Chapter 1: The Struggles of Unstructured Time

After stepping away from the traditional 9-to-5 grind, I found that I struggle with having too much unstructured free time. This isn’t about enjoying leisurely days at the beach; rather, it’s about the lack of structure that can lead to unproductive days. Can you relate?

Although I relish the opportunity to design my own day, too much freedom often becomes counterproductive for me. According to Parkinson’s Law, "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion." I can certainly attest to this principle. When I have an abundance of time, I often find myself accomplishing very little. Without clear markers to guide my day, my productivity—and my mental well-being—takes a hit. This realization prompted me to seek out a part-time job once again.

As I shared in a previous essay, my attempt to find a job at a bakery last November didn't go well. Now, I’m on the hunt for an evening position that’s conveniently located. This time, I decided to explore fast food as a potential option. Many reports highlight a nationwide labor shortage, and simply driving past any restaurant seems to confirm this assertion. A Harvard economist even estimates that 2.6 million low-wage workers have disappeared from the workforce. But is the situation as critical as it appears? In this piece, I’ll recount my recent interview experience at a nearby Wendy’s, which reinforced my belief that the issue lies not with the labor force but with the employers.

Chapter 2: The Application Process at Wendy’s

Applying to Wendy’s (or any fast food establishment, for that matter) is a different experience than it was back in the mid-2000s, when retailers were just starting to implement online applications. Now, there’s no option for paper applications; instead, an AI chatbot named Lou greets you on the Wendy’s career portal.

Lou collects basic information like your name, contact details, eligibility for employment in the U.S., and preferred working hours.

At first, I was relieved that Lou didn’t request my work history—a tedious task I’d rather avoid. He simply checked if I met basic employment criteria, which was a welcome change. After passing the initial screening, Lou offered me a selection of interview times, but the options were quite limited. I had to choose from what he provided.

I opted for a later time to avoid disrupting my day. Lou is powered by Olivia, an AI developed by Paradox, which screens applicants not only for fast food positions but also for professional roles. Essentially, Olivia acts as an assistant to recruiters, intended to free them up for more personal interactions. However, I found that while it may simplify the recruiters' workload, it complicates the application process for candidates.

My experience applying to other fast food chains, like McDonald’s, revealed that they also utilize Olivia. However, McDonald’s application process left me questioning whether I had even submitted my application after answering their screening questions.

When I asked Olivia how to proceed, she offered a generic email address for further inquiries, leaving me frustrated. In the time it took for her to respond, I was already considering other options nearby.

Chapter 3: The Interview Experience

On the day of my interview at Wendy’s, I arrived slightly early, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. This particular location occasionally locks its dining area, which made me worry I’d have to awkwardly approach the drive-thru to check on my interview status. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case.

Upon entering, I noticed digital kiosks instead of cash registers, indicating that my presence might not be urgently needed. After a brief wait, a cheerful crew member fetched the manager, who arrived with a Sharpie and a blank piece of paper. It was unclear if Lou had communicated my appointment to him.

The manager began asking me standard questions: did I have an ID and Social Security card? Yes. Had I worked in food service before? Sort of—my experience includes a few coffee shops and a deli. Could I work breakfast shifts on weekends? No, and I was surprised by his reaction. I had specified in my application that I was looking for evening work.

When I reiterated my availability, he noted my phone number and promised to reach out if any evening shifts opened up. However, I don’t expect to hear from him.

Chapter 4: Understanding the Labor Shortage

As someone skeptical about the supposed labor shortage, I believe the narrative that workers stopped seeking employment after pandemic stimulus checks is misleading. Instead, my experience searching for jobs has reinforced my conviction that the real issue isn’t the lack of willing workers, but rather the barriers employers have created.

With all the "Hiring Now" signs adorning fast food establishments across the country, it may seem like there’s a labor crisis. But these signs only tell part of the story. While Wendy’s is actively hiring and I am seeking a job, our objectives don’t align. They need weekend breakfast coverage, while I’m looking for evening work due to existing commitments.

Employers should be transparent about their needs just as prospective employees are about their availability. Employment should be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Yet, many employers rely on AI-driven processes that create unnecessary barriers for applicants. If they genuinely want to resolve the “labor shortage,” they should simplify the hiring process. The more obstacles they place in the way, the more the labor shortage will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Amanda Claypool is a three-time 9-to-5 dropout, a two-time car dweller, and an inquisitive individual. She writes about finance and cryptocurrency at Millionaire by Next Year and explores how to lead a fulfilling life at The Unconsumer.