Baby boomer scientists/engineers about to retire in huge numbers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the anticipated wave of retirements among baby boomer scientists and engineers, exploring the implications for job openings in STEM fields. Participants examine the potential impact of economic factors, workforce demographics, and the realities of hiring practices in the current job market.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the expected wave of retirements, citing economic factors such as the Great Recession that may lead to older workers delaying retirement.
  • One participant notes that the aging workforce in technical fields does not necessarily correlate with an influx of new STEM graduates entering the job market.
  • Concerns are raised about hiring practices, with some suggesting that HR departments often have narrow criteria that exclude qualified candidates.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that the demand for STEM graduates is overstated, arguing that many jobs can be filled by lower-cost workers from other countries.
  • Some participants mention that certain organizations, like NASA, have recognized the potential loss of knowledge due to retirements and have taken steps to address it.
  • One participant highlights the lack of empirical evidence supporting claims of a looming shortage of STEM professionals, suggesting that the narrative may be driven by various stakeholders with vested interests.
  • Another participant points out that if there were a genuine shortage, salaries would likely increase, which they argue is not currently happening.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the existence or implications of the anticipated retirement wave. Multiple competing views remain, with some expressing skepticism about the narrative of a STEM shortage while others acknowledge concerns about workforce aging.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in the discussion, including a lack of empirical data to support claims about retirements and job openings, as well as the influence of economic conditions on retirement decisions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students considering careers in STEM, professionals in the field, and policymakers concerned with workforce development and economic trends.

  • #31
Not to mention the nightmare we'll be in if, as demographers predict, we have such a disproportionately large number of non-working elderly and a low birthrate that the economy literally collapses. Science funding will take a back seat to food scrounging for sure.
 
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  • #32
Thats why we need more immigrants... To keep the ponzi scheme going. At least keep it going until I die. ;)
 
  • #33
Agreed, bring on the 'grants, skilled and unskilled. Anybody who wants to contribute to our economy should be allowed in, not treated like a leper.
 
  • #34
And "ModusPwned" made my laugh.
 
  • #35
StatGuy2000 said:
If it is the HR department and their narrow view of what a job is and what a person needs to know that is limiting a firm's ability to hire needed employees, then shouldn't it make sense for such firms to "shake up" their HR departments to ensure that needed positions are filled?

Yeah, they'll probably do it when they figure out how not to get hit with ageist preferences. Honestly, I don't envy the HR people in large companies who have to hire someone to do something that they don't understand, but do so under a torrent of laws that most people would rather not know. This is a no-win situation, and it was very likely an unintended consequence of existing laws.
 

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