work, or they maybe live with grandma who watches the kids til they get home, or are in school full time already and can get in and out of the house without their parents. You ALSO assume that working a $12/hour job is so simple that anyone who isn't a drug addict or lazy can do it.

In other words, you assume everyone fits your idea of "should work 60 hours and be married to someone who also works 60 hours, OR be lazy or a drug addict."

That's some entitled privileged horsepucky, to me.

I understand you very well however you don't understand me. enough said. I'm 73 and going to work now.

[Chatbrat]

Forget the hourly wage--multiply it by 2000 for an annual wage $15.00 an hr = $30 K annually--its not a living wage anywhere, unless you can make more than that for your employer- on some of my projects I had 200 union electricians, the nut was close to $1million/ every month--if I didn't get paid-my employees did--or I would be sleeping with the fishes--hope this may explain some of my attitude here-you have no idea what its like to have millions of $$ in limbo

[Velvet]

For us retired in TV now, the rat race is OVER.

[graciegirl]

You assume that everyone who is healthy is qualified to work one of the available jobs, AND that their expenses don't exceed that $12/hour job payment, (such as student loans for a degree) AND that health insurance is available for them at a reasonable cost without subsidies (since that income would disqualify them for ANY subsidies at all). You also assume that every one of these married couples has no children, or is in a $12/hour job that provides them with child-care for every hour they are out of work, or they maybe live with grandma who watches the kids til they get home, or are in school full time already and can get in and out of the house without their parents. You ALSO assume that working a $12/hour job is so simple that anyone who isn't a drug addict or lazy can do it.

In other words, you assume everyone fits your idea of "should work 60 hours and be married to someone who also works 60 hours, OR be lazy or a drug addict."

That's some entitled privileged horsepucky, to me.

The way things are here. How people look at things. How most people do not care how much or how little other people have or don't have.

The price of things. What people get paid for labor, how much things cost generally is probably overall far less than the bills you are paying where you now live. I think you should wait and see before you try to restructure things here.

And maybe wait too to see just how well things do work here. We can also choose who are our friends, what clubs we enjoy, and what makes us happy.

I really do not think that what VintageOguage said was anywhere near "entitled horse plucky". I have read almost every post since he arrived. We have not agreed on all things. I think maybe his view of dogs is different than mine, but he seems to be a good, thinking, hardworking, law abiding fellow who it is easy to get along with.

[vintageogauge]

The way things are here. How people look at things. How most people do not care how much or how little other people have or don't have.

The price of things. What people get paid for labor, how much things cost generally is probably overall far less than the bills you are paying where you now live. I think you should wait and see before you try to restructure things here.

And maybe wait too to see just how well things do work here. We can also choose who are our friends, what clubs we enjoy, and what makes us happy.

I really do not think that what VintageOguage said was anywhere near "entitled horse plucky". I have read almost every post since he arrived. We have not agreed on all things. I think maybe his view of dogs is different than mine, but he seems to be a good, thinking, hardworking, law abiding fellow who it is easy to get along with.

You are sooooo right Gracie and sweet too, it's a Hudson thing.

[ColdNoMore]

I'm willing to bet all the NYC retiree's ,here have six figure incomes-be it pensions alone, NJ school teacher's here have six figure pensions, California public employee's here definitely have six figure pensions + what they sold their houses for-- there are two worlds in the US=-- big cities on the east & west coast and the rest of us.
I'm willing to bet...that you are incorrect.

Do you have any proof that teachers from anywhere, or public employees (except MAYBE a few who had obscene amounts of OT count toward their pensions)...are collecting 6 figure pensions?

Will be waiting patiently for that proof. :popcorn:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The topic was "where will the resources come from?" Where will the people who need to fill the jobs for all these new stores come from?

Some folks here seem to think that these stores can easily get plenty of employees, except the potential employees are too lazy or on drugs to work for lower income levels.

I say that isn't necessarily true, and that this assumption displays an attitude of entitlement and privilege.

So far I haven't seen any posts in this thread to convince me otherwise.

[New Englander]

Union carpenters who are continuously employed will do great, pretty much anywhere. Even if the pay is lower in a different area, it'll still be significantly higher compared to the cost of living in the lower-paying area.

Hubby's situation was similar. Not quite as good, on a much smaller scale, but the same type of thing. Union skilled tradesman at a journeyman level. All gone, 2 years too early for Social Security, 4 years before Medicare.

Stress level is through the roof until we sell our house up north. Once we get our mortgage and home equity line of credit brought to 0, we'll be fine. Between now and then, it's a daily dose of Xanax to prevent anxiety attacks.

Try to find another way to calm yourself. Xanax is considered highly addictive.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Try to find another way to calm yourself. Xanax is considered highly addictive.

I'm prescribed 1/4mg 3x per day. Each 1/4mg is a single pill. So I can take up to 3 pills per day, as needed.

I take half of one pill, once a day, during especially stressful times. When my grandmother died, I was taking 2 halves per day, for a couple of weeks.

When I lost one of my jobs, I took half of one pill per day, for three weeks.

When my husband lost his job, I took half of one pill per day for three days.

This is not a problem. No need to worry, I've been on the stress rollercoaster before and my licensed physician monitors my use.

In the past 5 years, I have had 9 refills - of 40 pills each.

Thanks for your concern though. EDITED TO ADD: I MEAN THAT SINCERELY. THANK YOU FOR THE CONCERN. But this has zilch zero nada to do with the topic.

[vintageogauge]

Try to find another way to calm yourself. Xanax is considered highly addictive.

That's why God created vodka.

[skip0358]

Forget the hourly wage--multiply it by 2000 for an annual wage $15.00 an hr = $30 K annually--its not a living wage anywhere, unless you can make more than that for your employer- on some of my projects I had 200 union electricians, the nut was close to $1million/ every month--if I didn't get paid-my employees did--or I would be sleeping with the fishes--hope this may explain some of my attitude here-you have no idea what its like to have millions of $$ in limbo

Explains a lot for sure

[coffeebean]

........In other words, you assume everyone fits your idea of "should work 60 hours and be married to someone who also works 60 hours, OR be lazy or a drug addict."

That's some entitled privileged horsepucky, to me.

Aw come on Jazuela.....you have to admit there are those that do fit into the "lazy or a drug addict" category. You know they are out there.

[EdFNJ]

, --its a shame- but we can not compare our six figure retirement incomes to locals who are still working
LMAO That must include the 2 decimal points for many of us.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Aw come on Jazuela.....you have to admit there are those that do fit into the "lazy or a drug addict" category. You know they are out there.

Yes but as someone who DOES have to work, who has worked consistently for over 40 years, have worked sometimes 3 jobs both to make ends meet and to feel productive, who was planning on retiring before she turned 60, who now is forced to accept that this can't happen, I get offended when someone IMPLIES that the only people who choose not to work entry level jobs are either drug addicts or lazy. I shouldn't have to accept an entry level job. And if circumstances weren't such that my spouses' company eliminated his department and put him out of work 2 years before eligibility for social security, I would be among those people who choose not to accept entry level positions.

I am neither lazy nor drug addicted, I never have been. Turning this into a personal attack on me and my character is insulting, and I resent it.

The topic is: where will the resources come from, to staff all the new businesses in TV?

It's a good question, and I feel part of the reason it will be a problem, is because Florida underpays its entry level employees, and many employers on the corporate HR-decision-making level are completely oblivious to the issues regarding gainful employment, health insurance, the overall cost of living, and quality of life. Either that, or they just don't care. The cost of working can exceed the paycheck, when you have to pay for your health care.

[EdFNJ]

NJ school teacher's here have six figure pensions,


Yea, OK. I have 2 of those "retired NJ school teachers" in my immediate family and I can assure you you aren't even in the standing room seats of the ballpark on that one. Maybe a principal or super? NJ pensions are public record, easy enough to look up. Also depends on district but I'll still guess that even isn't close.

[Velvet]

Yes, I was a bit taken aback too. I thought New Jersey must pay their teacher’s well.

[ColdNoMore]

Yes, I was a bit taken aback too. I thought New Jersey must pay their teacher’s well.

Don't worry, you're hunch is correct...it's totally fake news. :ho:

[champion6]

Back on topic -- at least for 1 post ...

Off the top of my head, I can think of 4 apartment living areas in Sumter County that have been announced:

Market rate apartments
Behind Lowe's in Lady Lake
Behind Lowe's in Wildwood (Trailwinds Village)
Expansion of Pepper Tree apartments

Rent subsidized apartments
South of 466 and west of CR 100

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Back on topic -- at least for 1 post ...

Off the top of my head, I can think of 4 apartment living areas in Sumter County that have been announced:

Market rate apartments
Behind Lowe's in Lady Lake
Behind Lowe's in Wildwood (Trailwinds Village)
Expansion of Pepper Tree apartments

Rent subsidized apartments
South of 466 and west of CR 100

Depending on how the subsidized apartments are managed, this might all be very good news. Up here we have a mixed bag. Some of the subsidized are out-and-out slums, where the poor are kept poor by crime and drugs. Some of them are actually pretty lovely, where people accept a hand up, take pride in maintaining their little gardens and take advantage of community outreach and education/vocation opportunities, stay until they're stable, and then move onward and upward.

Hopefully the subsidized housing will be the latter and folks living there will gain income and upward mobility by occupying some of the jobs being created with new retail and office development.

[vintageogauge]

Yes but as someone who DOES have to work, who has worked consistently for over 40 years, have worked sometimes 3 jobs both to make ends meet and to feel productive, who was planning on retiring before she turned 60, who now is forced to accept that this can't happen, I get offended when someone IMPLIES that the only people who choose not to work entry level jobs are either drug addicts or lazy. I shouldn't have to accept an entry level job. And if circumstances weren't such that my spouses' company eliminated his department and put him out of work 2 years before eligibility for social security, I would be among those people who choose not to accept entry level positions.

I am neither lazy nor drug addicted, I never have been. Turning this into a personal attack on me and my character is insulting, and I resent it.

The topic is: where will the resources come from, to staff all the new businesses in TV?

It's a good question, and I feel part of the reason it will be a problem, is because Florida underpays its entry level employees, and many employers on the corporate HR-decision-making level are completely oblivious to the issues regarding gainful employment, health insurance, the overall cost of living, and quality of life. Either that, or they just don't care. The cost of working can exceed the paycheck, when you have to pay for your health care.

That is total BS, Disney starts at $15.00 per hour and will put kids through college, give me a break. This country allows anyone who wants to work hard the ability to succeed in society. When I was a teenager I hauled garbage out of meat stores to have spending money, when I graduated from high school I worked as many hours as I could to make money doing anything legal, when I was employed full time I had a part time job also, I worked my ass off to be successful so don't give me that BS that society and your employers failed you. Any person that is in good health can make a good living in this country unless of course they are lazy. My kids are in their late 40's and all of them work 10 to 12 hours a day, that is how they were raised.

[Velvet]

What about quality of life? If you enjoy what you are doing (I did in each of my jobs) then it hardly counts as work. But if it is a job you only do because of the compensation then you must have time for other things too. Fundamentally, the question is; are you living to work, or are you working to live?

Some people take advantage; some employers want slaves, some employees want to be lazy or not work at all. Some women (or men) want to marry to be kept by someone instead of joining the labor force.

Looking at TV if we want to attract young people, or if we want to attract top professionals with young families, we need to make the place attractive to them. If by nothing else then by good compensation. Otherwise, we will get what we pay for... or what we deserve?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What about quality of life? If you enjoy what you are doing (I did in each of my jobs) then it hardly counts as work. But if it is a job you only do because of the compensation then you must have time for other things too. Fundamentally, the question is; are you living to work, or are you working to live?

Some people take advantage; some employers want slaves, some employees want to be lazy or not work at all. Some women (or men) want to marry to be kept by someone instead of joining the labor force.

Looking at TV if we want to attract young people, or if we want to attract top professionals with young families, we need to make the place attractive to them. If by nothing else then by good compensation. Otherwise, we will get what we pay for... or what we deserve?

You might get what you pay for AND what you deserve, if you approach the situation with the attitude that anyone who's healthy can get a decent job that pays the bills and allows them at least some modest quality of life. Not everyone who's healthy can. But if you (not you, Velvet, you seem to "get it" - I mean the editorial you) insist that must be true and no other possibility exists, then you dig your hole, and are stuck with whatever crawls out of it to serve you.

[Moderator]

The topic was where are resources going to come from to staff new businesses/services in The Villages.

Many replies have strayed far off topic or become personal.

Please stay on topic or the thread will be closed.

Feel free to start a new thread if this one has spurred the idea for a new topic.

Moderator

[graciegirl]

The topic was "where will the resources come from?" Where will the people who need to fill the jobs for all these new stores come from?

Some folks here seem to think that these stores can easily get plenty of employees, except the potential employees are too lazy or on drugs to work for lower income levels.

I say that isn't necessarily true, and that this assumption displays an attitude of entitlement and privilege.

So far I haven't seen any posts in this thread to convince me otherwise.

I took issue when Jazuela used the term "entitled horse plucky".

What I was trying to say to Jazuela is that she doesn't even live here yet and she hasn't yet had more than a month of "boots on the ground" ability to accurately access this situation here in The Villages. The Villages is unique in that most people who live here do not care how much or how little money a person has or what anyone did in a past life. Most people who live here came from what today would be called "poor" and most of them could not afford to educate themselves past high school, so that MOST of the people arrived in this lovely place with experience of living carefully, many working long hours and two jobs and saving small amounts and investing wisely in real estate they probably lived in. I think they would be amused to be described as entitled, although many have achieved great things and some huge fortunes. That is what I am trying to say. I see your term "entitled" and raise you the term 'successful, formerly poor people.'

My argument is that this place will continue to grow as it has done, where residents buy from businesses staffed by people who come here to find work and the market will dictate the terms. Pay here is lower than it is on both coasts and the cost of living is too.

[valuemkt]

That is total BS, Disney starts at $15.00 per hour and will put kids through college, give me a break. This country allows anyone who wants to work hard the ability to succeed in society. When I was a teenager I hauled garbage out of meat stores to have spending money, when I graduated from high school I worked as many hours as I could to make money doing anything legal, when I was employed full time I had a part time job also, I worked my ass off to be successful so don't give me that BS that society and your employers failed you. Any person that is in good health can make a good living in this country unless of course they are lazy. My kids are in their late 40's and all of them work 10 to 12 hours a day, that is how they were raised.

:bigbow: :mademyday: Nice post !

[New Englander]

I took issue when Jazuela used the term "entitled horse plucky".

What I was trying to say to Jazuela is that she doesn't even live here yet and she hasn't yet had more than a month of "boots on the ground" ability to accurately access this situation here in The Villages. The Villages is unique in that most people who live here do not care how much or how little money a person has or what anyone did in a past life. Most people who live here came from what today would be called "poor" and most of them could not afford to educate themselves past high school, so that MOST of the people arrived in this lovely place with experience of living carefully, many working long hours and two jobs and saving small amounts and investing wisely in real estate they probably lived in. I think they would be amused to be described as entitled, although many have achieved great things and some huge fortunes. That is what I am trying to say. I see your term "entitled" and raise you the term 'successful, formerly poor people.'

My argument is that this place will continue to grow as it has done, where residents buy from businesses staffed by people who come here to find work and the market will dictate the terms. Pay here is lower than it is on both coasts and the cost of living is too.

Well said Gracie

[coffeebean]

The topic was where are resources going to come from to staff new businesses/services in The Villages.

Many replies have strayed far off topic or become personal.

Please stay on topic or the thread will be closed.

Feel free to start a new thread if this one has spurred the idea for a new topic.

Moderator

OK, I think I'm on topic with my thoughts here.........

Lately, I've noticed our once pristine common grounds such as along roadsides and bordering golf courses are not pristine any more. One example is along Odell Circle, bordering one of the golf courses between Mallory Square and Amelia. The weeds and grass have grown right over a long stretch of the curb and are touching the street. I have always seen perfectly manicured and diamond edged grass along this area and all fo the roadways I have driven. It is pitiful to see how unkept some parts of The Villages has become.

I'm also seeing palm fronds down for weeks that have not been moved and this is not after a hurricane. It really looks trashy. The Villages used to be a pristine Utopia for lack of a better word. Not so much anymore.

Why is this happening? I honestly don't think there is a work force large enough to keep our beautiful community in the pristine condition it used to be in. The Villages has grown so much and is only growing larger. There must be so many jobs out there for landscapers but not enough reliable workers to fill the positions.

[Topspinmo]

There is not sufficient affordable housing. There is a limit to how far folks are willing to drive to get here to work.

More and more job opportunities to come....insufficient work force to fill the current jobs.
!


Workforce housing will be built behind Lowes on 466A and on the Beaumont property next to Lowes. A good start, but more is needed.

There is a labor shortage in every industry, nationwide. The only answer is immigration. We need to develop a LEGAL way to bring in the people who want to work. Where else will we find the landscapers, the CNAs, the housekeepers, the waiters, and those who will take care of us, and also pay taxes into the system.[/QUOTE]


There is legal way, and has been for 100 years. the problem is all the illegal line jumpers

[Boomer]

Our Current Workforce: Where? Why? My Take on Today’s Economic Impact on Those Now Working, Many Without Benefits and at Low Pay and My Thoughts on Timelines and Percentages:
—
As an early Boomer, I would never presume to have the right to lecture adults far younger than me about the current economics of the everyday lives of hardworking people. It’s an apples to oranges thing.

May I invite those among us who are early Boomers and beyond to “Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.” (At our age, you picked up on that allusion. :) )

In our age group, we remember when we never really had to give much, if any, thought to healthcare costs. In fact, I had a shoebox where I kept receipts for prescription drugs that we had paid for and then, after quite a while, sent them to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Then came the drug card — the Trojan Horse. People loved flashing that plastic. Meanwhile, Big Pharma could just keep on raising prices, behind the scenes, while the consumer was “happy” with the convenience and no “cost” with the drug card. Now, drug prices are out of control, even some old generics. (Please spare me the old line about research and the pipeline. Yeah. I know. And while, of course, drug companies should be innovating and moving ahead, that is not the whole picture — just the old company line.)

And as far as the overall costs of health insurance coverage goes — premiums, OP, etc., look up the stock price, including the 52-week high and low, of UNH (United Healthcare). Lots of money has been made by stockholders, and, of course, CEOs while the little people foot the bills for all that profit. Doctors now, too often, must fall under the control of the contracted insurance companies, rather than being able to practice medicine as they want and know how to do. (And please spare me from being called a commie pinko or some such thing. I have a comfort level with owning stocks. But I choose them myself. I refuse to own stock in an insurance company because I do not want to own a piece of people not being able to afford or get what they need while huge profits are being made. I can find other stocks to buy.)

My point, one of them anyway, is that the percentage of income that must be paid for healthcare coverage by those a generation behind us is far beyond what we had to pay in our working years. Healthcare is a mess and I think the answer is somewhere in the middle. But nobody wants to work on middle-ground answers anymore.

Another ridiculous percentage cost is the percentage of family income that a college education costs now. Young people often have to begin their adult lives saddled with mind-boggling debt, even if they work along the way. I think my entire first year of college was less than $1500. Of course, that was a long time ago, but even so, that amount was not an impossible, overwhelming percentage of my family’s income, and it was an amount of money that it was actually possible for students to make a dent in by working and saving for along the way. I find today’s college costs to be an obscenity, especially when looked at as a percentage of a working family’s income.

The other thing that is happening more and more, to those younger than us, is that companies are “downsizing” with an all too obvious hit on their older employees who are likely to be costing the company more in salary. Actually, this started before now, but an awareness of age-discrimination once seemed to be given a little more thought — not always but sometimes. Now it seems like open season. Too many stories around of those being hit in their highest earning years but before eligibility for SS and Medicare and at an age making it far more difficult to find a good job with benefits.

Therefore, my fellow elder-Boomers and Beyond, I am just saying that before going into that monotonous lecture mode like Charlie Brown’s teacher (remember that, “Wah. Wah. Wah.” thing) I think we need to stop and think about where we have been in this country’s timeline. We knew the days when the middle class was the backbone of this country, built this country. We are losing our middle class, the backbone is breaking under ridiculous, impossible percentage-of-income costs of things we took for granted.

[ColdNoMore]

My Take on Today’s Economic Impact on Those Now Working, Many Without Benefits and at Low Pay — Thinking of Timelines and Percentages:
—
As an early Boomer, I would never assume to have the right to lecture adults far younger than me about the current economics of the everyday lives of hardworking people. It’s an apples to oranges thing.

May I invite those among us who are early Boomers and beyond to “Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.” (At our age, you picked up on that allusion. :) )

In our age group, we remember when we never really had to give much, if any, thought to healthcare costs. In fact, I had a shoebox where I kept receipts for prescription drugs that we had paid for and then, after quite a while, sent them to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Then came the drug card — the Trojan Horse. People loved flashing that plastic. Meanwhile, Big Pharma could just keep on raising prices, behind the scenes, while the consumer was “happy” with the convenience and no “cost” with the drug card. Now, drug prices are out of control, even some old generics. (Please spare me the old line about research and the pipeline. Yeah. I know. And while, of course, drug companies should be innovating and moving ahead, that is not the whole picture — just the old company line.)

And as far as the overall costs of health insurance coverage goes — premiums, OP, etc., look up the stock price, including the 52-week high and low, of UNH (United Healthcare). Lots of money has been made by stockholders, and, of course, CEOs while the little people foot the bills for all that profit. Doctors now, too often, must fall under the control of the contracted insurance companies, rather than being able to practice medicine as they want and know how to do. (And please spare me from being called a commie pinko or some such thing. I have a comfort level with owning stocks. But I choose them myself. I refuse to own stock in an insurance company because I do not want to own a piece of people not being able to afford or get what they need while huge profits are being made. I can find other stocks to buy.)

My point, one of them anyway, is that the percentage of income that must be paid for healthcare coverage by those a generation behind us is far beyond what we had to pay in our working years. Healthcare is a mess and I think the answer is somewhere in the middle. But nobody wants to work on middle-ground answers anymore.

Another ridiculous percentage cost is the percentage of family income that a college education costs now. Young people often have to begin their adult lives saddled with mind-boggling debt, even if they work along the way. I think my entire first year of college was less than $1500. Of course, that was a long time ago, but even so, that amount was not an impossible, overwhelming percentage of my family’s income, and it was an amount of money that it was actually possible for students to make a dent in by working and saving for along the way. I find today’s college costs to be an obscenity, especially when looked at as a percentage of a working family’s income.

The other thing that is happening more and more, to those younger than us, is that companies are “downsizing” with an all too obvious hit on their older employees who are likely to be costing the company more in salary. Actually, this started before now, but an awareness of age-discrimination once seemed to be given a little more thought — not always but sometimes. Now it seems like open season. Too many stories around of those being hit in their highest earning years but before eligibility for SS and Medicare and at an age making it far more difficult to find a good job with benefits.

Therefore, my fellow elder-Boomers and Beyond, I am just saying that before going into that monotonous lecture mode like Charlie Brown’s teacher (remember that, “Wah. Wah. Wah.” thing) I think we need to stop and think about where we have been in this country’s timeline. We knew the days when middle class was the backbone of this country, built this country. We are losing our middle class, the backbone is breaking under ridiculous, impossible percentage-of-income costs of things we took for granted.


EPIC...and dead-on! :bigbow:...:bigbow:

[Topspinmo]

I'm willing to bet...that you are incorrect.

Do you have any proof that teachers from anywhere, or public employees (except MAYBE a few who had obscene amounts of OT count toward their pensions)...are collecting 6 figure pensions?

Will be waiting patiently for that proof. :popcorn:

I worked 49 years and 40 for federal government, my pension is now where near 100K year. But. I wasn’t officer or GS, now there retirement probably is close or above 6 figures. Depending on state teachers can get 80% or more annual pay if the got the years in. Unless they were superintendents I doubt there over 6 figures.

[coffeebean]

Workforce housing will be built behind Lowes on 466A and on the Beaumont property next to Lowes. A good start, but more is needed.
There is a labor shortage in every industry, nationwide. The only answer is immigration. We need to develop a LEGAL way to bring in the people who want to work. Where else will we find the landscapers, the CNAs, the housekeepers, the waiters, and those who will take care of us, and also pay taxes into the system.There is legal way, and has been for 100 years. the problem is all the illegal line jumpers

America has a big problem with homeless in big cities. (LA is abhor-able). I would imagine some of those people could become employed with the many jobs that are available with this labor shortage in every industry. I don't understand why we need immigrants to fill these jobs when we have so many homeless people who are able to do it. I would imagine many homeless don't want to work but that is another thread. Maybe I'm not understanding the big picture.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I agree with Boomer. Had a long post explaining why, but that never works out well. So - I agree with Boomer. Full stop.

[CFrance]

I agree with Boomer. Had a long post explaining why, but that never works out well. So - I agree with Boomer. Full stop.
So do I, and I don't agree with coffeebean that all (or even most) homeless people could work. Many years ago states closed their mental institutions and emptied those folks out into the street. Then there are the unfortunate disabled and addicted.


People our age who claim they worked and put themselves through school, etc., are ignoring the fact that it is just not the same economic society today as it was when we were in our twenties. The reasons being, see Boomer's post.

[ColdNoMore]

So do I, and I don't agree with coffeebean that all (or even most) homeless people could work. Many years ago states closed their mental institutions and emptied those folks out into the street. Then there are the unfortunate disabled and addicted.


People our age who claim they worked and put themselves through school, etc., are ignoring the fact that it is just not the same economic society today as it was when we were in our twenties. The reasons being, see Boomer's post.

BINGO!! :thumbup:

It's kind of amazing to see the arrogance/ignorance/naiveté it takes, to even think, much less publicly say, that the situation/conditions today are even close ...to how it was 50 years ago. :oops:

[Aces4]

BINGO!! :thumbup:

It's kind of amazing to see the arrogance/ignorance/naiveté it takes, to even think, much less publicly say, that the situation/conditions today are even close ...to how it was 50 years ago. :oops:



It was worse fifty years ago. Many of us had no money for college and made successful lives by the sweat of our brow and then brains as we watched, learned and showed up willing to work.

What I see now are two children families in which the children are pampered, overprotected and not very intelligent in real life situations even after completing college.

A young woman was being interviewed on tv about her college debt. She said she was going to graduate with honors in May and just realized in mid April she was $50,000. in debt. Huh? She also stated she would have to give up her dream job and get a different job to pay her bills. When questioned about her dream job, she stated it was registering voters. The interviewer quickly ended the interview.

A young man hired for a construction job after a recommendation from a shop teacher quit after 2 days stating he didn’t want to work that hard. We’re raising a lot of cupcakes that still live at home with Mommie and Daddy because they want new cars and want to start out with everything.

People who legally immigrate into this country with barely anything manage to educate themselves, create good lives and aren’t afraid of very hard work because it’s still better than from where they came.

We’ve become a country of we can’t vs we will.

[coffeebean]

America has a big problem with homeless in big cities. (LA is abhor-able). I would imagine some of those people could become employed with the many jobs that are available with this labor shortage in every industry. I don't understand why we need immigrants to fill these jobs when we have so many homeless people who are able to do it. I would imagine many homeless don't want to work but that is another thread. Maybe I'm not understanding the big picture.

Quoting myself here......I did say "some" of those people......... and I stand by what I said. I know many of the homeless are drug addicted, physically and mentally disabled. I was not referring to these people. There are people, however, who are able to work but just don't want to work.

[billethkid]

It was worse fifty years ago. Many of us had no money for college and made successful lives by the sweat of our brow and then brains as we watched, learned and showed up willing to work.

What I see now are two children families in which the children are pampered, overprotected and not very intelligent in real life situations even after completing college.

A young woman was being interviewed on tv about her college debt. She said she was going to graduate with honors in May and just realized in mid April she was $50,000. in debt. Huh? She also stated she would have to give up her dream job and get a different job to pay her bills. When questioned about her dream job, she stated it was registering voters. The interviewer quickly ended the interview.

A young man hired for a construction job after a recommendation from a shop teacher quit after 2 days stating he didn’t want to work that hard. We’re raising a lot of cupcakes that still live at home with Mommie and Daddy because they want new cars and want to start out with everything.

People who legally immigrate into this country with barely anything manage to educate themselves, create good lives and aren’t afraid of very hard work because it’s still better than from where they came.

We’ve become a country of we can’t vs we will.

May I add another?

"...why should I..."

[Midnight Cowgirl]

I took issue when Jazuela used the term "entitled horse plucky".

What I was trying to say to Jazuela is that she doesn't even live here yet and she hasn't yet had more than a month of "boots on the ground" ability to accurately access this situation here in The Villages. The Villages is unique in that most people who live here do not care how much or how little money a person has or what anyone did in a past life. Most people who live here came from what today would be called "poor" and most of them could not afford to educate themselves past high school, so that MOST of the people arrived in this lovely place with experience of living carefully, many working long hours and two jobs and saving small amounts and investing wisely in real estate they probably lived in. I think they would be amused to be described as entitled, although many have achieved great things and some huge fortunes. That is what I am trying to say. I see your term "entitled" and raise you the term 'successful, formerly poor people.'

My argument is that this place will continue to grow as it has done, where residents buy from businesses staffed by people who come here to find work and the market will dictate the terms. Pay here is lower than it is on both coasts and the cost of living is too.


What is your source of information regarding your comment or is this just your opinion based only upon what you think and nothing factual?

I have found just the opposite in those whom I have met. They are well educated and while they may not have grown up in this world with wealth, most of them were definitely low middle to middle class and far from anything that could be considered poor.

Those who live here are no different or unique than people in any other town or community. I'm sure we have our handful of those who are entitled as sure as I am that there are probably some who have worked their way up out of poverty.

Just because someone lives here doesn't mean they can "accurately" assess a situation any better than someone else. In the case of Jazuela, she is pretty hip regarding things here judging from her many comments on many different subjects. While I do not necessarily always agree with her, I find most of her opinions and comments to not be off-the-wall or exaggerated.

[Fraugoofy]

I agree with Boomer 100% and I want to add young people also must put away substantial savings toward their own 401k and can not rely on a company issued pension...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[Fraugoofy]

And pay all out of pocket for health care once they retire in Wisconsin...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What is your source of information regarding your comment or is this just your opinion based only upon what you think and nothing factual?

I have found just the opposite in those whom I have met. They are well educated and while they may not have grown up in this world with wealth, most of them were definitely low middle to middle class and far from anything that could be considered poor.

Those who live here are no different or unique than people in any other town or community. I'm sure we have our handful of those who are entitled as sure as I am that there are probably some who have worked their way up out of poverty.

Just because someone lives here doesn't mean they can "accurately" assess a situation any better than someone else. In the case of Jazuela, she is pretty hip regarding things here judging from her many comments on many different subjects. While I do not necessarily always agree with her, I find most of her opinions and comments to not be off-the-wall or exaggerated.

Thanks. Also you don't need to live in any particular area, to have a basic understanding of economics, demographics, marketing, or human resources. Experience in all of these things helps, so does formal and informal education on the subject matter. Currently experiencing the work world as an actual working person would also tend to qualify someone as having some understanding of the current work world, over someone who hasn't worked in it for over a dozen years. Maybe just by a pinch.

[Aces4]

And pay all out of pocket for health care once they retire in Wisconsin...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

I believe that would depend on your supplemental insurance coverage you elect upon retirement in Wisconsin.



There is a savyness one develops after living in The Villages 15 years ago vs a newbie. And I do believe some people here continue to manage their business even though they have been formally retired, therefore, may have an even better grasp of workforce potential than someone jumping from job to job.

[graciegirl]

Thanks. Also you don't need to live in any particular area, to have a basic understanding of economics, demographics, marketing, or human resources. Experience in all of these things helps, so does formal and informal education on the subject matter. Currently experiencing the work world as an actual working person would also tend to qualify someone as having some understanding of the current work world, over someone who hasn't worked in it for over a dozen years. Maybe just by a pinch.

How does one access a persons ability to understand demographics, marketing, economics, human resources? Some people would say that not having to work today may be a good indicator of their successful understanding of the world of business. Living a satisfying life with friends and family and travel might be another. Most people here are not college educated but do not think that they are not intelligent and well read and very up on things and successful by most criteria..

The Villages is different than many other places in this world with similar demographics. It is a successful small city run as a successful private business. It is a triumph of capitalism by a family who is not at all attempting to look important or chic or powerful.

One of the very hallmarks of this place is it's lack of pretense by most people. Many, many people could live in much more expensive homes than they do. Most people do not care how much or how little their friends have. At the square a bus driver will spend the evening with the CEO of a large company and both may not notice the difference between them, but more than that each has a lovely time. Yes.

I say this. MOST people who live here in The Villages who are in their seventies came from not much money. Sometimes NO car in their youth. The majority of these seventy year olds who live here could not afford college or dance lessons or piano lessons when they were young. They still live carefully and do not come close to spending themselves out. Living off another or the charity of another is a terrible thought to them. They won't be doing go fund me's even if they are in dire need.

There are those who are exceptions, but I think that The Villages is a wonderful place because of it wealth of hard working people who come here to live like millionaires with quite a few who have become millionaires. But they aren't telling.

[ColdNoMore]

Would love to see some type of proof or facts, that even MOST Villagers...came from 'poor' backgrounds.

Broad-brush statements can be made by anyone with just an opinion and an agenda (and make proclamations, pretending to speak for MOST others), but require actual proof...to have even a scintilla of credibility.

It's boring at best, completely deceiving at worst, having someone drone on about how their anecdotal experiences...somehow apply to most other people. :ohdear:

[biker1]

For many people, having to put away money in a 401K has been a necessity since the mid 80's.

I agree with Boomer 100% and I want to add young people also must put away substantial savings toward their own 401k and can not rely on a company issued pension...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[Chatbrat]

After looking @ turnouts for college colors, there seem to be lots of villagers who attended fairly expensive colleges,

[Aces4]

After looking @ turnouts for college colors, there seem to be lots of villagers who attended fairly expensive colleges,

Many of those are the college colors of their children or grandchildren, not their parents or they support their state colleges.

[Aces4]

Would love to see some type of proof or facts, that even MOST Villagers...came from 'poor' backgrounds.

Broad-brush statements can be made by anyone with just an opinion and an agenda (and make proclamations, pretending to speak for MOST others), but require actual proof...to have even a scintilla of credibility.

It's boring at best, completely deceiving at worst, having someone drone on about how their anecdotal experiences...somehow apply to most other people. :ohdear:


I agree with Gracie. The incivility on this forum makes me wonder how many here have any education.

[thelegges]

Many of those are the college colors of their children or grandchildren, not their parents or they support their state colleges.

If I had to show my children and grands college colors it would cover my entire home. It would include 12 institutions. If I am flying a flag or paint my cart, it because we attended, not on the accomplishments of others

[Aces4]

If I had to show my children and grands college colors it would cover my entire home. It would include 12 institutions. If I am flying a flag or paint my cart, it because we attended, not on the accomplishments of others

You were one of the privileged, congrats. Not all of us were that fortunate but even without a college education, I would never call grandparents celebrating and following their grandchildren’s college football games as riding on the accomplishments of others. Not all families are as huge as yours, apparently.

Sometimes i’m very grateful I don’t have a degree.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How does one access a persons ability to understand demographics, marketing, economics, human resources? Some people would say that not having to work today may be a good indicator of their successful understanding of the world of business. Living a satisfying life with friends and family and travel might be another. Most people here are not college educated but do not think that they are not intelligent and well read and very up on things and successful by most criteria..

The Villages is different than many other places in this world with similar demographics. It is a successful small city run as a successful private business. It is a triumph of capitalism by a family who is not at all attempting to look important or chic or powerful.

One of the very hallmarks of this place is it's lack of pretense by most people. Many, many people could live in much more expensive homes than they do. Most people do not care how much or how little their friends have. At the square a bus driver will spend the evening with the CEO of a large company and both may not notice the difference between them, but more than that each has a lovely time. Yes.

I say this. MOST people who live here in The Villages who are in their seventies came from not much money. Sometimes NO car in their youth. The majority of these seventy year olds who live here could not afford college or dance lessons or piano lessons when they were young. They still live carefully and do not come close to spending themselves out. Living off another or the charity of another is a terrible thought to them. They won't be doing go fund me's even if they are in dire need.

There are those who are exceptions, but I think that The Villages is a wonderful place because of it wealth of hard working people who come here to live like millionaires with quite a few who have become millionaires. But they aren't telling.

So Gracie, tell us all in your infinite wisdom of someone who has lived in the Villages and grew up during a time when a top university cost around $15,000 per year including room and board, when gas was around $30 cents for the "hi-test" and the USO was jitterbugging their way through the war, when there was no minimum wage, but the average weekly paycheck for those men who DID work for a living (since most women did NOT work for a living), covered food, clothing, shelter...where men were the breadwinners and women kept the house clean and her womb full.

where will the resources come from to staff all the new businesses in the area, in 2019?

In a world where a woman who actually wants to stay home with the kids while dad brings home the bacon is a luxury that most families can't afford, where a year a a top university will cost around $80k or more, where gas continues battling $4/hour, and minimum wage might pay half the rent, and no utilities?

[graciegirl]

So Gracie, tell us all in your infinite wisdom of someone who has lived in the Villages and grew up during a time when a top university cost around $15,000 per year including room and board, when gas was around $30 cents for the "hi-test" and the USO was jitterbugging their way through the war, when there was no minimum wage, but the average weekly paycheck for those men who DID work for a living (since most women did NOT work for a living), covered food, clothing, shelter...where men were the breadwinners and women kept the house clean and her womb full.

where will the resources come from to staff all the new businesses in the area, in 2019?

In a world where a woman who actually wants to stay home with the kids while dad brings home the bacon is a luxury that most families can't afford, where a year a a top university will cost around $80k or more, where gas continues battling $4/hour, and minimum wage might pay half the rent, and no utilities?

I was born in 1939. Please see that I was five and not jitterbugging much. My parents lived through the depression AND delayed marrying until they were both thirty and could put a down payment on a home. And of course AT THAT TIME, that meant delayed having children too. (not like today)

The resources to staff all of the new businesses will be drawn by the businesses themselves. A rising tide lifts all ships. People seeking jobs will seek the new businesses.

And this is in answer to those who want to find some statistics on Educational levels in Sumter County and over 65 in the U.S.

education levels attained by residents of sumter county, florida - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=education+levels+attained+by+residents+of +sumter+county%2C+florida&form=EDGHPT&qs=PF&cvid=1dd725eb5c5345ffae5f4200a1a6b865&refig=8be4596bd0a14242b8a62f3cd4dcb3a9&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AXK1c4IvZoNqPoPnS%21QRLOMA5KwCoShU%21iJ8hxHDMs 4KD*4uiTMsSMRfuPhxEgXsqfZxzWshBXd9TcQMoYh58SxHRdC3 R5Wv0XT1SBLeRxFk&plvar=0&PC=DCTS)

education levels attained by americans over 65 - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=education+levels+attained+by+americans+ov er+65&form=EDGHPT&qs=PF&cvid=68b6c70151844bcc94e6e3395633b19b&refig=17fd3b0d77af48b7a29ffd91acedd51e&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AXK1c4IvZoNqPoPnS%21QRLOMA5KwCoShU%21iJ8hxHDMs 4Kpyhbtj3uqupqThrev*OZ*JFF5lbnLDf1rA0I%21alkqeOy%2 15EfqrqosSf7MTaE3CLj&plvar=0&PC=DCTS)

P.S. Jazuela. I imagine that you attained more than I did? Who can judge the worth and value and wisdom of people? I can't. I sense that "staying home with children" may have some sociological and moral impact on the world and perhaps handing them over as infants to people that we would not trust with our car keys might have some impact on the world too.

[billethkid]

Since we are so far off topic I guess I will jump in.
Back in our day we did not need $10 per pack cigarettes.

We did not need a $50 per month data plan for our $400 smart phone.

$200 sneakers! $100 jeans!?

A new(er) car was never in the equation.

Just to name a few.

Today it takes more than one job to fulfill the wants of individuals. The needs (real needs) are at a whole different level.

Comparing then and now is comparing a grape to a water melon!!

[Big O]

Since we are so far off topic I guess I will jump in.
Back in our day we did not need $10 per pack cigarettes.

We did not need a $50 per month data plan for our $400 smart phone.

$200 sneakers! $100 jeans!?

A new(er) car was never in the equation.

Just to name a few.

Today it takes more than one job to fulfill the wants of individuals. The needs (real needs) are at a whole different level.

Comparing then and now is comparing a grape to a water melon!!

The real issue is that we didn't need them then and we don't really need them now.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The resources to staff all of the new businesses will be drawn by the businesses themselves. A rising tide lifts all ships. People seeking jobs will seek the new businesses.


Which people? Where will they live, where will they come from, what will they do when they're not working? Which people will be attracted enough to these jobs, AND qualified to accept them, AND in a financial position to afford them, that these businesses will draw employees?

And don't forget the criteria here, because it's real:

1. Seniors relying on social security must either earn more than their social security check, OR work very few hours. So the jobs need to be either REALLY GOOD high paying full time jobs, OR really crappy low-paying part time jobs, if their target employee is a senior on social security.

2. Non-seniors who are healthy enough to work these jobs, will need health care. If they are being subsidized, then working will immediately cause their premiums to rise, and might disqualify them from any subsidies at all. So if the target potential unemployed person seeking work is someone who qualifies for subsidies, the jobs need to either a) come with comprehensive health care or b) pay enough to cover the employee's full cost of premiums on top of paying the rent/mortgage utility bills taxes etc.

So again: where will these resources - these potential employees come from? Who will they be?

[graciegirl]

Which people? Where will they live, where will they come from, what will they do when they're not working? Which people will be attracted enough to these jobs, AND qualified to accept them, AND in a financial position to afford them, that these businesses will draw employees?

And don't forget the criteria here, because it's real:

1. Seniors relying on social security must either earn more than their social security check, OR work very few hours. So the jobs need to be either REALLY GOOD high paying full time jobs, OR really crappy low-paying part time jobs, if their target employee is a senior on social security.

2. Non-seniors who are healthy enough to work these jobs, will need health care. If they are being subsidized, then working will immediately cause their premiums to rise, and might disqualify them from any subsidies at all. So if the target potential unemployed person seeking work is someone who qualifies for subsidies, the jobs need to either a) come with comprehensive health care or b) pay enough to cover the employee's full cost of premiums on top of paying the rent/mortgage utility bills taxes etc.

So again: where will these resources - these potential employees come from? Who will they be?

You can tell US in five years. OY.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

At it's current level it is very difficult for retail/commercial/restaurants/service companies to get sufficient people to staff the businesses that serve the needs of residents of TV. Now add all the future businesses as TV continues it's expansion South.

There is not sufficient affordable housing. There is a limit to how far folks are willing to drive to get here to work.

One of the negative side effects is compromised selectivity when looking for the best of the best.
Another is that businesses ability to replace currently unacceptable performing employees.

More and more job opportunities to come....insufficient work force to fill the current jobs.

How to attract and maintain "good" help!?!

So then Gracie, your answer to the actual question being asked in the original post - which I've quoted above is:

you don't know. Which is in agreement with me, because I don't think it will be easy to attract "good help" to businesses in the Villages in a market of "the lowest unemployment rates in history" (according to some in the federal government), in an area comprised primarily of senior retirees who have little interest in returning to the work force, in an area with insufficient low income housing to shelter people wanting to enter the work force but needing to support themselves and their families, and not wanting to substitute entitlements for "thoughts and prayers."

[Big O]

So then Gracie, your answer to the actual question being asked in the original post - which I've quoted above is:

you don't know. Which is in agreement with me, because I don't think it will be easy to attract "good help" to businesses in the Villages in a market of "the lowest unemployment rates in history" (according to some in the federal government), in an area comprised primarily of senior retirees who have little interest in returning to the work force, in an area with insufficient low income housing to shelter people wanting to enter the work force but needing to support themselves and their families, and not wanting to substitute entitlements for "thoughts and prayers."

Oh, come on! We only have to worry about poor service for another 12 years!

[Aces4]

Which people? Where will they live, where will they come from, what will they do when they're not working? Which people will be attracted enough to these jobs, AND qualified to accept them, AND in a financial position to afford them, that these businesses will draw employees?

And don't forget the criteria here, because it's real:

1. Seniors relying on social security must either earn more than their social security check, OR work very few hours. So the jobs need to be either REALLY GOOD high paying full time jobs, OR really crappy low-paying part time jobs, if their target employee is a senior on social security.

2. Non-seniors who are healthy enough to work these jobs, will need health care. If they are being subsidized, then working will immediately cause their premiums to rise, and might disqualify them from any subsidies at all. So if the target potential unemployed person seeking work is someone who qualifies for subsidies, the jobs need to either a) come with comprehensive health care or b) pay enough to cover the employee's full cost of premiums on top of paying the rent/mortgage utility bills taxes etc.

So again: where will these resources - these potential employees come from? Who will they be?


The same place they are coming from now. This is not an unheard of situation for employment, millions are managing this at this very moment. Why is it a crisis all of a sudden in The Villages? Lot of smoke, no fire.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Would love to see some type of proof or facts, that even MOST Villagers...came from 'poor' backgrounds.

Broad-brush statements can be made by anyone with just an opinion and an agenda (and make proclamations, pretending to speak for MOST others), but require actual proof...to have even a scintilla of credibility.

It's boring at best, completely deceiving at worst, having someone drone on about how their anecdotal experiences...somehow apply to most other people. :ohdear:

I agree with Gracie. The incivility on this forum makes me wonder how many here have any education.


If there is any "incivility" on this site, you would have to search far and wide to find it because the Mods take excellent care of this site and delete that kind of thing.

Rambling comments that go on and on and are often repeated week-after-week, month-after-month and year-after-year get old and pretty boring. It's kinda like some people should remove their foot before they speak and are simply doing it for recognition ???. They simply go on and on motor-mouthing just to be heard but in reality, are not saying very much.

While one may agree with another poster although they are continually asked to back up what they've said and they never do, how can an "educated" person agee with them? They never respond to what they've said as factual and ignore the request.

[Aloha1]

1. Seniors relying on social security must either earn more than their social security check, OR work very few hours. So the jobs need to be either REALLY GOOD high paying full time jobs, OR really crappy low-paying part time jobs, if their target employee is a senior on social security.

Huh? This comment makes no sense. If you are already getting Social Security, you can work as much or little as you want and it has NO effect on your monthly SS payment. Therefore to work or not to work is an individual choice. Some folks like to bag groceries at Publix because it gets them out and around others and it's a low stress way to make extra income.

[Aloha1]

And to get back on topic, this is a very tight job market as others have noted. There are many opportunities out there for those seeking work.
Yes, we have societal issues with drug abuse and mental illness but we also have governmental issues such as penalizing people on assistance if they work or reducing benefits if the father stays in the home. Welfare and other assistance programs should always be a hand up and not a hand out. We, as a Nation, appear to have forgotten that.
Regardless, People who WANT to work will find plenty of jobs right now. Employers who want workers will do what is necessary to find and hire them. From this start, demand for housing will lead to more housing being available. All this has happened before and all this will happen again.

[Boomer]

Huh? This comment makes no sense. If you are already getting Social Security, you can work as much or little as you want and it has NO effect on your monthly SS payment. Therefore to work or not to work is an individual choice. Some folks like to bag groceries at Publix because it gets them out and around others and it's a low stress way to make extra income.


Actually, there is more to it. It is not as simple as what was said in the quote above.

The quote above applies only to those who choose to wait until reaching full SS age before collecting.

Those who choose to collect SS at 62, or somewhere before their full SS age, have to calculate earned income limitations should they decide to work. That is because SS benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 earned over a certain limit. The earned income limit for 2019 is $17,640. ($1470 per month)

[Aloha1]

As Boomer and my obviously smarter than me wife pointed out, I forgot about the less than "full retirement" age requirement of social security. I stand corrected on that. But my comment still applies to all who waited until 65 or 66 to take full benefits. And even for those who did take benefits early, over $17K of extra income is nothing to sneeze at.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Actually, there is more to it. It is not as simple as what was said in the quote above.

The quote above applies only to those who choose to wait until reaching full SS age before collecting.

Those who choose to collect SS at 62, or somewhere before their full SS age, have to calculate earned income limitations should they decide to work. That is because SS benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 earned over a certain limit. The earned income limit for 2019 is $17,640. ($1470 per month)

Not just those who "choose" to get SS at age 62 but those whose jobs, companies, departments were eliminated when you're almost 62, and starting over in the work force after over 20 years at the same job, when you were planning on retiring in a few years anyway, is not practical or pragmatic. Sometimes "early retirement" isn't a choice.

[Boomer]

Not just those who "choose" to get SS at age 62 but those whose jobs, companies, departments were eliminated when you're almost 62, and starting over in the work force after over 20 years at the same job, when you were planning on retiring in a few years anyway, is not practical or pragmatic. Sometimes "early retirement" isn't a choice.


You are right, Jazuela. (I chose the wrong verb. “Choose” in this circumstance is loaded with the wrong connotation.)

What you are talking about is absolutely true. It just happened to someone we know. And to heap insult upon injury, though he is close to Medicare age, his wife is 3 years behind him, making the scramble for healthcare awful. It was obvious age-discrimination, but the big companies have the big legal departments.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You are right, Jazuela. (I chose the wrong verb. “Choose” in this circumstance is loaded with the wrong connotation.)

What you are talking about is absolutely true. It just happened to someone we know. And to heap insult upon injury, though he is close to Medicare age, his wife is 3 years behind him, making the scramble for healthcare awful It was obvious age-discrimination, but the big companies have the big legal departments.

This is our situation. Except he is 4 years away from Medicare, I'm 6 years away from it. His social security benefits don't kick in for another 1.5 years. We're living off the money we put away for to supplement his pension and social security, in our retirement. It'll be gone early next year, if we can't sell the house up north.

[EdFNJ]

Yes, I was a bit taken aback too. I thought New Jersey must pay their teacher’s well. Depends on the city/town. Teachers pay varies insanely and is based on number of years worked and education "upgraded" In our town MAX teacher SALARY was around $90K not including all the benefits like medical & Rx for life after working 25 years. Go into up to master + 30. Newark it's even higher due to battle pay but PENSION is nowhere near $100K for a fully vested (25 years) teacher at top pay level,. That's controlled by the State. They don't even give fully paid medical to new retirees anymore. That stopped about 15 years ago. Some NON-TEACHER retirees medical costs is MORE than their pension but still cheaper than paying out of pocket.

[ColdNoMore]

You are right, Jazuela. (I chose the wrong verb. “Choose” in this circumstance is loaded with the wrong connotation.)

What you are talking about is absolutely true. It just happened to someone we know. And to heap insult upon injury, though he is close to Medicare age, his wife is 3 years behind him, making the scramble for healthcare awful.

It was obvious age-discrimination, but the big companies have the big legal departments.

The same thing that has happened to hundreds of thousands of people over the years, of workers who were let go (under other manufactured reasons) because either they, their spouse and/or children...were costing too much on their company's health plans.

It's real easy for those of us who never experienced that horrible situation to minimize it, but then again, not really caring about other folks/the less fortunate and only putting oneself first...is a cancer that infects a large portion of this great country. :ohdear:

[Aloha1]

Mods; Since this thread has now degenerated into innuendo and snarkish attacks. I request it be closed . So sad that what started out as an interesting topic has degenerated into this mess because of a few individuals with apparent axes to grind. People, if we can't play nice then please get out of the sandbox.

[mtdjed]

With all of the automated checkout counters at supermarkets , home centers etc, , we might find people changing to jobs that might have a more likely future.

[Moderator]

Today was one of those rare days when all the moderators must have been out enjoying life instead of sitting behind the keyboard refereeing petty squabbles. I just removed 38 posts just from today on this thread that were off topic, mean spirited, ugly, political, etc. You get the idea.

Come on folks, please be civil and stay on the topic. If this public feuding continues, a few of you may be getting an extended vacation from TOTV.

Thread Closed.

On to the other threads that got derailed today.