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Yesterday, I was throwing some laundry into our clothes washing machine. The door hinge has been hanging a bit, and I was in a hurry. I was a bit aggressive with it and when I closed it hard, I heard a piece break off on to the floor. I took a look and saw that a plastic bit from the tooth of the door strike had broken off. The part looked to be fairly easy to replace.
Years ago, this would have probably taken a call to a repair tech for the brand of the machine (Frigidaire). Hardware stores and big box home improvement stores don't carry this part. But I was able to fairly quickly google the part. After quickly finding out what I needed, I found the part on Amazon and with a few clicks (I'm a very happy Prime member), the part was on its way and will be at my house tomorrow. With a phillips head screwdriver, I will be able to replace it in a manner of seconds and our clothes washing will be back on in just a little more than 48 hours after I broke the part.
So, the question is, is this a bad thing? This kind of new world is causing brick-and-mortar stores to close. It is undeniably changing the way we interact with commerce and the various industries needed in localities to support everyday living.
I think it is a good thing and is a more efficient way of living. But I also recognize that it is costing people's jobs. This idea that old jobs (like manufacturing or repair) could just be resurrected with policy or by the president is misplaced IMO. And it is only going to get worse as automation grows more common (consider that 1 in 5 working men in the US under the age of 50 drives some kind of vehicle).
Policy could never stop this kind of progress. We have to learn to operate within the new reality.
Years ago, this would have probably taken a call to a repair tech for the brand of the machine (Frigidaire). Hardware stores and big box home improvement stores don't carry this part. But I was able to fairly quickly google the part. After quickly finding out what I needed, I found the part on Amazon and with a few clicks (I'm a very happy Prime member), the part was on its way and will be at my house tomorrow. With a phillips head screwdriver, I will be able to replace it in a manner of seconds and our clothes washing will be back on in just a little more than 48 hours after I broke the part.
So, the question is, is this a bad thing? This kind of new world is causing brick-and-mortar stores to close. It is undeniably changing the way we interact with commerce and the various industries needed in localities to support everyday living.
I think it is a good thing and is a more efficient way of living. But I also recognize that it is costing people's jobs. This idea that old jobs (like manufacturing or repair) could just be resurrected with policy or by the president is misplaced IMO. And it is only going to get worse as automation grows more common (consider that 1 in 5 working men in the US under the age of 50 drives some kind of vehicle).
Policy could never stop this kind of progress. We have to learn to operate within the new reality.