And it seems that many have gone on to find higher paying jobs or at least jobs in industries that treat them with more dignity, including working for themselves.

According to this report, 1/3 of hospitality workers are not coming back. https://www.businessinsider.com/labor-shortage-hospitality-workers-restaurant-hotels-pay-wages-joblist-survey-2021-7 It's pretty thankless work, with low pay and unpredictable schedules. Not to mention exhausting being on your feet all day. Most workers in low-wage industries were in survival mode because they earned too little to actually take a break and think about what they really wanted. Now, they've evaluated their desires and want something else.

I think this so-called "labor shortage" is the majority demanding what they want: higher pay they can live on; more control; and dignity.