"80% report that unfilled job openings have led to more work obligations for those left."

NPR Article below. A college friend and teacher moved to Alaska temporarily to teach because the state paid off their student loans. I find the ferocity of anti-vax people scares me into silence. I'm half way through my career. I live in a red, half vaccinated state, and we've had job openings open so long we've done away with whole areas (science jobs) for years before this pandemic. Our latest hire during their first zoom call with the office of 30 professionals, states only one thing about themselves, how they fled a state requiring vaccinations. My state doesn't require vaccines or masks in most places, but I am fully vaccinated, wearing N95's. I was so proud of myself that I kept my mouth shut. There's a lot more I won't write here because I know how reactionary, hateful and spite filled the internet is. I just find it tough in any profession right now dealing with anti-science people. Or people who pick and choose which science they believe in. Seven years ago I bought three different t-shirts, grey, black and blue, off Amazon all say the same on front, "Science doesn't care what you believe in." I've given talks around the country for 15 years in my science job and now I'm terrified to speak in front of audiences, knowing how many... Solutions: My first point about AK and student loans may help. Also, I've found good results in being very quiet in public, about my personal views, but very helpful while at work about work stuff, later in less social situations, I can listen closely to people for phrases to suss out if they're pro or anti science, I avoid the later... That's no longer up for debate for me personally. I still work with and am nice to all, but off the clock I stopped responding to anti-science folks who've only taken advantage of my skills and helpfulness. This lowered my stress a lot. I suggest anyone to visit more at their city and county and state level, of any elected officials, or staff, or go in person for a long lunch to 'suss' out, at libraries, public buildings, or places where you could make a difference, even set aside phone time to visit with known trusted people, then expand to more... who you can help and what they're doing. I've done lots of that and feel proud of it. Other positive suggestions for staying safe and sane out there? Thanks! https://www.npr.org/2022/02/01/1076943883/teachers-quitting-burnout

Submitted February 01, 2022 at 07:03AM by Sunbudie https://ift.tt/H9UQnfDuW