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December 15 2009
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Virtual Assisting-The Great Offshore Debate
While reading fellow VA Rita Cartwright ’s blog, I came across an article she wrote speaking about outsourcing to offshore Virtual Assistants (link found below). Needless to say, this topic sparks lots of emotions on both sides of the debate.
Below are my comments posted in response. I would love to hear what your thoughts are on the subject. There are pros and cons to both, and I respect opinions on the subject. These are my thoughts. What are yours?
This is a subject that is close to my heart. While, I understand the economics of outsourcing, I have to agree with Ms. Kon’s observations. To me, offshore contracting in general is a major contributor to the economic downfall Americans face today. So many jobs have been lost to a company’s decision to hire offshore contractors and employees, resulting in Americans losing homes, cars, self-respect, ability to seek medical attention, being forced into bankruptcy etc., etc.
It’s just reality that Americans cannot compete with $2.00 an hour, less than what some Americans pay to ride a bus! And every time I see a posting from an American company looking to pay someone this type of rate for all of the work that they are doing it angers me a bit. And one of the reasons is, not only do I feel that there is no loyalty to America and the sustainability of Americans and America’s economic outlook, but Americans businesses KNOW that they are taking advantage of the individuals who are doing this work at these rates. They know the true value of this labor.
So, while it may be great for business, operations are running smoothly, and you are getting more than you’ve paid for in many instances (however, in some instances you really do find that you got what you paid for) is it right?
As a business owner, I could subcontract to an offshore VA and still make a good rate, but as an American, could I feel good about doing this? No, I couldn’t. And I’m not passing judgment on those that do hire offshore workers. I’m simply stating that this is my opinion and saying what is right for me.
I am glad for the opportunity to have respectful dialog on the subject and wish everyone, on both sides, good luck, prosperity, peace and blessings!
Below is the link to Rita’s article.
http://rjswordprocessing.wordpress.com/
Peace and Prosperity,
Evelyn Mack
http://www.emackulateassistants.com
About the Author:
Evelyn Mack
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Comments
I reprinted this article along with a link to the original article for several reasons. First, I too am a “victim” of outsourcing of America’s jobs. The fall of the automotive industry alone has left families homeless and destroyed the lives of many in this country. Yet multibillion-dollar corporations seem to be more interested in paying their CEO’s million-dollar bonuses each year that were generated on the backs and sweat of the American workers who built those companies.
Do these CEO’s who sit on their fat arses think twice about the American dad standing in the unemployment line because the factory he worked in closed in favor of building a new factory where workers would do the same job for less than the price of a loaf of bread?
Do they even care about the single mom has to stand in line at her local food pantry to get enough food to feed her three hungry children because she just lost her job to an illegal immigrant who would work for less than half the wages she used to earn?
Of course they don’t care!
Some may say I sound a little bitter. Well, you bet your boots I am! I’m just sick to death of seeing our politicians open legal loopholes to allow big corporations to put American workers in the unemployment line.
I’m sick of watching small businesses being forced to close their doors because the government gives billions of dollars in “free money” to huge corporations while it taxes small business to the brink of bankruptcy.
When was the last time you bought something that had a small label on the bottom or inside that said, “Made in the USA”? My guess is it’s been a while.