Searching for employment in Havana has become a challenging ordeal, especially in a city facing an aging population, rampant inflation, and wages that fall short of meeting basic needs. In his video "Cuba Today: The Crisis of Finding Work in Havana," the YouTuber Jonix Dose provides an in-depth analysis of this issue and discusses the roles that are currently in high demand within the Cuban job market.
Among the most sought-after jobs are:
- Any role within micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly as commercial agents.
- Self-employed roles, focusing on selling various types of products.
- Waiters or culinary professionals, especially in private cafés or restaurants.
- Nurses (hospital companions) and elderly caregivers.
- Cleaning staff, although these positions are often unstable.
Challenges of State Employment and Private Sector Opportunities
Individuals tend to avoid working in state-run institutions due to their lower salaries compared to the private sector. Additionally, these jobs often come with restrictions on free expression and constant government oversight.
Many Cubans have left their traditional professions in search of higher incomes, despite the potential for exhausting schedules and harsh work conditions. The most significant exodus of professionals is seen in Public Health and Education, sectors that are crucial yet particularly vulnerable.
While the private sector offers more attractive wages compared to state jobs, it also presents substantial challenges. Contracts often require up to 12-hour workdays, and employers commonly demand additional qualifications like a driver’s license and complete availability, which can hinder family life balance.
Impact of Mass Migration on Cuba's Workforce
Moreover, some business owners criticize the lack of worker commitment, as employees may leave their positions abruptly without notice, affecting services without legal recourse to protect both parties' interests.
Mass migration has severely impacted the island’s workforce, as young people seek opportunities abroad, resulting in divided families. This migration has exacerbated the shortage of skilled personnel in critical areas, while wages remain insufficient to meet basic needs in the face of rising prices.
Jonix Dose’s video paints a poignant picture of the Cuban reality, highlighting how the population struggles to survive within a labor system that seems increasingly untenable.