In spite of a continuing improvement in the job numbers, much has been written these days about the labor imbalance. While the trend is getting better, many are still out of work, driven primarily by various COVID issues and the shift from in-person work to remote. At the same time any number of employers are having problems finding people willing to take existing jobs, with seasonal businesses, retail and restaurants especially hard hit. Contributing factors include those same COVID issues, as well as lack of foreign workers due to travel restrictions, and working conditions and wages in those mostly blue collar areas. The steadily improving numbers do seem to forecast that it will likely work itself out (no pun intended), but it will take time. Or perhaps as paraphrased by an old Johnny Mathias song, there's both too much and too little, and hopefully it will be resolved not too late.
That doesn't mean that the job market is stagnant, just shifting. Truth be told it always has: as the economy has evolved so too have the opportunities within it. A hundred years ago the predominant industries were manufacturing, and there was no better ticket to the middle class than a factory job. These days those industries have mostly moved overseas, and what's left is but a tiny fraction of the overall market, with the service industry dominating the landscape. And as accelerated by the pandemic remote work of all kinds is growing, from tech support to customer assistance to sales.
As to the most desirable jobs, that has morphed as well. In the 1960's doctors or pilots were top of the heap, in the 80's and 90's it was a job on Wall Street, and more recently almost anything in the tech industry. What has made jobs take that top slot has also changed. Compensation is always a factor, to be sure. But other qualities have come into play, with the current hot buttons including things like schedule flexibility, the ability to work remotely and a first-hand or personal connection to the industry.
In that light comes a job posting from the world's largest spice maker McCormick. Known for flavorings and seasonings in their distinctive red topped packages, their products are a staple in kitchens, whether it be a bottle of vanilla or a shaker of oregano. Most of the company's 13,000 employees have jobs of the traditional sort: engineers and researchers, marketing and HR specialists, admins and material handlers. But one of their most recent postings might play right into your own personal sweet spot, the one where you work on your own following you own schedule in an area where you have a passion: Director of Taco Relations.
A four-month posting starting September 1, the DTR will do more than just work on Taco Tuesdays. Per the posting on the company's site, the job is open to all experience levels, and while a previous job in the food service industry is not a prerequisite, one should have "a deep love of tacos." Responsibilities include keeping tabs on taco trends, taste testing and consulting on inspirational and approachable taco formulations and sharing "out of the box yet approachable taco recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner." While most of the work can be done remotely and via virtual meetings, there is a requirement to "visit the McCormick HQ in Hunt Valley, Maryland to become familiar with the team and have taco immersion (and eating) sessions." For your time and expertise the company will compensate you with McCormick taco seasonings and other products, as well as up to $25,000 per 20 hours of work per month. That should keep you in salsa.
If you consider one of the great discussion points in life as to whether a hard or soft shell is superior, this just might be up your alley. As for me, I am more a burrito guy, and so wouldn't likely make the short list. But that doesn't mean I don't have my eye out for similar opportunities in related fields. I need to work my LinkedIn contacts and see who I know at Hershey's. For should Reese's post a job for Director of Peanut Butter Cup QC, not only am I highly qualified, but I would likely pay them just to get the business card.
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Marc Wollin of Bedford is a peanutbutterholic. His column appears regularly in The Record-Review, The Scarsdale Inquirer and online at http://www.glancingaskance.blogspot.com/, as well as via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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