Bourke Accounting doesn’t think for you. In fact, our Bourke Accounting tax preparers and bookkeepers don’t want to think for you. They simply share their knowledge, honestly tell you how things stand and allow you to make your own decisions. They might offer an opinion, but at the end of the day, they will neither pressure you nor expect you to blindly follow.
Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone was like that?
I know we’ve spoken about influencers before, but just past the innocuous, pretty people frolicking in nightclubs, there’s a dark side that should be explored. What happens when influencers become so popular that their fans no longer think for themselves? Do influencers have a responsibility to their followers or is it a matter of caveat emptor?
For example, there is an Irish rapper named Blindboy who has a brand-new show on English television called “Blindboy Undestroys the World.” His show is designed “to expose celebrities and influencers for endorsing products that they don’t actually use” (Foxnews.com). In order to underscore his point, he set up a little prank.
Reality show, and now internet, stars Lauren Goodger, Mike Hassini and Zara Holland were all offered the “opportunity” to peddle a new weight-loss water called “Cyanora.” The influencers were “told testing of the product was not available until its launch in a few months” (Dailydot.com) so trying it at the moment would not be possible. All three agreed to filming short promos for the product, where they were invited to read the list of ingredients.
One of the ingredients listed happened to be hydrogen cyanide (Dailydot.com). Why does that sound familiar? Oh, right. Isn’t that a deadly poison? I believe a certain group in the 1940s used this chemical a lot. After reading the list of ingredients on film, Mike Hassini quipped, “from what I know, that all looks pretty natural” (Dailydot.com). Well, he isn’t wrong – cyanide does “occur naturally in plants and processed foods” (NCBI.nlm.nih.gov)….
Holland’s agent was the only one who “insisted that [Holland] would have to…try the drink before promoting it” (Delish.com). The other two didn’t seem to have an issue with slinging unknown products. When asked if she had a problem endorsing a line that she wasn’t familiar with, Goodger boasted that “she’s never tried Skinny Coffee, a brand that she’s promoted on Instagram” (Delish.com).
When the truth was revealed, everyone involved went straight into panic mode – agents lost jobs and back peddling self-defenses were thrown around like birdseed at a wedding. After all, it was the TV show’s fault for setting them up.
Bourke Accounting specialists know that you aren’t stupid. Bourke Accounting wants you to use your own reason when coming to a conclusion that will affect your financial well-being. Good advice is one thing, but Bourke Accounting reps want you make informed decisions using the easily understandable information that is provided to you. You know your own mind, we’re just here to make sure that you know all of the facts, too.
Don’t drink Cyanora and come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
A few nights ago, as part of Bourke Accounting’s bimonthly seminar program, we hosted Marianna Perry, proprietor of AEDs & Safety Services, LLC. Generally, when we think of safety in the workplace and defibrillators, we don’t get real excited (unless there’s an investigation being conducted by a governmental agency). However, Ms. Perry changed that for her gathered audience.
Ms. Perry is a very well-appointed, impressive woman. When she walked in, I figured her to be some sort of ex-special forces branch of the military. She was extremely charming, but I had the suspicion that she knew how to break bones that I didn’t even know I possessed.
As it turns out, I was almost correct: Ms. Perry is a former police officer. Let me rephrase: Ms. Perry was part of the “Narcotics and Organized Crime [unit] for 6 years assigned to the Special Investigations East Division of the KSP and then General Investigations assigned to a KSP post for a year and a half” (Personal correspondence, 1/23/20). Yes, she was an undercover narcotics officer. When asked why she left the force, she cited the fact that she had two young children. “There was a .38 in the diaper bag,” Ms. Perry said and went on to say that that was no way to raise kids.
In addition, Ms. Perry was an EMT, holds a Master’s degree, is a Certified Protection Professional and a Certified Protection Officer Instructor. Yeah, all that and two kids.
Ms. Perry has been associated with AEDs & Safety Services, LLC for about 2 and half years. So, what do they do? The short answer is that AEDs & Safety Services, LLC “is a locally-owned, small business that specializes in helping you save lives” (AEDssafetyservices.com). A more specific answer is that they “teach CPR/AED and First Aid classes and sell Cardiac Science AEDs…[and] First Aid Cabinets and First Aid Supplies” at reasonable prices.
In case you aren’t aware, an “AED” is a “automated external defibrillator.” You’ve seen these on doctor shows where a patient suffers a cardiac arrest, the doctor holds paddles, says “Clear!”, the patient jerks, opens his eyes and says “Thanks.” However, technology has come a long way since then. Ms. Perry demonstrated using a Cardiac Science G3 AED on her CPR-AED training manikin, Chuck (I named him). This gadget is impressive. As soon as you open the case, an authoritative voice advises to “Keep calm.” It then instructs, step by step, exactly what to do. Chuck didn’t jump and jive when the G3 hit him with the juice, though. We now have a gentler AED! Perry stressed the importance of having an AED on hand at the workplace, as heart disease kills more than all types of cancer combined (1/23/20 Perry presentation). She also strongly emphasized that, during an episode like this, every second counts.
Do you want to protect your workers? Give Ms. Perry a call at 502-693-2421 and ask for a demonstration. AEDs & Safety Services LLC supplies information and products to residential customers as well as commercial locations. I can’t tell you enough how much we enjoyed Ms. Perry discussing her passion.
Bourke Accounting wants you around for a long time. No, not just because we want to furnish you with the best in bookkeeping and tax preparation services; Bourke Accounting professionals like you. Because of this, Bourke Accounting is not only offering you superb solutions to all of your financial issues, we are offering worthwhile seminars to better your life. Don’t miss Tyler Bell discuss WSF Productions on March 25th!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
At Bourke Accounting, Bill and Tim will not allow me to touch the thermostat (someone tell me if this is a guy thing). I am encouraged to bring a sweater if I get chilly. So far, I haven’t been able to convince Bill that a bulky sweater will just ruin my cute blouse and patterned leggings outfit, so I am bundled up. To be fair, the temperature is kept at 70, so I might just be a Complaining Carol.
I can’t blame my stalwart bosses, though. According to Electricitylocal.com, the average “monthly commercial electricity bill in Kentucky is $458.” However, Energy.gov tells us that, just by setting that dial down by 10-15 degrees, we can save 5-15% on heating bills. I really hate to admit it, but just like Bourke is helping me to overcome my shyness, I am starting to bring their advice about temperature home, too: I have been setting my thermostat to 69 and wearing my Snuggie lately.
Saving money and energy are important. For example, we all know that if you’re going to leave your house for an extended period, you shouldn’t have your heat turned up to 80. However, is it a good idea to turn it all the way off? The answer is a flat “no.” Turning your heat off completely is a bad option according to Mason Harshbarger from Air Masters (courtesy of WUSA9.com). Mr. Harshbarger says that, when you turn your heat on and off, “your system will have to work extra hard for extra long to get the temperature back up.” So, turn it down, not off, when you venture out into the world.
Since I am a wealth of energy saving tips today, let’s talk about furnace filters. I confess that I am guilty of ignoring my filters. I change it only when I remember that it exists. Oddly enough, I am then utterly confused when my heat isn’t acting quite right; take it from your humble narrator, changing your filter every few years just doesn’t work. UShomefilter.com suggests that you change your filter about every 90 days. Of course, if you have animals, a very full house or babies (not that babies are dirty, they just need cleaner air), you’ll want to change it more often. LG&E suggests that every time you get your energy bill, take a look at your filter. A dirty filter will cost you money as your system is working harder to keep you comfortable.
Finally, if it’s a bright, sunny day, keep your shades and curtains open. Usually, the Greenhouse Effect is not a good thing. When it comes to saving money on your heating bill, though, it is fantastic. At night, my dad always told me, close your shades to keep the heat in (and save your neighbors from having to bear witness to you parading around in your skivvies).
Energy bills are never pleasant to receive, but they’re a sad fact of life. Since it’s only January, we have a few more months to contend with cold wind in the eaves and shivery nights. If you change just a few little habits, you might find that you save money and resources. And that might make your bills a little easier to handle.
Don’t touch the thermostat at Bourke Accounting. However, if you ask, Bill and Tim will bump up the heat for you; Bourke Accounting professionals are strict, but compassionate, after all. Our Bourke Accounting specialists know every trick in the book to help you save money and protect the money you already have. Bourke Accounting reps hate to see wasted reserves and offer every solution to make sure you know how to make every dollar count.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Years ago, I wanted to visit a pal in Philadelphia. Living in NYC, I didn’t have a car. My friend suggested that I take a Greyhound bus (except he called it “The Dirty Dog”). The fare was unbelievably cheap and the station was conveniently located. Finally, it was only about 2 hours to Philly. I assured myself that I could deal with anything for 2 hours.
Once on the bus, a gentleman sat next to me. He had an eyepatch and, as soon as he was settled, he took off his shirt. And then he started talking. I was annoyed, as I had planned to stare vacantly out of the window. However, after the first 5 minutes, I found myself completely engaged in his life. 10 siblings in a 2-bedroom house, Marine, Hell’s Angel, transporter of illegal powdered goods, this man had quite the backstory.
As we were saying “goodbye,” I finally asked him what happened to his eye. He flipped up his patch to reveal a completely normal eye. “I think it looks cool,” he said, giving me a slow wave and melting into a crowd of weary travelers.
He was right. It did look cool.
Traveling long distances by bus might not appeal to some. You have no control over your seatmate, the bathroom is less than hygienic and a lot of bus stations are in rather rough neighborhoods. In addition, there have been Greyhound horror stories of violence (the most famous happened in 2008. I’m not including a link, as it’s seriously grisly) both inside busses and in stations. Finally, there is the stigma that Greyhound bus patrons are either crazy or on heavy drugs – sometimes both.
I think The Dirty Dog should be a rite of passage for all. This is not travel in a pristine airplane with fresh smelling recirculated oxygen. You don’t simply close your eyes in one city only to wake up in another brightly lit airport. No, not at all. On the bus, food breaks take place in seemingly abandoned truck stops, one can’t help but to make the acquaintance of different people and, most importantly, one will witness the world. There is something fascinating in watching the vegetation change, seeing the slow, but obvious, shift from one region to another. Even the billboards change!
Is bus travel dangerous? Let’s face it: all travel is dangerous; pirates sank boats and highwaymen robbed trains. With a little vigilance, a bus trip will be fine. Make sure you keep your bags with you, don’t flash a lot of money, don’t fall asleep on the bus if the guy next to you is drooling and pointedly staring at your throat while continuously muttering, “Gonna get ‘em all.” But the experience is worth it. Get off the bus with a cynical and mysterious air and know the journey was the important part.
Bourke Accounting wants you to have new and exciting experiences. However, your tax preparation and bookkeeping encounters should be kept on the fairly dull side. While our Bourke Accounting experts are intriguing individuals, their talent, knowledge and honesty will leave you with very few surprises. This is not to say that a Bourke Accounting pro isn’t adventurous enough to bus hop with you, but let’s get your return done first.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
I have a friend who lives next door to an apartment complex that houses predominately Section 8 tenants. Once, she came home to someone’s worldly possessions on the lawn and a sheriff standing by for an eviction. In the middle of the night, occasionally, she’ll look out her window and see the revolving lights of LMPD cars gathered in the complex’s courtyard. She’s lived in the neighborhood for over 5 years and, generally, hasn’t had many problems.
“I didn’t even know it was Section 8 until someone told me,” she said. “Usually the only trouble we see is teenagers being stupid.”
My friend is ambivalent towards the Housing Choice Voucher Program, also know as Section 8. However, there are a lot of residents and landlords out there who aren’t quite as sure that Section 8 is a good idea for anyone. In case you don’t know, this is a government program that assists “very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe…housing in the private market” (HUD.gov). Housing agencies pay the majority of the rent directly to the landlord and the tenant is responsible for making up the difference.
Many landlords don’t like the program. One reason is that there is an inspection done by the prospective tenant’s caseworker. Everything must be in tip-top functioning order before the tenant can move in. However, when the tenant’s lease is up, there is no exit inspection done by the agency (biggerpockets.com). Many landlords complain that the subsidized tenants don’t take care of the property and cost them thousands of dollars in damages. Landlords also say that some Section 8 tenants move friends and family members into properties, which is a lease violation.
Residents around Section 8 housing insist that crime follows subsidized tenants. They cite a lack of parental control, unmowed lawns, trash and violence as reasons for their reluctance to accept these new neighbors. In some cases, they feel that there is a lack of fair play: why should I pay $1,500 a month when these guys can live in the same place practically for free? I understand why this could annoy some residents, but there’s a greater purpose behind Section 8 that should perhaps be considered:
Section 8 helps families. Section 8 gives people with lower incomes the chance to leave blighted neighborhoods. It gives families the opportunity to enroll their children in better schools with more resources. Basically, it’s a program that is attempting to uplift people, not destroy neighborhoods. Perhaps if the housing authority insisted on exit inspections (with compensation for damages), landlords wouldn’t be so wary of renting to voucher recipients. Perhaps if we worked harder to create quality after school programs and community centers, the kids wouldn’t be acting up out of boredom.
Like all controversial issues, Bourke Accounting doesn’t care what side you’re on. A Bourke Accounting expert’s only concern is you. Bourke Accounting wants you to be financially stable and reasonably happy. We want you to be the recipient of the best tax advice and bookkeeping services possible. Give us a try and see the possibilities that Bourke Accounting can offer you.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
You ordered a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. What you received was 4 large milks, a ketchup packet and a blank stare when you complained. And these guys want more pay?
Well, yeah, kinda.
Minimum wage jobs usually aren’t very fun. In the minimum wage world, a worker can look forward to hard work, rude customers, backward bosses and, that’s right, a paltry paycheck. At this point, we know that the minimum wage does not keep up with inflation. We also know that minimum wage is not synonymous with living wage. So, what do we do?
There has been a lot of talk recently about increasing the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour by 2025. At first glance, this sounds great: people will have more money to spend, worker morale will go up, maybe more preventive care appointments will be made. In short, the wolves will be kept at bay and peace and happiness will reign throughout the land, forever and ever.
One quick question regarding this great proposal, though: who, exactly, is holding the big bag of money to finance this? Of course, giant corporations can simply raise the price of their products a few cents and all’s right with the world. However, that’s not going to be feasible for the smaller, Mom and Pop type of store. If the smaller businesses “can no longer compensate the same number of employees at a higher rate” (WhenIwork.com), they’re going to have to lay workers off. The cold, sad truth is that “while some employees may be making slightly more money, others will be left unemployed.” Well. That is not helpful.
Another aspect that I hadn’t thought about was rent and the greed of unscrupulous people. Thebalance.com warns that a higher minimum wage in an area could inspire some landlords to raise rent, “creating inflation.” Again, not helpful.
Jack Kelly, writing for Forbes.com, takes a more psychological approach to the subject. His premise is that low wage jobs “are not designed to provide for a family.” These types of jobs, Kelly maintains, are suitable as a first job or for a “temporary port in the storm.” He believes that, if the minimum wage is raised, more people will become complacent with lower skilled employment and never move on to “bigger and better things.” His idea, which I agree with, is to “allocate money to train people to enter areas in which there are shortages of workers, such as the trades.” In addition, Kelly is a big fan of continuing education to arm employees with the tools to become upwardly mobile.
We deserve a fair wage for a fair day’s work, that’s obvious. At this point, though, I’m not sure how we can accomplish this without creating other troubles that might be worse than the original one. Like most of the social ills in our society, money is the problem, the solution and then maybe the problem again.
Bourke Accounting would like it if you were paid as much as you’re worth. If you aren’t, Bourke Accounting can offer strategies for you to make the most of the dollars you do get. In addition, your Bourke Accounting expert can help you design a workable budget that will definitely improve your future financial outlook. Bourke Accounting is a lot more than just tax preparation, but you knew that!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
We don’t talk about religion, sex or politics at work – Bill
I once worked with a woman who was very religious. Walking into her office was like walking into the gift shop at the Vatican. One time I said the “d” word in front of her (get your mind out of the gutter, I mean the “d” word that rhymes with “sham”) and she scolded me. I felt like I was standing in front of Sister DeNunzio, getting detention again. So, I watched my language around her, as “cussing” disturbed her sensibilities and I can go 10 minutes without swearing (I just don’t want to).
I asked my boss why he allowed her to have so many religious objects in her office when I wasn’t allowed to hang my Hieronymus Bosch calendar. He looked at me as though I was a half-stupid and possibly dangerous hamster. “Yeah, because I really need a lawsuit right now,” he snorted and walked away.
I thought he was being dramatic. As it turns out, he was just being very cautious: according to Harvard Business School, “the number of religious discrimination complaints has increased by more than 50 percent in the past 15 years.” In addition, “settlement amounts have more than doubled.” It didn’t matter that my coworker’s office looked like 10 churches decided to throw Religious Rave 2000, she was protected under the law.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission addresses this subject under Title VII (of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). Besides all the good stuff regarding the illegality of discrimination based on religion, it mentions that “religious observances…[including] displaying religious objects” are protected. However, Title VII also vaguely suggests that employers, if a consistent policy is in place, may allow religious iconography in private offices, but prohibit them in common areas. Like with everything else, there is a caveat to this rule: hardship.
If accessories of the employee’s faith “pose an undue hardship,” (EEOC.gov) on the business, the employer can restrict them. For example: Jack works around heavy machinery. Jack wears loose necklaces proclaiming his faith. Jewelry of any kind is strictly banned around the heavy machinery due to safety concerns. If OSHA found Jack wearing jewelry, the company could be fined. In a case like this, the employer would have the right to limit Jack’s religious attire.
Religion, if used properly, is very nice; some find peace and direction through faith. However, religion is also a hot-button issue with many people. I agree with Bill (how did that happen?!) that religion is a subject best not discussed at work. Let’s face it, there are regions in the world that have been kicking each other for eons over religion. Believe whatever makes sense to you. I might not agree with your point of view, but that’s why we have chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, after all.
Which celestial team do you play for? You know what? Bourke Accounting doesn’t care. Bourke Accounting also doesn’t care about your sexuality, your race or the kind of car you drive. Bourke Accounting will care if you forget your W2s and 1099s when you sit down for your appointment, though, so don’t do that. Your Bourke Accounting pro just wants to help you, religious or not.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Oh, my gosh! You must be an EMT, rushing to a life and death rescue where every second counts! You are so noble and brave!
Hold on. You’re not an EMT, rushing to a life and death rescue where every second counts? Then, kindly explain to me, why, on my way to Bourke Accounting this morning, you cut me off (even though no one was behind me), almost hit a school bus and ran a VERY red light. All while driving 65 in a 35. It’s okay, take your time answering. I’ll wait.
We all know the dangers of drinking and driving. We know that texting and driving causes accidents. At this point, we’re also aware that we shouldn’t eat, apply make-up or get into heated telephone arguments with the ex while piloting a 4,000-pound machine. However, there are many more things we can do (or avoid doing) to make the roads happier and safer places.
For example, the last time it snowed, I cleaned off my car. Front, back, roof, the works. Do you know who didn’t? The guy in front of me. Driving down the road, all of the snow on his roof flew off in chunks and landed on my windshield. This was vaguely dangerous, but more importantly, it was irritating. It isn’t enough to clear your windshield; drivers have to be cognizant that what is now on the roof will soon be in the face of the guy behind (this includes forgotten Starbucks coffee cups, children, laptops, etc.).
Giving in to road rage is another way to decrease your chances of making it to your destination unscathed. According to Thezebra.com, “in 2006, only 80 fatal crashes were related to road rage.” By 2015, that number reached 467. In addition, weapon-involved road rage incidents are on the rise, as well. Are we losing our happy thoughts? Before you go off the deep end, remember that it isn’t worth it. If you want to get to work on time, ramming the slow-moving driver in front of you will not advance your cause.
Finally, you are not that important today. This is not to say that you aren’t a peachy keen, attractive person with many cool attributes – you know you are. However, when you get behind that wheel, know that everyone else is just as important as you are. Let people merge into traffic, let someone turn in front of you, don’t tailgate. Also, leave the obscene hand gestures out. Sure, it might make you feel better in the moment, but come on! We’re (presumably) all adults here and shooting that familiar finger signal is rather like flailing around in the middle of a Toys R’ Us aisle because Mom won’t buy you a Tickle Me Elmo.
Bourke Accounting wants you to arrive at your appointment in good physical and mental health. Bourke Accounting doesn’t want you holding your car together with Bondo and duct tape because of bad drivers (or because of your own naughty driving habits). When you sit down with your Bourke Accounting expert, you should be able to focus on your financial present and future, not on the erratic driver who almost ended you. Let Bourke Accounting provide you with quality service and be sure to follow Sue’s Super Spectacular Driving Tips for a peaceful and safe driving life.
Drive carefully and come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows….
But the IRS does not.
That’s right, friends and neighbors, because of budget cuts, controversies, employee terminations and heavier workloads (for surviving employees), your chances of being audited this year are actually rather slim. To compound the issue, the IRS reports that “up to 31% of remaining [IRS] workers will retire within the next five years” (WSJ.com). I don’t want to compare the IRS with The Mary Celeste but, when the entire crew disappears, all you’re left with is an abandoned ship.
To put it in perspective, “roughly 1 out of every 220 taxpayers were audited last year. A decade ago, those odds were closer to 1 in 90” (CNBC.com). This is mostly because the biggest budget restrictions “have been in funding for enforcement, which includes audits” (CNBC.com). That means that there are billions of dollars out there that the IRS would have collected if they had enough people to get out there. Which they don’t.
Not surprising, the two groups who are most likely to get audited, even now, are the very poor and the very rich. Because of so many fraudulent claims, the IRS takes a hard look at those who claim earned income tax credit (Nolo.com). The lack of IRS staff comes into play here, as well: honest lower-income taxpayers who are audited can expect to wait for over a year before receiving their tax refund (Propublica.org). There just aren’t enough agents to go around.
While the rich still have a higher instance of audits compared to the general populace, the numbers are declining, there, too: between 2015 and 2018, audits for the wealthy dropped from 9.5% to 2.21% (Nolo.com). It seems that the safest place to be in these harsh times is smack dab in the middle. From everything I’ve gleaned from the media, middleclass taxpayers are the least likely to be audited (yes, IRS audits are random. Mostly).
This is not an invitation to all would-be criminals out there to try their hand at tax fraud, money laundering or any other nefarious tax-related crime. I might be a little bit of a rebel, but even I acknowledge that our tax dollars fund schools, roads, firefighters and police. Imagine if you called to report a fire and the dispatcher said: Due to employee cuts, no one can come to your fire. I think we have a Super Soaker in the back you can borrow. As much as I hate to admit it, we need our IRS agents.
Chances are, you won’t be audited this year. If you have a Bourke Accounting pro in your corner, those odds drop even more. However, if you do happen to be audited, your Bourke Accounting specialist will work tirelessly on your behalf. I’m not promising that, after an audit, you won’t have to wait a year to get your tax refund. But I can promise that the IRS will get so sick of hearing a Bourke Accounting voice on the other end of the line, they might just bump you to the front of the line (you have met Bill and Tim, right?).
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Between pedestrian-killing, self-driving Ubers, weird things that Amazon’s Alexa is known to say and robot cops that tell people to go away when a crime is reported (and then sing a little song), there are still a few kinks to work out with automation.
For example, the New York City subway once employed booth attendants at the entrance of every station. However, by 1997, attendants were being quietly replaced by fare-dispensing machines (Wikipedia.org). And crime, after a decades-long hiatus, has started to wake up again. Last year, The New York Times reported, “transit crimes were up 3.8 percent…according to the police.” Surely it couldn’t be because flesh and blood has been replaced by metal, right? That’s what riders believe. It stands to reason that when a live human, and first deterrent against crime, is switched out for a vending machine, things might go a little sideways.
With automation, the most important casualty is the human element. Walk into any Kroger Supermarket and you’ll, generally, see more self-checkout stations than human assisted ones. There will be a few bored looking workers standing by to help if you want to buy alcohol or if the scanner doesn’t recognize a banana, but they don’t seem to have much to do. According to Bizjournals.com, “retail has lost more than 140,000 jobs since January 2017 and is still declining despite…growth in nearly every other sector.”
However, it’s not just cashier jobs that are becoming obsolete. CNBC.com offers a bleak future for some of us when they report that “many food preparation, office administration (hey! What?!! That’s me!) and transportation jobs will be taken over by machines.” Creative, technical and other jobs that require “interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence” will most likely be safe. For now.
The arguments for automation are logical. Of course, there are lower operating costs after the initial investment, no missed time for sickness or broken hearts and no personality clashes among workers. Not to mention, the productivity of a machine far surpasses the output of a mere mortal, and with fewer errors (that is, if programmed correctly).
Perhaps I have watched too many robot horror movies, perhaps I fear the unknown. However. Just because the technology is becoming available to replace most of us in the workforce, I don’t know that it’s a very good idea. Let’s just take a second to remember psychotic Hal 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey, shall we?
Bourke Accounting doesn’t have receptionist robots. Bourke Accounting doesn’t have accountant robots. Accounting, after all, is one of those jobs that require “emotional intelligence.” A calculator or computer program will give you the right answer (maybe), but that’s it. A Bourke Accounting pro can give you solutions regarding any problem you might find yourself mired in. Your Bourke Accounting representative is both sensitive and capable of seeing the long view, which Alexa, at this point, is unable to do.
Come see us humans any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.