[arasina]

Don't I know it too! Try being a 51-year-old female who was in middle management and looking for a job. "Overqualified" "You won't stay long at this rate of pay" "Do you speak Spanish?" I've been selling on eBay to keep my standard of living and that's terribly slow too.

Yes, I accepted unemployment checks. First time in my life I've ever "taken" from the government except for an FHA loan on a house which was later converted to a conventional loan. I watched my investments dwindle until I put a hold on them. It's hard to find even temporary work these days, so now I'm dipping into my savings to pay the bills and not spending on anything except necessities.

I'm hopeful that when the war is truly over that things will get better. And I hope President Bush is as good about reducing unemployment and stimulating the sluggish economy as he is at being Commander in Chief! He DOES need to pay attention or the RATS will eat him alive over domestic issues.

[gcruse]

I hear you. I never in my life accepted unemployment compensation. But this time, I have taken the full load. Benefits expired this week after sending out tons of resumes with maybe two replies. I'm going to miss that weekly check, but being discriminated against for age soothes my feelings of guilt. I go out with middle finger held high!!! :)

[clamper1797]

First time in my life I've ever "taken" from the government

You are NOT taking from the government when you are drawing unemployment ... you are collecting on an insurance policy that you and your previous employer have been paying into while you were working. It's not more "taking from the government" than using your health insurance ....which you and your previous employer paid into as well

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

"Do you speak Spanish?"

Now you've gone and done it. I have been trying to teach Spanish to American youth for years and have suffered untold abuse at the hands of some students AND their parents. I have repeatedly told them they're going to need it to get a job (even if I don't agree with the changing demographics). Nothing but abuse. So, now what do you think my attitude is? Can you guess? Sometimes you eventually pay the price for arrogance and poor treatment of people. Sometimes people DO have to pay for their behavior. Giving a heartfelt apology would be a good start and then having a desire to learn would be a good second step. A good third step might be showing respect for teachers who try to get your fat out of the fire.