When I graduated from high school in 1955, every weekday morning carloads of people who worked in Rockford businesses left Durand and returned later in the afternoon. Men and women were employed from factory assembly lines to offices. I began as a clerk for a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture located in the post office building, but I couldn’t afford to drive the twenty-five miles from our farm. I found a ride with someone who also labored in the city.
The manufacturers that produced goods soon began leaving our country for foreign shores, taking their jobs with them. In 1968, American economist Victor R. Fuchs called the United States a “service economy,” which includes doctors, lawyers, wedding planners, shoe salesmen, waitresses and others.
In my opinion, we are moving toward a “self-service economy.” I was driving through Oregon, Wisconsin, on my way home and the gas gauge indicated I’d better fill up. I stopped as soon as I spotted a station. I got out, followed the directions to enter my credit card but then the instructions puzzled me. I don’t know why every brand has to design their dispensers a little differently. I’ve been pumping my own gas for at least twenty years, but instead of using my logic to figure out my next step, I approached the gray-haired man who was standing on the other side of the double pumps while his tank filled. “Can you please help me? I’ve never been here before.” He came around and quickly explained what I needed to do next. As we both waited, he made a little small talk admiring my western-style shirt.
Whenever we patronize a fast-food restaurant or a coffee shop, we stand at the counter to place our order and pick it up. The big-box stores are going to self-check-out and so are some of the smaller, chain variety stores. When I need cash, I stop at our bank’s ATM machine.
Do you prefer having a person serve you or do-it-yourself?