Interesting article from the Economist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an article from the Economist that addresses "bandwagon" behavior in the labor market, particularly how missing a job application can negatively impact future job opportunities. Participants explore the implications of this behavior and its fairness in the context of employment.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the findings of the article are not surprising and suggest that this phenomenon is not limited to the labor market.
  • Others argue that the situation is unfair, highlighting a broader perspective on life's inequities.
  • A participant challenges the article's conclusion, suggesting that failing to get a job does not decrease future job chances as much as not applying at all does, advocating for the idea of applying early and often.
  • One participant reflects on the lessons of fairness in life, suggesting that understanding life's unfairness is a part of growing up.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the article's findings are not surprising, but there is disagreement regarding the implications of those findings and the fairness of the labor market dynamics discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the article's conclusions, with some emphasizing the importance of application frequency over the consequences of missed opportunities.

StatGuy2000
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I don't think anyone will find this surprising. And it's not unique to the labour market either...
 
Maybe not surprising but it's definitely not fair.
 
The conclusion of the article isn't quite right and I think intended to make things sound worse - applying for a job and failing to get it isn't decreasing your chances of getting a job, it's not having a job that does so. If you sat on the couch and didn't apply to that job you would still have a lesser job of getting a future job.

The chief message should be apply early and apply often
 
trickslapper said:
Maybe not surprising but it's definitely not fair.

I think the best sort of parenting and education teaches you that "life isn't fair" by age about 3, and "life isn't fair but I've figured out how to handle that" by age about 13.

After that, it's downhill all the way :smile:
 

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