Posted on 02/06/2014 12:34:56 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Here’s the problem: At least in my state, say your engineer was laid off: His “benefits” (which at least initially did come from his employer’s “cost of labor”) would be 2/3 of his recent income. But in many cases, such as mine when I was laid off, I had already accepted a pay cut & hung on with “the company” to try to help it survive. Plus I knew decent jobs were getting very scarce. In my case, my actual paycheck went down by 40% before my layoff. After being laid off, add it all up (more like “subtract it all off”) and my “benefit” check was under 40% of my take home pay of a little over a year prior.
So... Let’s say I find non-professional, most likely temporary employment, for about the same pay as the unemployment benefits. Most likely there is no health insurance to go with such a job - a big concern for a 50+ year-old with a family to support. But, that employment is the best thing available. When that employment ends, guess what: New benefits will be calculated from the recent employment (2/3 again) - and now one is REALLY in trouble. Worse, now anyone looking for a “professional” will take one look at the most recent employment, and do what you did - chuck the resume or job app in the trash.
Your engineer was probably not “lazy.” He was likely desperate and making the best financial decision available.
I can empathize. Especially if one is a professional and past 50, few employers are looking. A lot of people with the option ARE taking early retirement, which helps the U1 unemployment figures, but is deadly to the nation in the long run. Others do just go with the handouts, but I really believe most people would still prefer a good job, if such were available. It truly is, as you say, very discouraging, but you just have to keep hammering away. For those who would disparage others in your situation, I suggest they try walking in your shoes for a while! There’s nothing like actual experience.
In my case I used our limited savings to refire an old “business-on-the-side”, worked like a madman, and am finally profitable — well, probably not this winter, as our Obama-electric-bills and a host of repairs are killing us, plus the Health care insurance too — but if all goes well, later in the year, I project lower middle class status for my family in 2014. The downside is that one can work TOO hard: I’d guess I’ve taken a couple years off my lifespan...
At any rate, keep your head up. You sound like a good employee, and if you keep at it, surely some opportunity will eventually turn up.
Paul,
Where I am the Marcellus Shale is booming. technicians, engineers, office workers etc are all in demand. W PA and I hear ND and SD are also booming.
I do understand your point. There are also exceptions to the rule. If he was older like you (I am 62) I would have thought differently. Many older engineers are replaced because of their pay scale and can be replace with a younger engineer at 1/2 the rate. I find that sad.
Seems the Slimes has changed the story. It now says 59 voted for extension. At 55, I was wondering what 4 dems strayed from Hairy’s farm and didn’t vote for it.
Thanks Paul! I am also trying to do freelance work, which I’m having some success at - more would be nice!
You sound like a real douche bag.
Mac,
I am in an area where there are amble jobs. The applicant decided to take the 89 week paid vacation. I would think differently if I was in an area where jobs were scarce.
BTW...you kiss your mother with that mouth?
You sound like a grade A Ahole.
“We’ve given them everything they wanted. Paid for,”
To wit: “I swiped your credit card and the charge was approved.”
I sincerely hope people like you have your sarcasm/”riff off the official line” detectors fixed, and soon.
I own my business. Guess what? If I don’t succeed I get zero NADA Unemployment but my employees would.
We all must suffer so as to get those confused about things to think more clearly. Most of those who fought for independence in the 1700’s lost everything...some lost their lives.
Private message received from IC Ken......absolutely no class whatsoever.....I edited the first word:
F*** you. Why would I hire someone that took an 89 week vacation. You sound like a real dumb ass.
Ah, so you’re a publicly posting a-hole who epitomizes the scummy attitudes that are keeping me from working.
Screw you - I hope you get to experience the misery of unemployment, of constantly being looked down upon, of seeing your future and your ability to keep a roof over your head disappear, and get to experience the daily humiliation that goes with not working.
You are fetid filth, and have no home here on FR.
Both times I was faced with the option of spending a long time searching for a comparable job vs. taking a huge pay cut and starting over. I opted for the starting over approach, and both times was able to get caught back up pretty quickly.
Experience and work ethics are valuable assets, and I think a lot of people spend too much time trying to match their previous jobs when they can do just as well in the long run by just getting their foot back in the door someplace and using their experience/maturity to rise back up again.
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