Ross: What’s really behind our country’s post-pandemic ’employment mystery’?

It was one of the lead stories again recently: “The employment mystery: At a time when millions are unemployed, why are so many jobs going unfilled?”

The employment mystery!

The gist of the story was that millions of laid-off workers are holding out on their employers because they’re looking for a better deal, and the emergency unemployment checks mean they can do it without losing their shirt.

This really annoys some politicians who see it as proof that America is becoming a European welfare state of unproductive slackers, smoking skinny cigarettes and carrying baguettes.

I don’t know how they’re so sure about that, but there is one way to find out, and that’s to ask.

So, if you are one of those who knows your old job is waiting, but you’re not going back, go to the inbox at feedback@mynorthwest.com, or the text line at 98973 and tell me why. Include your phone number if you have more to say or you’re just bad at typing.

By the way, in case you missed it, here’s what Jill Schlesinger said when I brought this up yesterday:

“This is a rational choice, right?” she answered. “I have to be home — child care and schools are not back full time. Thank goodness I can collect a check, pay my bills, and then by the time this summer rolls around, I can go back to work.”

It may even be that those of you raising small children feel that finally you’re being treated the way you should be by a country whose birth rate is dropping and needs to make it more affordable to raise children. I want to hear from you, too.

If the critics are correct, and you are just being lazy, I promise to keep you anonymous – unless, of course, you’re proud of it and want everybody to know.

Also, if you’re one of the Nigerian unemployment scammers, please be sure to include your physical address because I know some people who will want to come meet you right away.

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