Why is there a labor shortage? Or is there one?

In recent months there has been a lot of media attention on the labor shortage here in the US as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. But what is really going on?

What I'm going to share is based on my experiences and observations from the best of my knowledge. If I omit anything, please forgive me.

Why is there a labor shortage here in the US?

1. Many people took an early retirement and left the workforce.
2. Some people who were infected with Covid-19 are unable to return to work due to lingering effects of the virus that has made them unable to return to work.
3. Many people started their own businesses after being let go from their previous employers at the start of the pandemic in early 2020.
4. Some people began to do gig work where they can work the days and hours that benefits them and their families.
5. When employees were being called back to work by their employers, they wanted higher pay and better benefits from their employers. Some of these people quit their jobs when they realized their employers were not increasing pay and benefits.
6. Some employees work in conditions that are questionable where exposure to Covid-19 can happen easily.
7. Employees at many businesses are often abused by customers. Often employees would be so verbally abused by customers that doing their job was very difficult and in some instances the employees never get any assistance from management.
8. Pay and working hours for employees are inconsistent. Part-time employees never know if they'll have many working hours from one week to the next, or if they'll be let go by the employer when their shift ends at the end of the day.
9. People want to work during the day so they can spend valuable time with their families during the evenings , weekends, and holidays. Some people want to stay home to care for an elderly or disabled family member.
10. People want to complete educational opportunities either online or in person.
11. Employees have often been verbally abused, bullied, and micromanaged by managers who have no regards to safety and Covid-19 protocols.
12. Some people do not feel comfortable being out in public for any reason during the pandemic as there are many people who ignore all Covid-19 protocols.