“Learn a Trade” Sparks Debate: What Does “Unskilled Labor” Really Mean?

The phrase “learn a trade” is more than casual advice nowadays. It has triggered a far-reaching debate about the state of employment and income inequality. TikTok user P (@socialist-mac-miller) recently ignited this debate, calling into question the idea that “upskilling” is the universal solution for financial woes.

Who is Speaking Up?

TikTok user P, known as @socialist-mac-miller on the platform, uploaded a video expressing his discontent with people’s ideas about those suffering financially. He aims to debunk the often simplified notion that these individuals can easily improve their situation by learning a trade or acquiring new skills.  

What Does P Say?

In his video, P makes a strong argument, stating, “Nine times out of 10, when you see someone over 25 waiting tables or working in fast-food jobs, it’s not because they’re lazy or unskilled.” P asserts that the individual is often overqualified for these minimum-wage roles, effectively challenging the “learn a trade” narrative.  

A Real-Life Example

To drive home his point, P uses the example of a friend who holds master’s degrees in both biochemistry and mechanical engineering. Despite these qualifications, his friend is currently employed as a store manager at Walgreens. This, P believes, shows the disconnect between educational qualifications and employment opportunities.  

The Big Number

According to P, a staggering 82% of workers in the United States are in what is often referred to as “unskilled labor,” meaning that they do traditionally considered menial jobs. This high percentage highlights a significant portion of the American workforce that the “learn a trade” advice seems to dismiss.   

Do the Numbers Add Up?

Additionally, the Brookings Institution provides other figures to consider. They reported that 44% of American workers are categorized as low-wage earners, with a median hourly wage of around $10.22. While not directly corresponding to P’s, these figures highlight a similar issue.  

What Do Experts Think?

Some economists and job market experts agree with P’s claims. They question the appropriateness and accuracy of the term “unskilled labor,” particularly because it fails to capture the complexities and realities of these types of jobs. They argue that this term is not appropriate to talk about these individuals.  

What is “Unskilled Labor”?

Defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the term “unskilled labor” refers to work that doesn’t require formal training or academic qualifications. However, many consider this term outdated and inadequate, as it doesn’t account for the manual or interpersonal skills often needed in these roles.  

The Essential Workers

P also draws attention to the fact that many of these jobs, which are allegedly unskilled, were ironically also labeled “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic. These essential workers faced the double jeopardy of being both crucial to society and underpaid, illuminating a glaring paradox.   

The Impact of COVID-19

According to Brookings, low-wage workers were disproportionately affected during the pandemic. Although they accounted for 43% of the total workforce, they comprised 52% of those displaced by the pandemic’s economic downturn, further worsening their precarious financial positions.  

How About Wages?

While discussions often center on the need for workers to “upskill” to achieve financial stability, some people are insisting that the focus should be on ensuring fair wages for all workers, regardless of their job description. They argue we should be asking why any job pays a wage that can’t sustain a decent standard of living.   

The Money Numbers

When dissecting the wage issue, looking at hard data is important. The Brookings Institution has revealed that the median hourly wage for low-wage workers in the United States stands at a meager $10.22. This number is more than just disheartening; it’s a call to action. These figures highlight a stark and growing disparity.  

Cost of Living

According to information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while the cost of living is increasing year-over-year, the average income of an American worker, when adjusted for inflation, has only increased by about 4.4% since 2005. Clearly, the stagnant wage growth is failing to keep up with the rising housing, healthcare, and education costs.  

Are We Smarter Now?

It’s significant that the levels of education among American adults have risen substantially in recent years. According to data from the Lumina Foundation, the percentage of U.S. adults between the ages of 25 and 54 holding college degrees increased from 38% in 2009 to 53.7% in 2021. So, financial instability is not caused mainly due to a lack of upskilling or education among American workers.  

Livable Wage: What Is It?

The concept of a “livable wage” has been gaining traction as a wage level that would allow an individual to cover basic living expenses without needing additional financial support. Advocates argue that corporations and government agencies should be responsible for ensuring that every job pays at least a livable wage, irrespective of its nature or societal status.   

P’s Final Thought

P’s closing argument in his video revolves around a foundational belief: “Every single job should pay a livable wage.” He asserts that any stance opposing this idea essentially supports and perpetuates a system that keeps a large segment of the population in poverty. He called into question the very fabric of a society that allows such a contrast to exist, let alone persist.  

Is Education the Key?

Despite Americans’ uptick in educational attainment, wage stagnation remains a persistent issue. The fact that higher education isn’t leading to proportionally higher wages raises a red flag. The data led many to question whether focusing solely on educational upskilling will ever be enough to address the complex financial insecurity plaguing American society.  

What Are We Missing?

The current scenario—where Americans are more educated than ever but still struggle financially—raises troubling questions about the fundamental structure and policies of the labor market. Are there institutional or systemic failures that aren’t being addressed? It seems the issue extends beyond the abilities or educational levels of workers.

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