I’d like to thank everyone on this thread. I have been out of work since late May. Though I have applied to nearly 200 positions - all of which I’m either greatly or vastly over qualified for - and this has yielded just two interviews with no offer, I see here that I’ve got it all wrong. The unemployment check - which is half of my salary and which I’ve contributed to my entire working life, has held me back. Thank goodness this madness is coming to an end. I look forward to the coming weeks when my original 26 weeks runs out and I cannot pay my bills. Then and only then, will I get back to work. Unemployment will be 2%. I will no longer be a bum. And with magic similar to hope and change, I will be back to work. Because, we’ll, that’s how easy it is. Thanks so much everyone!
A friend of mine, who once employed about 100 people, is now buffing floors. Hope and change is the job killer from Kenya.
Hang in there. I understand the challenge you face in this economy. I could be behind you if things don’t change.
Just yesterday, a close relatives’ company, laid off 1% of their force. Word is, they are not done yet.
I completely understand your pain in not finding work. Same is happening to a close family member of mine - lost his job of 24 years and has not done too much better than you. I think the comments on this thread are over the top, as so very many people who ARE NOT leeches FINALLY need these benefits and will not be afforded the help they PAID for over these many years.
just a ping from someone who’s been without fulltime employment for almost three years.
What state and city are you in, that the economy is so bad there?
Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes are paid by employers, not employees, so you haven’t “contributed” to it at all, much less your “entire life” as you stated. Having said that, I feel for you and if you need any assistance, I’m a former career counselor and will answer any question you might have if you FReepmail me.
We know how you feel. Hubby wasn’t called back to work until August of ‘09 and he went through one whole extension. He was lucky to be called back just before his second one kicked in.
Because he’s in construction right now and winters up here mean shutting down until Spring, I’m worried that he’ll be screwed out of ANY unemployment when he gets laid off again in a few weeks, even though he’s worked this year steadily since the beginning of April. They’ve changed the unemployment laws so much that it’s a good possibility.
You REALLY have it all wrong, but I understand your feelings. You aren’t dragging the economy down, but what about the guys who game the system? They ARE. People plan to get unemployment. The more it’s expanded, the more some people will game it. To pay you, how many jerks do tax payers have to bribe at the same time?
I guess I am a lazy bum too! I have applied for about 250 positions, landed about 8 interviews and have been a finalist 3 times. My reviews were nothing short of extraordinary at my prior job, yet I cannot get a position. People who think it is easy to get a job in this environment are living in an alternate universe.....no other way of explaining it.
I talked with a recruiter today about a position I might get an interview for.....she said she has never seen it so bad.....but what does she know? All of those people are lazy bums......I read it here.
Very well said. Hubby just got hired after looking for work for the last year. It is only parttime. I wonder how many freepers now the reality of the new job search. Where everything is online and filtered through agencies which scan the applications for key words to determine what pile the app goes to. Oh hell it is done by computers. So if they want to filter out all men over 50 you go inot the reject pile. Your qualifications have nothign to do with it. Your credit in the tank because you have been out of work and are behind on your bills? Tough cookie into the reject pile you go. Unemployed for over a certain length of time? Into the reject pile you go. So even if you are qualified for a job you may not meet the predetermined criteria and you are tough out of luck.
I agree the extension must have a funding source and that is what those who voted believe as well. I have no doubt that there is funding available as has been expressed by several Republicans. There must also be an end to the hostility towards small business. No one is going to risk job creation when doing so costs them too much.