@90aca61c I think we're arguing two different types of people.  You're arguing that deadbeats who don't want to work shouldn't get special treatment, which I completely agree with.

I'm arguing for young people just starting out and getting cornholed in a corrupt political/work environment.  Which is what I see more often.

My dept is understaffed right now and management talks like there's nothing they can do about it. "What incentives are you using to attract talent?". 

Crickets... 

 @7502a322 ya. I just think we see the same coin from different sides. In my experience companies are very nervous about offering more because of what they are getting. But to your point, they should pay more and fire more and make that very well known. Productive people hate working with deadbeats anyway, especially when understaffed, and would love hearing that sentiment.