Mixed Feelings about new Unemployment Extension

[C.Ann]

I think everyone has "mixed" feelings about it - depending on where they are viewing it from..

I have a friend who is 61 - lost her job - has not been able to find another - and is just about at the 99-week with her unemployment now.. Employers are not in a mad rush to hire people in their 60's (or even 50's, for that matter) and she happens to live in an area that has a very high unemployment rate - across the board..

So - if she is granted another extension, she will take it - and then likely opt for early SS at 62..

I don't see a problem with that.. Sometimes people just have to do "what they have to do"..

 

[rumrunnergirl]

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[C.Ann]

My DH got laid off in November. In Florida, UC pays $275/week plus a $25 "stimulus" payment, for a total of $300/week. That is our income for us and two kids.

Jobs now pay 1/2 of what they used to pay (if you're lucky). They want you to have years of experience, your own tools & truck, pay you $8 per hour and no benefits. These are for construction jobs in the South Florida heat. Employers know people are desperate, so they don't want to pay a decent wage and so no one wants the jobs.

DH is not sitting home drinking beer. He's reading books on DIY repairs so he can expand his knowledge and do more fix-it jobs for friends. He's starting vo-tech next month to learn a new vocation that is hiring (HVAC). We're definitely happy benefits were extended so we can pay our bills while he goes to school and I keep looking for a job. He also hopes to get a part-time job while in school.

Good luck to you and your DH.. Sounds like you're doing the very best that you can during a particularly difficult time..

 

[seashoreCM]

The unemployment extension is bad.

Because it is unfair.

People whose unemployment just ran out get extended while people whose unemployment ran out some time ago but who never got as many as 99 weeks (or 52 weeks) cannot get back on.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[nunzia]

My DH got laid off in November. In Florida, UC pays $275/week plus a $25 "stimulus" payment, for a total of $300/week. That is our income for us and two kids.

Jobs now pay 1/2 of what they used to pay (if you're lucky). They want you to have years of experience, your own tools & truck, pay you $8 per hour and no benefits. These are for construction jobs in the South Florida heat. Employers know people are desperate, so they don't want to pay a decent wage and so no one wants the jobs.

DH is not sitting home drinking beer. He's reading books on DIY repairs so he can expand his knowledge and do more fix-it jobs for friends. He's starting vo-tech next month to learn a new vocation that is hiring (HVAC). We're definitely happy benefits were extended so we can pay our bills while he goes to school and I keep looking for a job. He also hopes to get a part-time job while in school.

Best of luck to you! You are perfect examples of who the benefits are really for..a helping hand UNTIL you can get something..an opportunity to do some things to improve your employment chances...I do realize there are some places where there is really NOTHING available. Around here are plenty of jobs..yes, low paying kind of crappy jobs, but there is honor in working, and yes, very difficult if not impossible to live on some of these wages..but with all the other gov't programs, like child care assistance, it can be made to work if people are committed to it. Two low paying jobs can do OK, work extra at night delivering pizza or whatever. I think people need to realize that some job markets may be like the housing bubble..pay creeped up too high in some fields and those wages may not been seen again.
When my kids were little and we needed me to have an income, and there wasn't child care assistance around, I discovered I could make little clay things and sell them. I had my own little kiln and started at craft shows, then got wholesale deals and sold to many shops I shipped to. People can be creative and find ways to earn money...I admire those who have the gumption to take care of themselves, and to the posters who feel sorry for the guy who has given up and doesn't mind sitting in his trailer swilling beer all day, that's fine, but I don't like that he expects me to subsidize his lifestyle choice.

 

[ccgirl]

My DH got laid off in November. In Florida, UC pays $275/week plus a $25 "stimulus" payment, for a total of $300/week. That is our income for us and two kids.

Jobs now pay 1/2 of what they used to pay (if you're lucky). They want you to have years of experience, your own tools & truck, pay you $8 per hour and no benefits. These are for construction jobs in the South Florida heat. Employers know people are desperate, so they don't want to pay a decent wage and so no one wants the jobs.

DH is not sitting home drinking beer. He's reading books on DIY repairs so he can expand his knowledge and do more fix-it jobs for friends. He's starting vo-tech next month to learn a new vocation that is hiring (HVAC). We're definitely happy benefits were extended so we can pay our bills while he goes to school and I keep looking for a job. He also hopes to get a part-time job while in school.

Kudos to your DH. Those are the people that the benefit extension are for. So glad he is looking to forward himself, his career and his marketability. Best of luck to you.

Unfortunately, I know way too many people in MA milking it for all it's worth. As I mentioned in my PP, they are not even looking for a job because they make more staying home, collecting the $750 a week and not paying for daycare. That is, literally, a crime.

Again, I wish you and your family the best.

 

[LovableGluttons]

Best of luck to you! You are perfect examples of who the benefits are really for..a helping hand UNTIL you can get something..an opportunity to do some things to improve your employment chances...I do realize there are some places where there is really NOTHING available. Around here are plenty of jobs..yes, low paying kind of crappy jobs, but there is honor in working, and yes, very difficult if not impossible to live on some of these wages..but with all the other gov't programs, like child care assistance, it can be made to work if people are committed to it. Two low paying jobs can do OK, work extra at night delivering pizza or whatever. I think people need to realize that some job markets may be like the housing bubble..pay creeped up too high in some fields and those wages may not been seen again.
When my kids were little and we needed me to have an income, and there wasn't child care assistance around, I discovered I could make little clay things and sell them. I had my own little kiln and started at craft shows, then got wholesale deals and sold to many shops I shipped to. People can be creative and find ways to earn money...I admire those who have the gumption to take care of themselves, and to the posters who feel sorry for the guy who has given up and doesn't mind sitting in his trailer swilling beer all day, that's fine, but I don't like that he expects me to subsidize his lifestyle choice.

I have never collected unemployment. Many years ago, when I lost my job and could nto find one in my field, I worked three low paying jobs to make up the income. This was before I had children. My kids know about the family finances and what it takes for our family to meet our financial goals. Even with children, I would do it again with the three jobs. I learned I can go several days with little or not sleep and function pretty well! It came in handy working 12 hour night shifts for the first 15 years of my nursing career and trying to start and raise a family.

I remember making eucalyptus and straw decorative wreaths and swags and selling them on consignment through a couple of local craft and decor stores. I had no formal training but they sold really well!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Unfortunately, I know way too many people in MA milking it for all it's worth. As I mentioned in my PP, they are not even looking for a job because they make more staying home, collecting the $750 a week and not paying for daycare. That is, literally, a crime.

Yes, I know someone in MA who is spending the summer at their vacation home in NH while collecting unemployment (when he is not traveling to Nascar races.) The family is very wealthy b/c they own rental properties, and the husband has no intentions of going back to work.

 

[Kathi OD]

I have never collected unemployment. Many years ago, when I lost my job and could nto find one in my field, I worked three low paying jobs to make up the income. This was before I had children. My kids know about the family finances and what it takes for our family to meet our financial goals. Even with children, I would do it again with the three jobs. I learned I can go several days with little or not sleep and function pretty well! It came in handy working 12 hour night shifts for the first 15 years of my nursing career and trying to start and raise a family.

I remember making eucalyptus and straw decorative wreaths and swags and selling them on consignment through a couple of local craft and decor stores. I had no formal training but they sold really well!

the problem is that today you might not even find one low-paying job, let alone three.

My DH was recently out of work for 104 weeks! When he was first laid-off he figured it would take 3 months to find a new job. No worries. We'd saved for a rainy day and would be find until he found something else. what did we know?

His UE was less than 1/3 of his former take home salary, so he wasn't staying out of work because it was a paid vacation. He applied for hundreds of jobs...at least one every day, most days more than one. He applied for jobs in and out of his field. He applied for part time jobs at gas stations, grocery and other stores. He registered with personnel agencies and called them twice a week to see if they had any opportunities. He lowered his salary & benefit expectations dramatically. He applied for jobs out-of-state, although it meant that we would have to pay for two residences and not see each other more than one weekend every 4-6 weeks. And he was still unemployed for 2 years!!

In those 104 weeks he had a grand total of 9 companies call him for an interview. One company brought him back for 4 interviews before they decided that his experience (which is plainly listed on his resume) didn't match the qualifications for the job. Really?? We knew that after the first interview, but yet it took them an additional 3 to figure it out? Maybe they should have hired him to do their personnel manager's job, even though that isn't his field.

Depending on your background, education, & experience, those companies who hire primarily part-timers or offer low-paying wages, don't want to take a chance on someone that is unemployed. They're afraid that after they train them, they'll find something better and quit.
People like to think that there are jobs out there for anyone who wants them. In reality, that's just not the case. There are hundreds of applicants for each job available. If you're over 50, your prospects are much slimmer. To make matters worse, some companies now refuse to hire anyone who is not currently working. If that trend spreads, just how do people get off unemployment?? Another trend in the job market is company's posting jobs that don't exist in order to see "who's out there."

 

[rumrunnergirl]

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[ccgirl]

Yes, I know someone in MA who is spending the summer at their vacation home in NH while collecting unemployment (when he is not traveling to Nascar races.) The family is very wealthy b/c they own rental properties, and the husband has no intentions of going back to work.

That irks me to no end. When I was laid off and went to WDW and called the unemployment hotline I said I was unavailable to work. As a result, I did not get my unemployment for the week. I agree with that. If you are unavailable to work you shouldn't get unemployment either.

 

[SanFranciscan]

Yes, I know someone in MA who is spending the summer at their vacation home in NH while collecting unemployment (when he is not traveling to Nascar races.) The family is very wealthy b/c they own rental properties, and the husband has no intentions of going back to work.

Naturally it is going to be formerly highly paid executives who are on Unemployment for long periods of time by any choice of their own. People collecting Unemployment on anything near the minimum wage never have a choice. Even minimum wage looks good by comparison so they are standing in lines for hours just to get applications.

 

[charming23]

It is people who are abusing the system that make me so mad. I am unemployed and look daily for jobs and have had a total of 3 interviews in the past 6 months. I decided that returning to school to get my degree would be my best option as they passed a law that would allow people on UI to go to school. They even waived the job search requirement but that still does not stop me from applying everywhere I can.

I for one am not happy sitting at home all day long, hence the reason I am back in school.

 

[ccgirl]

It is people who are abusing the system that make me so mad. I am unemployed and look daily for jobs and have had a total of 3 interviews in the past 6 months. I decided that returning to school to get my degree would be my best option as they passed a law that would allow people on UI to go to school. They even waived the job search requirement but that still does not stop me from applying everywhere I can.

I for one am not happy sitting at home all day long, hence the reason I am back in school.

Best of luck to you!

 

[nunzia]

It is people who are abusing the system that make me so mad. I am unemployed and look daily for jobs and have had a total of 3 interviews in the past 6 months. I decided that returning to school to get my degree would be my best option as they passed a law that would allow people on UI to go to school. They even waived the job search requirement but that still does not stop me from applying everywhere I can.

I for one am not happy sitting at home all day long, hence the reason I am back in school.

Good for you! With your great attitude, things will be fine for you in time

 

[charming23]

Best of luck to you!

Good for you! With your great attitude, things will be fine for you in time

Thanks. I am hoping that finally having a degree will help.

 

[windycitymom]

Funny how only the people with a job are the ones who have mixed feelings about unemployment extension. If you (or someone you know) is on unemployment, it becomes a lifeline!

Even if the unemployment rate fell to 4%, you would still have deadbeats. The majority of people on unemployment need it and paid into it when working. Believe me, I would rather be an employee paying into the system as opposed to being out of a job receiving a small percentage of a former salary.

Our country hasn't seen the worse yet. As unemployment benefits and extensions continue to dry up, we will see more and more families and individuals hit rock bottom, lose their home, autos, health insurance, etc. This mess ain't over by a long shot!

I'm happy for those who haven't been affected by this economy, but please don't judge those who have been affected. Until you walk a mile in their shoes, you have no idea.

 

[southcarolinagirl]

If you want to hear what it is really like to be unemployed and looking check out this site: www.unemployedfriends.com, there are hundreds of people on there who are looking everyday and many with college degrees. Unfortunately, right now the employers are making it very hard for people to find work. They want college degrees for simple admin asst jobs anymore.

 

[canopynut66]

First off, please no politics.

Now, I feel for all those who are truly looking for work and desparately need the help. This post is not about you.

Unfortunately my brother isn't one of the downtrodden. He is in his late 50s and has been laid off since March 2009. He knew the company was going to relocate two years before they did. Did he make any plans? NO.

He has been content to live off the government in his rented trailer drinking beer and smoking cigarettes on our dime. And now we (as in US and TX) are paying for him to stay home a few more months as in if he keeps doing what he is doing, he'll be set until the first week of December. A nice 20 month vacation and no incentive to go look for work.

This should be criminal, but he is reporting when he is supposed to and make s the bare minimum, lame attempts to satisfy requirements. But it is utterly unethical. He CAN work and there are jobs - granted nothing glamorous, but would probably make him at least, if not more, than the $1400 a month his living on now. He is debt free and keeps his expenses within that $1400 limit. His old job paid almost double that.

I think he is secretly hoping benefits will extend until he is 62 so he can directly from Unemployment to Social Security.

Makes me crazy that my hubby gets up everyday and goes to work so my brother doesn't have to.

Hate to lay this on you but he can collect social security retirement AND unemployment BUT he would have had to be working when he filed for retirement and then gotten laid off.

 

[Fierce Fairy]

I am not sure I understand how unemployment works in other states. I know here in VA you only get unemployment if you were employed for a certain amount of time and you PAID into it. Then it is based on what you earned. Not everyone maxes out at the top pay rate. I also don't understand those that are so irked by those getting unemployment even it they are financially secure. If you worked and you paid into it you should use it when you have the option. If you pay into Social Security then become a millionaire at 60 should you not get your Social Security Benefits? I work hard at my part time job and school. Hubby works long hours. But I am not begrudging a father or mother for getting UE (which they paid into) to keep the family afloat when execs are pulling down millions each month after being fired ....where is the outrage there?

I have now put my soap box away!!