High paying & In-demand jobs

Get Back to Work:

High-Paying Jobs on the Rise Despite Overwhelming Labor Shortage

By: Sherri Kolade At the end of November 2021, 10.6 million jobs went unfilled in the United States. According to statistics, that is a 56 percent increase from one year earlier. In Michigan alone, roughly 330,000 jobs remain empty -- similarly, that figure is up 55 percent from last year and represents about 7.2 percent of all jobs in the state. Over the summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed nine bipartisan bills into law to address some of the needs with filling labor shortages. House Bill 4232 helps small businesses fill labor shortages in restaurants by expanding the eligible workforce to allow 17-year-old waitstaff to sell and serve alcohol at restaurants and other businesses. The individual must have completed a server training program as required by the Liquor Control Commission. During the individual’s shift, the on-premises licensee is required to have supervisory personnel that is at least 18 years old and who has also completed a server training program. “Bars and restaurants throughout Michigan that have been struggling with employment issues applaud the governor for signing this bill into law,” said Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Scott Ellis. “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.” Filling empty spots is not just a Michigan problem either, as, at the height of the pandemic, over 120,000 businesses temporarily closed, and over 30 million U.S. workers were unemployed, according to nationwide research. On top of that, in 2021 employers added nearly 4 million jobs to the workforce ecosystem while millions of Americans were leaving the workforce even before the pandemic. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted in an article that the disruption, also dubbed “The Great Resignation,” is where over 47 million workers quit their jobs due to seeking a better work/life balance, flexibility and more family time. “Many GenZ workers got their first job during the pandemic, so they expect flexibility and remote work as the standard option. In addition, they view jobs as ‘experiences’ that they can end if they no longer need or feel connected to them,” said Dr. Ximena Hartsock, founder of BuildWithin, in a National Newspapers Publishers Association Newswire article. “But a closer look at what has happened to the labor force can be better described as ‘The Great Reshuffle’ because hiring rates have outpaced quit rates since November of 2020. So, many workers are quitting their jobs—but many are getting re-hired elsewhere,” according to the article. Looking for work? Finding employment these days might not be too hard as Indeed released a list of high-paying, in-demand jobs (ranked by the number of job postings per 1 million search results) paying $50,000 or more are available right now. Indeed’s high-paying jobs list (with a national average salary) includes: • Registered nurse: $88,828 • Truck driver: $69,114 • Shift manager: $71,245 • Delivery driver: $81,828 • Owner/ operator driver: $142,919 • Sales representative: $72,838 • Restaurant manager: $51,180 • Dental assistant: $68,410 • Direct support professional: $75,351 • Assistant general manager: $47,833 • General manager: $59,664 • Insurance agent: $69,969 • Service technician: $70,429 • Management trainee: $47,825 • Real estate agent: $104,932 • Maintenance person: $80,870 • Physical therapist: $73,587 Find out more information at Indeed.com and type in the search bar “job search.”

Wayne County aims to spread a new message with its REIMAGNE YOUR CAREER campaign, led by the Department of Personnel/Human Resources. Signaling a change in branding, the new practices in areas such as recruitment and employee engagement are the first steps to organizational effectiveness, recruitment and retention. The initiative to rebrand the employee life cycle also offers existing employees a forward-facing approach to the new direction. The REIMAGINE YOUR CAREER campaign focuses on putting the employee experience at the center of the county’s recruitment and retention efforts.. From an applicant’s initial contact with recruitment staff to internal promotional opportunities, employees can now align the succession of their careers through countless possibilities. For instance, an applicant that begins as a Laborer within the Department of Public Service could later become the Division Director; or an Assistant Prosecutor Attorney with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office depending on their career interest and educational pursuits. The spectrum of careers currently spans over 300 vacant positions. Whether an applicant is just beginning their career or a seasoned professional, Wayne County has an opportunity for you. In a rapidly changing economic climate, applicants can find career opportunities to serve the 43 unique Communities in One Great County! Wayne County’s Department of Personnel/Human Resources plans to show prospective applicants that wanting an impactful career and a competitive wage and benefits, within public service, is a positive step toward REIMAGINING YOUR CAREER. For more information, please see the waynecounty.com/jobs page, scan the QR code below, Facebook, LinkedIn or download the Wayne County mobile application from the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/ app/wayne-county-mobile/id1449796370?ls=1) or Google Play (https:// play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.waynecounty.wcMobileApp). If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Wayne County Department of Personnel/Human Resources at 313-224-5901 or via email at hrexam@waynecounty.com.