US War for Talent on hold?

I have just come back from a few weeks on a family holiday in the USA.  As my kids are 10, 8 and 6 yrs old, we spent lots of time at theme parks, etc, and generally had a wonderful time.

What struck me, or actually gradually dawned on me as the trip went on, was the calibre of people performing what I assume to be low-paid, non-career roles in the service industry.  Obviously, you had your teenagers and disinterested, slow-moving mutes that you come to expect in a ticket booth or working a ride or cleaning, for example. 

But to a surprising degree, I had my car doors opened at the hotel curbside by well-presented and articulate men in their 30's and 40's with families (yes - I spoke to them to find out); had my tables bussed by friendly, worldly ladies and gentlemen in their 50's and 60's; and was served in retail by professional-looking men and women who are in the prime years of their working lives. 

I say this not to denigrate those roles although I know that is how it is coming across.  In fact, as a customer, it was nothing but a positive experience for me.

It is just that these people are clearly being used in economic capacities that are not making the most of their abilities, and they must be earning considerably less money for their efforts than if they were otherwise employed.

Which begs the question - is there still a war for talent in the US?  I have just come across a timely piece on this very question in the Recruiters Lounge blog by Karen Mattonen.

Certainly this situation contrasts strongly with my experiences in Australia and Asia, where there is no question of a sustained skills shortage and fierce talent war.

Would like to know if anyone has any further insight on this?

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