Why do people think if we are unemployed we are LAZY??? (collect, payments)

[Svatos]

Originally Posted by hodgemo2

Maybe because you want to contribute to society rather than take from it? I know that people have responsibilities, bills to pay, unemployment isn't much anyway....but the people with THIS mentality are the reason why the stereotype is that unemployed people are lazy. I know a few people who are unemployed and turned down jobs because they deemed those jobs beneath them or because "why would I work for the same amount I can make with unemployment and not have to do anything?"

What do you mean that they will "not have to do anything"? Aren't they looking for jobs? Isn't that what people are doing when they are U/E?

Personally, I would not take a job that paid less than U/E because if I take that job, I'm committed to that employer. In other words, I could literally get stuck working 40+ hours a week at a job paying $9/hr. Sure, I can apply for other jobs after hours. But how will I interview for other jobs when I'm supposed to be dedicated to my current employer?

And when you're first starting out on that job that pays less that U/E, are you supposed to make excuses to your boss for when you need to go interview for a job that is more suitable for you and pays more (won't he be suspicious when you have a dentist appt every other week)? I mean, you're not going to have PTO, especially if you're considered part time AND you're just starting out.

Did you consider this at all?

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by WildKarrde

Have you ever BEEN a janitor? I've been a janitor/maintenance worker, and I made $6 an hour part time.

No, I've never been a janitor.

That doesn't mean I'm going to discount aggregated salary statistics and a quick glance at job offers on the internet in favor of a poster's anecdotal experience.

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by WildKarrde

BTW, I have worked at minimum wage in the recent past. Between my higher gas and food costs, I LOST MONEY! It costs money to go to work, and if the job can't support at least the price of admission then there is no reason to work there. That's why when the seasonal work was over I didn't ask to be kept on.

I'd be curious about the numbers. I'm not doubting what you're saying just curious how it is possible. Was it a really long drive? Couldn't you pack bring your lunch in a little cooler?

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by Svatos

Personally, I would not take a job that paid less than U/E because if I take that job, I'm committed to that employer. In other words, I could literally get stuck working 40+ hours a week at a job paying $9/hr.

Well there you go, original poster's question answered.

People heare about people turning down job offers when on unemployment and that makes them angry. I understand your reasons, but this is exactly the kind of thing that makes people have negative attitudes towards people on UE.

[Svatos]

Originally Posted by slackjaw

Well there you go, original poster's question answered.

People heare about people turning down job offers when on unemployment and that makes them angry. I understand your reasons, but this is exactly the kind of thing that makes people have negative attitudes towards people on UE.

You understand, but do you not agree with the reason? Does that not that make sense? If you accept that job that pays below U/E and is well below your abilities, you can literally get stuck in that job for quite some time. Why not stay on U/E until you get a job that suits your skills and wage requirements? Otherwise, you'll accept a job that's well below your skills and you could potentially be needing time off every week so you can interview. How does that a) benefit you and b) benefit the employer that just hired you? Is your boss supposed to understand that you just took this job to get off the U/E rolls and you have no intention of staying long term? Tell him that, see how long you last.

There are people that hate iPhones. There are people that hate people of different races and creeds. People have irrational, negative attitudes towards different things all the time. That doesn't mean they're right. So, let them be angry. It is not as if it impacts any of the unemployed.

[hodgemo2]

Originally Posted by Svatos

What do you mean that they will "not have to do anything"? Aren't they looking for jobs? Isn't that what people are doing when they are U/E?

Not everyone. I know and know of people who play the unemployment game; collect money...don't look for a job until it is about to run out...find a way to get "laid off" from new job and collect more unemployment. Repeat.

[hopefulone]

Originally Posted by hodgemo2

Not everyone. I know and know of people who play the unemployment game; collect money...don't look for a job until it is about to run out...find a way to get "laid off" from new job and collect more unemployment. Repeat.

And just because some do this, many people unfairly paint ALL of the unemployed with the same brush.

[Svatos]

Originally Posted by hodgemo2

Not everyone. I know and know of people who play the unemployment game; collect money...don't look for a job until it is about to run out...find a way to get "laid off" from new job and collect more unemployment. Repeat.

And I know of corporate people who steal money from their employees' pensions. Are all corporate people evil? I'll take a wild guess that your answer is 'No' and you'd be correct. So, too, is the case that not everyone on unemployment is doing what you described in your post.

I have family members who have babies so that they can collect welfare. Should I just assume that all people having babies want to collect welfare? Perhaps we should prevent them from having children altogether.

You're extrapolating from a small data set and drawing a very big, and very dangerous conclusion about unemployed people. You would be remiss NOT to reconsider your stance on this issue.

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by Svatos

You understand, but do you not agree with the reason? Does that not that make sense?

I never said I don't agree with it, it is simple dollars and sense if unemployment pays me $1500/month and a job offer pays $1200 obviously staying on UE is wiser.

I'm just saying, and sure you must concede the possibility, that this is exactly why many people have negative assumptions about those on unemployment. If one simply hears "yeah he got a full time job offer for $9/hour but declined" then that sticks in their mind.

[Svatos]

Originally Posted by slackjaw

I never said I don't agree with it, it is simple dollars and sense if unemployment pays me $1500/month and a job offer pays $1200 obviously staying on UE is wiser.

I'm just saying, and sure you must concede the possibility, that this is exactly why many people have negative assumptions about those on unemployment. If one simply hears "yeah he got a full time job offer for $9/hour but declined" then that sticks in their mind.

Yes, I see what you're saying. Like I said before, people find irrational ways to be angry with different things all the time. Let them, it's their blood pressure.