Ain't nobody got time for that!

I was listening to CBC radio the other day when a most interesting segment came on. A man from the government of Canada was being interviewed for this new volunteer program being set up by the GC where people could work in real-job capacities...for no pay. If accepted, they were expected to maintain full-time hours for 52 weeks of the year 50 weeks of the year with 'two vacation weeks'. This earnest man went on to explain that 'retirees and recent college graduates' would most benefit from the program as they looked for some way to fill up their time.

Really.

As serious as this man's tone was, I kept thinking to myself, 'he's gotta be joking. No way anyone in their right mind would undertake a full-time volunteer position instead of being at least a little bit employed.' But it was no joke. Some of the job volunteer positions available included being a mail carrier, park ranger and chief speech writer for someone-or-another.

Really!?

You know what the worst part is? These spots will be filled. There'll be scores of people lining up to take these positions, sadly and mistakenly believing it'll lead to a cushy, paid position. It won't. What's that saying again? Oh yeah- why buy the cow when you get the milk for free? I understand that any business' bottom line is to maximize profits while cutting as many operating costs as possible, but there's gotta be a limit as to when and how. Not paying people for skilled jobs because of 'sweeping budget cuts'? Find a way. Volunteering has traditionally been- and should remain- in the domains of nursing homes, hospitals, after-school groups and the like, not in jails (being a prison guard is another option).

If you feel like a laugh before realizing that the GC is completely serious about this, click here.