For many people, time is money. But does that include farm workers?
It's our own fault. We could have seen this coming. Americans have devalued work over the years to the point where many young people now consider it a waste of time.
At construction firms, dairy farms and landscape companies, the workforce is getting older. And when those elderly workers retire, not many young people are lining up to take their place.
What intrigues me most are those Americans who demand a pretty penny for their time. Not experience or expertise. Just time.
Do you have any idea what babysitters charge these days? A few years ago, my wife and I would get quoted $12 to $15 per hour -- or more if the babysitter had to watch more than one child.
Not long ago, we bought meals from a woman who did a brisk business cooking food for working families. A salmon dinner for four might cost $60. She charged not just for the food and cooking skill -- but for her time as well.
That's key. Americans value their time immensely, and they expect you to value it, too.
About 10 years ago, here in Southern California, I needed a fence stained. A handyman, who happened to be a naturalized U.S. citizen from Europe, offered to do it -- for $75 per hour.
Need your car repaired? Take it to the dealer, and you'll pay at least $95 per hour in labor costs.
The other day, I called a plumber to unclog a drain. It took him about 25 minutes to get his equipment in place, and five minutes to pop the drain. Those 30 minutes cost me $125.
Of course, I have lawyer friends who charge their clients as much as $400 or $500 per hour for their time.
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