We like to think the private sector, indeed America itself is based on merit and hard work. I've read this a thousand times on USMB but upon any scrutiny, one can see success and affluence centers around inheritance and proper networking or knowing the right people. This is diametrically opposed to a genuine meritocratic system, which is based on one's ability and skills, not who you know or where you were born.
A local commercial for a nearby hospital was proud to announce their general staff consisted of mostly relatives and family members. So if you want to work there **** being the best, just know the right people and the job is yours!
Sounds all too familiar. I almost only receive call backs for jobs where I know a current employee. This has happened too many times to be simple coincidence. It has nothing to do with merit since the positions I've applied for I have over 3 years of paid experience with a robust resume.
The private sector ideals are based in merit; however, we know how things on paper are not how they operate in the real world. So wake up and smell the corruption. Of course not all businesses operate this way but this is not my point.
What I am saying is that the government and major businesses walk hand in hand to maintain their elite status, wealth and power in spite of their incessant claims of our proud meritocracy. No politician would deny we strive to be the most meritocratic system on earth but this is pure rhetoric. We do not live in a genuine meritocratic system. Yet we demand those without opportunities, without quality education and no valuable network to earn their way or die (or at least suffer). When will we learn? Our problems are much deeper than this policy or that president or some "parasite class"....
I think nepotism exists everywhere, in the private and public sector. Yes, some will get an unfair advantage, but that doesn't mean that people cannot carve out a good living for themselves without it.
My son got a job at a company where he didn't know anyone. He had the right college degree and applied for an opening and has since moved up in the company. He has a bright future if he stays the course. It can happen, but is more likely to happen when people are prepared for the opportunities that present themselves. If you're not qualified for a job, it's not an opportunity for you. Companies can't hire all friends and relatives and they need qualified people for positions. Once you get your foot in the door, which often means starting at minimum wage, you have a chance to prove yourself to be a valuable employee.
I know many who got jobs by walking in the door with a good resume and acing the interview. It happens everyday, so I would caution people not to believe that nepotism is the only way and give up. Keep trying. If you aren't getting the job, look at how you can make yourself more marketable.
Used to be that starting your own business was the way to go. That is getting tougher and tougher these days. Banks are limited on the number of loans they can grant for small business, then of course, Obamacare is set to ruin small businesses.
Don't be a defeatist and think you can't get a good job. I got jobs on my own. We were military and moved every three or four years, so I knew NO ONE and somehow managed to do just fine. My kids are doing fine by interviewing for jobs. My son got his first job as a camp counselor where he met the owners for the very first time at the interview. There were over a dozen others applying for the same position.
Some people don't like hiring family and friends because it complicates things. I wouldn't like working with family or friends, especially when one is the supervisor of another. Talk about awkward.
Of course, many business owners want to pass the company to their heirs and will likely hire them to teach them the ropes. That will never change, but the opportunities for the average person still exist and it's up to each of us to be creative and proactive to ensure we can rise to the occasion when a good job is available.
Look at the nepotism in government. All politicians are guilty of that and they appoint family, friends and campaign donors to certain positions whether they are qualified or not. It shows when unqualified people are given important jobs. Just one small reason why things are a mess.
Of course, affirmative action guarantees some people work and qualifications don't always come into play. More qualified people might be rejected because they are the wrong race or gender.
