Can't afford to work (Charlotte: unemployment, wage, living)

[CharlotteCharlotte]

Originally Posted by Catrick

When it comes right down to it, the benefits will end at some time. I would rather have some kind of job at that point than nothing at all and risk losing everything.

I should be good till mid 2010 benefit wise but I think we see an extension for a total of 100+ weeks come later this Fall!!!

[7 Wishes]

To some extent, the purpose of unemployment insurance is so you don't feel compelled to take a big pay cut unless/until you absolutely have to. So to that extent, I'd wait until you're closer to exhausting your benefits.

[businessperson]

Originally Posted by Catrick

When it comes right down to it, the benefits will end at some time. I would rather have some kind of job at that point than nothing at all and risk losing everything.

And, as that time draws near you take whatever is available. But, until then you have to do what is monetarily feasible.

[bs13690]

Originally Posted by CharlotteCharlotte

I should be good till mid 2010 benefit wise but I think we see an extension for a total of 100+ weeks come later this Fall!!!

Almost two full years of unemployment??? That's a bunch of crap. I'm sorry, but sometimes you might have to take a pay cut or a job you don't like rather than just collecting a check from the government for that long.

While it is true that you pay into UI, I see it more of a social program that is not just your personal cushion so you can find the perfect job or figure out what you want to do with your life. I defiantly disagree with 100+ weeks of unemployment.

[gkleoni1]

Originally Posted by bs13690

Almost two full years of unemployment??? That's a bunch of crap. I'm sorry, but sometimes you might have to take a pay cut or a job you don't like rather than just collecting a check from the government for that long.

While it is true that you pay into UI, I see it more of a social program that is not just your personal cushion so you can find the perfect job or figure out what you want to do with your life. I defiantly disagree with 100+ weeks of unemployment.

This person is most certainly a troll and was baiting you/us for this reaction. Ignore, ignore, ignore...

[Catrick]

Originally Posted by businessperson

And, as that time draws near you take whatever is available. But, until then you have to do what is monetarily feasible.

Again, I do agree with that, but since it is so hard to find those jobs my problem would be when to start looking. If you wait to long, good luck. If it is too soon, good luck on that decision.

Frankly I am glad I don't have to deal with it and feel for all those that do.

[gkleoni1]

So theoretically speaking... if someone WERE actually looking for a job paying at least $15/hour vs. $8 or $9 an hour. My thought is you should most certainly be able to find 2 $8/hour jobs in less than 100 weeks. Yes it would mean having to work a lot more hours and considering we have not yet heard a sob story regarding child expenses and childcare costs there really is no reason NOT to run out there and work as many $7/hour jobs as you can squeeze into a 7 day week.

Bottomline, CHARLOTTEx2 if you want to support yourself you will find a way to do so in significantly less than 100 weeks but if you are looking forward to 2 years of unemployment with actual exclamation points then my guess is you are not actually unemployed.

[InformationPlease]

Originally Posted by gkleoni1

So theoretically speaking... if someone WERE actually looking for a job paying at least $15/hour vs. $8 or $9 an hour. My thought is you should most certainly be able to find 2 $8/hour jobs in less than 100 weeks. Yes it would mean having to work a lot more hours and considering we have not yet heard a sob story regarding child expenses and childcare costs there really is no reason NOT to run out there and work as many $7/hour jobs as you can squeeze into a 7 day week.

Bottomline, CHARLOTTEx2 if you want to support yourself you will find a way to do so in significantly less than 100 weeks but if you are looking forward to 2 years of unemployment with actual exclamation points then my guess is you are not actually unemployed.

Well, I don't know the poster's situation since my visits here have been sporadic at best. However, I do know that I just came from a job market that sucks even for people in traditionally employable fields. My clients are people who have experience in the lower paying jobs and still can't find work in that arena because many places are hiring the temporary job hoppers without benefits (knowing they'll leave if something better comes along, but it's still cheaper than investing in someone long term). So, the people getting 3-4 $7 hour jobs are getting work for the interim but what about the people who depend on those jobs for their livelihood? Now, they are out of work.

It's just not a good situation for anyone, anywhere, and I don't care what the numbers said Friday, I haven't seen it even come anywhere close to getting "better" for people.

Agreed totally that if someone is excited about being out of work for 2 years, they might have some issues to work out. I can't STAND to be without work. I might complain like a freak if I'm at a sucky job but it's better than having no purpose and just sitting around all day. I'm not saying anyone here is doing that... I'm saying that's how I spent most of my unemployed days. I had to actively find ways to keep from getting all depressed and icky. It's a lot of work to be out of work.

[businessperson]

Originally Posted by InformationPlease

Well, I don't know the poster's situation since my visits here have been sporadic at best. However, I do know that I just came from a job market that sucks even for people in traditionally employable fields. My clients are people who have experience in the lower paying jobs and still can't find work in that arena because many places are hiring the temporary job hoppers without benefits (knowing they'll leave if something better comes along, but it's still cheaper than investing in someone long term). So, the people getting 3-4 $7 hour jobs are getting work for the interim but what about the people who depend on those jobs for their livelihood? Now, they are out of work.

It's just not a good situation for anyone, anywhere, and I don't care what the numbers said Friday, I haven't seen it even come anywhere close to getting "better" for people.

Agreed totally that if someone is excited about being out of work for 2 years, they might have some issues to work out. I can't STAND to be without work. I might complain like a freak if I'm at a sucky job but it's better than having no purpose and just sitting around all day. I'm not saying anyone here is doing that... I'm saying that's how I spent most of my unemployed days. I had to actively find ways to keep from getting all depressed and icky. It's a lot of work to be out of work.

I agree. My point is you don't have to sit around all day. People with children can spend quality time with them before they go back to school. Others can do volunteer work that may lead to a paying job or take classes at CPCC or UNC-C to retrain for another field. There are other things to do like clean your house, keep up with laundry, etc. There is little point in trying to work three, $7/hr jobs that provide no benefits, no insurance. Some employers really take unfair advantage of employees that they see as desperate. And, eventually you will run out of steam and stop performing at your best. These jobs will work you to death and if you don't perform to their expectations you won't get a good reference when you try to leave. And, you may find yourself being judged by the work you do and therefore unqualified for a better position when the economy picks back up. There are more important things in life, like your family.

Save at least a month's worth of income. At about nine to twelve weeks left on your unemployment insurance is when you start to rethink your priorities and decide to take whatever you can get.

[Tober138]

Originally Posted by CharlotteCharlotte

You don't understand. If I get a job paying 8 dollars an hour I will be losing money. How will I pay my bills? My rent? You don't understand.

Well - I hear one can make good money selling drugs. Or maybe you could rent yourself out to strangers by the hour on Craigslist.