Not Working

Oh, that ain't working
That's the way you do it
--Dire Straits

Saw a graph in the WSJ today that showed the 'labor force participation rate' as being about 62% compared to 64% pre-corona. 

That figure seems way off.

If the number prior to the pandemic was in fact 64%, then I would guess today's figure is closer to 50%. There are a ton of people not working--including those who a) hit the silk due to CV19-related regulatory oppression (many of those opting for 'early retirement.' b) are being subsidized to not work thanks to ongoing pandemic unemployment benefits, or c) fear that they will catch a disease if they were working.

This is why we are seeing such a 'tight labor market.' Able bodies are electing not to work.

In droves.