There is no STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) shortage. This was evident many years ago, but this myth propagates on to this day. This is especially true now in the age of AI (Artificial Intelligence).
The tech industry is in that cycle at the moment of mass layoffs or RIFs (Reduction In Force). How people would like to call it or put into terms, it is still being fired. It means many people will be without an income and health benefits at a time when inflation is at an all time high in the US, like Jimmy Carter era high. The impact is not just on the individual employee but also on the family that they help to support. Regardless of how some people would like to frame the numbers on the economy, many people are feeling the pinch of the inflation. Everyday American families will suffer as a result.
Many of these tech company executives that are laying off employees left and right are making millions of dollars, and this is not including their stock options. Their excuses for the layoffs are just that, excuses. There are simply too many layers of bosses and very few people doing the actual work. One would think that at some point in time, somebody would recognize the flaws in these corporate structures, but alas not, it is still going on to this day. Companies that were once great and produced great products will be run to the ground while executives flee with their golden parachutes, the “yes” men and women move on to their next victims, and the actual working people of the town suffers, left with the skeleton of the remaining company, and then quietly fade away. Who is there to speak for these people left behind?
Next, let’s talk about the group of people who are commonly targeted for layoffs, the people near or at retirement age. The greatest generation has come and gone, now they’re coming for you. Despite laws trying protect older workers, nothing has changed. Laws are passed all the time, but if they are not enforced, it is useless.
In short, there is no STEM shortage. Google the discussions about layoffs to understand more about what is actually going on behind the scenes if you are so inclined. It is hard to miss. So many people have been laid off, are being laid off, or are worried about future layoffs. If your child is truly interested in STEM, by all means, encourage them, but if they’re not interested, do not get pushed into this STEM shortage bandwagon. Instead, pray that God guides their vocations. God has a plan for all of us; we just have to listen.
St Joseph, pray for us.