The message of a young man looking for the easiest job, where he can use the phone all day, caused a wave of reactions on social networks. The suggestions did not take long to appear.
A Romanian job seeker sparked numerous comments on social media after presenting his requirements for the job he wanted.
“I’m looking for a minimum effort job, preferably sitting in a chair rather than standing all day. Bonus points if I can be on the phone. Any suggestions?”was his message, published on the Reddit platform.
Jobs for “comfortable” Romanians
Many Romanians instructed him to submit CVs for receptionist positions at event halls, residential buildings or hotels, as a seller of travel cards for the metro, security guard at parking lots or in garages on construction sites, or as a tire manager.
“Receptionist. You process data from time to time, otherwise you sit in the chair. When no one is around, you sit quietly on the phone. So you’d better look for a place where no one really goes, like a hotel in an area with no potential. Of course it will be 2,500 lei without vouchers and possibly exceeding the normal hours, but… at least you don’t kill yourself”. an internet user forwarded it to him.
Other Romanians claim that the job of a salesperson at a counter in any mall comes close to the ideal job in terms of minimum effort. Someone else thinks that the operator service in a switchboard that manages video surveillance cameras can be just as good.
“Jobs like that do exist, but colleagues don’t really tolerate a young, loud-mouthed slacker. I had colleagues in their 40s when I was 20, and their ‘degrees’ meant that I got picked on if I didn’t feel like doing something. As for where you find these jobs, no one knows and it depends a lot on what you can and are willing to do to compensate for the idleness”someone else thinks.
Some Romanians claim that the state can be a good employer for people who are looking to make as little effort as possible.
“Gendarme. You stand and guard all day: courts, prosecutors’ offices, treasurers and other institutions. Priest. Here you still have to sing. But you learn. Any political career. Or elevator at the hospital. Sit in the chair and press the buttons”, notes someone else.
A Romanian recommends the job of fireman, which, in his opinion, would be sought after on the labor market.
“I personally know people who work in factories and more than half the time they are on the phone. I’d rather sit on the minimum wage for nothing than work for others and break my soul for double the minimum wage.” someone else adds.
A young woman claims to be a content creator, puts in minimal effort and uses her phone all the time.
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Why employers can give up on young people
Managers in a growing number of industries say certain patterns of behavior make it difficult to keep young employees on the team, even when they are valued for their technological skills. The online platform MSN.com shows what are the criteria that lead employers to part with younger employees from companies. According to specialists, one of the most common observations is that young people take criticism hard.
“When younger employees become defensive or close to constructive feedback, managers interpret this as a sign that progress will be slow or unlikely.” notes MSN.
Specialists also note that many employees have unrealistic salary expectations. Asking for well above market compensation early in your career or refusing to discuss reasonable offers can create tension before the job even starts.
“Young people have woken up to reality and no longer want to work for 2,600 lei. Rent and maintenance come to 2,000 lei, so actually many prefer to stay with their parents. I have a friend who earns 5,000 lei and he also stays with his parents. Without a partner, he has no way to manage on his own and support his lifestyle: a gym, healthier food”, claims a young man, on the Reddit platform.
Often, managers claim, young people show up unprepared for meetings or meetings with clients, thus showing that the role is not a priority. Also, many young people behave like know-it-alls in technology, notes the platform.
“The assumption that older managers don’t understand technology, even unspoken, tends to create friction that is hard to repair”reports MSN.
Many young people have poor communication habits. These include slow responses to e-mails, overly casual messaging in professional contexts, and a lack of discernment as to when a phone call should be made. Others do not work well in teams. Overemphasis on individual merit or resistance to collaboration pushes managers toward the decision to fire them faster than almost anything else. Some young people are criticized for misunderstanding the boundaries of the workplace.
“There’s a real difference between protecting your well-being and denying any flexibility when a situation really calls for it. Managers say younger employees sometimes have trouble toeing that line.” shows the platform.
Young people change jobs more frequently. A pattern of rapid departures from roles raises seriousness questions and makes employers reluctant to invest in their development.
“Young people no longer care about a job the way past generations did: if they don’t like something, even minor, they leave and look elsewhere. This is where the perception of some people that they don’t want to work comes from.”explains a young man on Reddit.
Other observations show that some refuse tasks that they consider below their level. Denying routine work slows teams down and creates resentment, even when the frustration is understandable. Also, some are replaced by AI. In some roles, especially entry-level roles based on repetitive tasks, employers are finding that AI tools can make work more efficient.
“None of these patterns are universal, and many young workers are building solid and lasting careers,” shows the platform.
