Essays: Going Global Social Integrity Corporate Evolution Interpretations: Interpretation #1 Interpretation #2 Interpretation #3 Creative Writing: Cool Poetry Tame Poetry Short Stories Dreams Quenchable Quotes CV: Résumé Resumen en español

In recent years, the concept of job security has metamorphosed into a virtually obsolete state. Citizens once had the option of entering a company at a young age. When their 60's were upon them, they received lofty retirement checks and benefits to carry them through their golden years. This is an example of many things that have changed and will continue to change. Two major trends are the implementation of a smaller world from a communications standpoint, thanks to rapid technological advancement. Furthermore, the world is constantly moving closer to a single market exchanging goods and services. Larger corporations must downsize due to increased competition. They believe that it's not cost effective to compensate high salaries and generous fringe benefits while staying abreast with competitors. What do they do to pick up slack while possessing a virtual skeleton staff? Other employees' workloads are increased, consulting agencies are called upon, and temporary agencies are recruited. In theory, the profit conscious entity saves money from not having to pay benefits. However, cutting personnel outright is not the only option. Cutting more frivolous benefits may be a more feasible alternative. Companies that offer subsidized meals, paid time to their National Guard employees when they go away for annual training, 1-800 personal lines, company vehicles, extended vacation time and free day care etc., could consider eliminating benefits without eliminating the employee. Another trend in past years is the elimination of middle management as a way of cutting hefty salaries. This makes sense from a companies' viewpoint providing employees on lower hierarchies have ample reason for motivation under less supervision. In many cases, this can cause the employee to perform better simply due to the fact that he/she is trusted to perform. However, the elimination of middle management can have contrasting effects as well. The company needs to consider the ramifications of a particular situation before laying off any member of their labor force. Top Labor History: The company town today has become virtually obsolete, except perhaps if there exists a military base. The classic company town was one where the majority of the men that lived in the town worked for the company in exchange for tokens which could only be used at company stores. Hence, the money dispersed stayed in the company. The company virtually owned the individual by providing him and his family sustenance. The practice of token usage is of course prohibited today. However, there are company towns that still somewhat exist, for example, a paper mill in Berlin, NH currently employs roughly 1100 people from the immediate area. In 1830, the invention of the steamboat engine created factories, which enabled the implementation of new business and the expansion of existing business. This started a trend of employment for the plebeian. In the 1860's the Civil War dawned and then the great depression three generations later. These large scale events affected work environments greatly. In 1970 came atomic energy as the fledgling information revolution had blossomed. Now, industry is on the decline. More jobs are in the low paying service sector. Jobs exist, but many are below the level of an individuals qualifications. And the wages are forcing people to live thrifty, low quality lifestyles. People with very narrow specialties are basquing in monetary prosperity. They have job security providing demand for their skill exceeds the supply of those skilled. Many of these individuals work for consulting agencies and technology firms while many employ themselves. Those grasping new implementations of technology have higher earning potential. Individuals possessing language and cultural knowledge should be well sought after. This is due to our increasingly liberalized global economy. Today, if an individual desires success, he/she must project a long term view point, have technological skills or another specialty, or work in a trade. The days of the general, unskilled company man with job security, are but a notch in corporate history.