I've recently (2 years ago) experienced the takers side of the business. I learned a lot, humility included. I learned that I could collect more in unemployment by sitting on my a$$ at home than I would working at Home Depot for $12/hour. I also learned that it takes about 10 minutes a week to do the on line paperwork to keep the money coming. I learned that if you want to get back to work starting your own business of doing side jobs, you need to lie to the government until you are on solid ground again. That was the hardest part. Being honest takes A LOT more effort (interviews, scrutiny about ANY income, etc.).
I have to admit, besides the stress of going into debt and seeing my family's life style withering away (which is humble middle class to begin with), it was like retirement. There were some perks. I slept in a couple days and spent a lot more time with the family than ever before. I once finished a honey-do list (including home maintenance projects) during that period.
I started doing sidejobs while seeking gainful employment. That grew into a license, insurance, an employee and some equipment. Now I am a business owner on the side of my first full time job. We are still paycheck to paycheck and working way more hours total (4 jobs between the wife and I).
But I still maintained enough pride to get back off the gvmt dole. Besides, my kids were watching.
My inversion table is the BEST thing I ever got for Christmas.
Used to have torturous back pain all my life. No more.
It’s a teeter hang-ups and is like magic.
God bless you. But it sounds like your experience on the “taker side” was not voluntary. I was referring to the leeches in our society who always look for the easy way out and are like the grasshopper in the fable of the grasshopper and the ant.
It is the human condition that often makes the easy way look tempting. But those of us who are decent know what is right and choose to do what is right.
And you are right; our children are watching.
To anyone reading my comments on this thread who has lost his job or is truly disabled:
My criticism is of able-bodied slackers and not of you.