by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: April 09, 2009

If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are a part of the baby boomer generation. This is the generation that was smack dab in the middle of wartime. Some baby boomers have already begun to retire. The last of this generation will soon be handing in their retirement paperwork. This leaves a possible gap in the workforce. Will the retirement of such a vast amount of people cause a labor shortage though?

It is doubtful that there will be a labor shortage due to all of these people retiring. These babies grew up and raised families of their own. Those families are now beginning to raise their families as well. If each baby boomer had only one child, that alone creates millions of people that are ready to take over the positions left open by those who retire.

Our economy is in terrible condition right now. That means that many jobs have been lost. If the baby boomers retire, it leaves jobs open to those younger people now attempting to find work. Every time a baby boomer steps down from a position, it leaves hope for those that are scratching to stay above water.

The possibility that there will be a large gap in employees is very slim. Every position that is currently filled by one person would have ten people waiting in line to take it when it became available. This is actually a time when people are being urged to retire where possible. This keeps the economy moving better. This has been true of companies such as Chrysler, who is now struggling to stay afloat, for many years.

It can be seen only as a relief to those that are seeking employment. Imagine being on the brink of losing your home but the sudden rate of retirement allows you to find work. Baby boomers have been working for many years. This means that it is more difficult for them to lose their jobs in any other way.

This issue is a great way for the economy to take a turn for the better. Getting the younger generations into the workforce where they belong can make all the difference in how we perceive things. People would start feeling more at ease when they go to the store. Although the poor economy has taught us all some great lessons, I think we are also ready to see it change.

This generation has done their time. They have earned a well deserved rest from laboring their days away. Leaving their jobs to live the rest of their lives without having to worry about going to work is a life long dream that they have worked towards.

No, retiring baby boomers will not cause a labor shortage in the United States. The generations that followed it will leave more than enough people to fill their positions. This generation can leave their jobs with the peace of knowing there are very capable hands waiting, almost begging to take their places.

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