Saturday, December 28, 2013

Unemployment

Where is a good place to draw the line? I know what its like to draw unemployment, I have twice, in fact, but eventually it has to run out. How long can the government continue to support so many unemployed workers? I realize, from past experience, it isn't easy finding a job that actually pays a living wage. I've lost two jobs to plant closings, one I'd been at for 22 years, that had actually paid good wages and benefits. The second I'd only been at, for about five years, had been a serious pay cut from the beginning, but during that time it did increase, and the benefits didn't entirely suck.

After both jobs, I drew unemployment for awhile, the last one for the ninety-nine weeks. The last thirteen of which, I had to do the look for a job, document it, and report my findings to the unemployment office thing. I looked everywhere within nearly a hundred mile radius for jobs, in person, over the phone, and online, finding nothing. But it had to be done, even though nothing came of it. At least it gave me a thirteen week extension, then nothing.

Unfortunately, many come to rely on this assistance, even though it isn't a lot, not thinking about the fact that it will eventually run out. Then what? And sad, but true, such will be the fate of many, in a very short time. Where do they turn then? If they are lucky, maybe they will find a minimum wage job, although probably without benefits. It is a tough row to hoe for those with a family, and responsibilities. I know, I've been there, twice, with just me to provide, and I had a teen aged daughter.

Short of food stamps, welfare, and Medicaid, where do responsible people turn? How do you drive long distances, for low wages, and no benefits, when money is scarce? Gas, and groceries, are ridiculous, and Heaven help you, if you, or a family member, become ill or need a doctor. Its easy to be a government official and say they can no longer afford to help people who need it. While most sit at their cushy jobs, draw healthy pay checks, and never have to worry about affording anything but the best doctors and health care.

This is just another of the many things wrong with our country. They say the economy is getting better, so these people won't have any problem finding jobs and getting by. Well, its easy for them to say, decent jobs aren't available just anywhere. I know, I live in the country, there are only x amount of jobs in our area, and driving the thirty, or more, miles to the nearest larger towns, would not be inexpensive. Another one of the many things I don't understand, but I feel bad for the many people affected by government decisions.

No comments:

Post a Comment