The picture reminds me of a couple who stand on the main road here in Nashua everyday. They are a 20 something man and woman. They typically stand at intersections about 2-3 blocks apart. They both hold signs that state: WILL WORK FOR FOOD.
The irony is that last week they were at the intersection where there is a McDonalds on one corner and a brand new ChicFilA on the opposite corner. Both businesses have NOW HIRING on their signs just like the picture in the article.
All along the street where they stand everyday there are NOW HIRING signs. Our unemployment rate here is just over 5%. Anyone that wants a job, can get one. Apparently, they do not.
For most, that may be true. This couple that you mention may have served time for felonies, which would severely impact their ability to be hired. I know it would dissuade me.
I used to think like you do, until my nephew got hooked on drugs. Then he stole to support his habit. He’s in jail now, but no one in the family trusts him anymore. If he ever gets out, he’ll never get a regular job again.
So if I ever see him on the side of the road, asking for work, I’m still not sure I would hire him. He isn’t trustworthy at all. It makes it really hard, because we want to beleive he will turn his life around, but so far, there has been no change in his attitude.