are the long-term-unemployed unemployed because they want to or due to personal deficits? (work, money)

[w55w]

According to this article http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/replace/chapter02.htm (broken link)

• At least 40% turn off prospective employers by presenting themselves poorly in appearance and manners.
• Approximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.
• More than 80% cannot identify or describe their skills and abilities.
• Approximately 85% of the long term unemployed do not spend enough time looking for a job. In fact, the majority devote fewer than five hours a week to the job search.
• Approximately 90% cannot answer difficult questions during interviews.

I wonder if the reason I am long-term unemployed is because deep inside, at an unconscious level, I don't want to work, or because I'm just an idiot that somehow slipped through the cracks and managed to trick the educational system. After all, many people ridiculed me when I was in high school and many people often seemed to be in disbelief when they learned that I was an A student. So I'm probably one of those borderline-asperger's kind of guys: smart in school but in real life judged to be on the same league as the guy who mows lawns for a living because that's all he can do. I think that's why I am unemployed. The sad part is that nobody told me "look kid, I know that you can get As in school, but you are mentally defective and for that reason you are never going to find proper employment, just don't bother doing anything". It would have been cruel, but it would have been very honest.

[Patriot474]

Approximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.

Interesting.

I think your problem is like me, tired of seeing people who do work get employed so easily when they shouldnt of been hired.

[motherleeds2011]

Originally Posted by w55w

According to this article Chapter 2 - Why Some People Remain Unemployed | Re-Place Yourself | Job Seekers | Georgia Department of Labor (http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/replace/chapter02.htm - broken link)

• At least 40% turn off prospective employers by presenting themselves poorly in appearance and manners.
• Approximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.
• More than 80% cannot identify or describe their skills and abilities.
• Approximately 85% of the long term unemployed do not spend enough time looking for a job. In fact, the majority devote fewer than five hours a week to the job search.
• Approximately 90% cannot answer difficult questions during interviews.

I wonder if the reason I am long-term unemployed is because deep inside, at an unconscious level, I don't want to work, or because I'm just an idiot that somehow slipped through the cracks and managed to trick the educational system. After all, many people ridiculed me when I was in high school and many people often seemed to be in disbelief when they learned that I was an A student. So I'm probably one of those borderline-asperger's kind of guys: smart in school but in real life judged to be on the same league as the guy who mows lawns for a living because that's all he can do. I think that's why I am unemployed. The sad part is that nobody told me "look kid, I know that you can get As in school, but you are mentally defective and for that reason you are never going to find proper employment, just don't bother doing anything". It would have been cruel, but it would have been very honest.

It's called a recession, Einstein!

[Hopes]

You're being too hard on yourself. Regain your confidence. You're a worthy employee.

[blazertrek50]

Originally Posted by w55w

According to this article Chapter 2 - Why Some People Remain Unemployed | Re-Place Yourself | Job Seekers | Georgia Department of Labor (http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/replace/chapter02.htm - broken link)

• At least 40% turn off prospective employers by presenting themselves poorly in appearance and manners.
• Approximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.
• More than 80% cannot identify or describe their skills and abilities.
• Approximately 85% of the long term unemployed do not spend enough time looking for a job. In fact, the majority devote fewer than five hours a week to the job search.
• Approximately 90% cannot answer difficult questions during interviews.

I wonder if the reason I am long-term unemployed is because deep inside, at an unconscious level, I don't want to work, or because I'm just an idiot that somehow slipped through the cracks and managed to trick the educational system. After all, many people ridiculed me when I was in high school and many people often seemed to be in disbelief when they learned that I was an A student. So I'm probably one of those borderline-asperger's kind of guys: smart in school but in real life judged to be on the same league as the guy who mows lawns for a living because that's all he can do. I think that's why I am unemployed. The sad part is that nobody told me "look kid, I know that you can get As in school, but you are mentally defective and for that reason you are never going to find proper employment, just don't bother doing anything". It would have been cruel, but it would have been very honest.

How long have you been unemployed for?

[Fargobound]

Some of it could be that, but I’d also say that some people are “locked” into a economic dead zone. They either have a house or family that precludes them from picking up and moving. I know a handful of people in my metro that are holding on to hope that things will turn around, but it’s a long ways off.

[iamrollinglow]

Originally Posted by motherleeds2011

It's called a recession, Einstein!

More like a depression.

Originally Posted by Fargobound

Some of it could be that, but I’d also say that some people are “locked” into a economic dead zone. They either have a house or family that precludes them from picking up and moving. I know a handful of people in my metro that are holding on to hope that things will turn around, but it’s a long ways off.

Bingo. However, it's not so much because some people are "stuck" or feel like they're "stuck" in their situation. To further expand on your thought... The bigger picture is that employers are not willing to pay potential employees a livable wage these days due to how saturated the workforce is with laborers. Sadly, there are countless people who would be willing to take a job for less than someone else simply to have a job in these hard times.

[Hopeful in PA]

Originally Posted by w55w

According to this article Chapter 2 - Why Some People Remain Unemployed | Re-Place Yourself | Job Seekers | Georgia Department of Labor (http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/replace/chapter02.htm - broken link)

I wonder if the reason I am long-term unemployed is because deep inside, at an unconscious level, I don't want to work, or because I'm just an idiot that somehow slipped through the cracks and managed to trick the educational system. After all, many people ridiculed me when I was in high school and many people often seemed to be in disbelief when they learned that I was an A student. So I'm probably one of those borderline-asperger's kind of guys: smart in school but in real life judged to be on the same league as the guy who mows lawns for a living because that's all he can do. I think that's why I am unemployed. The sad part is that nobody told me "look kid, I know that you can get As in school, but you are mentally defective and for that reason you are never going to find proper employment, just don't bother doing anything". It would have been cruel, but it would have been very honest.

I think you might have hit the nail on the head with the "Aspergers" comment. What surprises me most is that nobody else has picked up on that.

For all these people, let me explain a little. Aspergers Syndrome is a disorder (if you can call it that) on the Autism spectrum. The difference is that those with Aspergers are completely different than what most people think of those with Autism (i.e. unability to communicate at all with people). On the contrary, people with Aspergers usually have a much higher IQ than the vast majority of the population. They tend to excel in areas such as engineering and technology (even art and music). The price paid, however, can be high as they lack a LOT of social skills. They simply can't understand how normal people act and behave, and are picked on a lot when younger. When older, and if lucky enough to get a job in a field in which they excel, they are just looked upon as odd or eccentric (sp?).

I only found out in the past year that I have Aspergers. It explains my whole life, from a little kid to now (in my early 60's). I had a dream job for 30 years with one of the largest technical companys in the US. Even though I didn't interact all that well with the other people, I wasn't only tolerated, I was given the freedom to do things that most of the other employees didn't have. Management felt that my skills were too valuable to let go.

Long story short, but I took a "buyout" in 1999. A lot of money, but lost it all in the "Market". I had to start working again in 2004. The thing is that nobody seemed to care at all about my skills and qualifications. I ended up taking jobs that I used to consider far, far beneath me, at only a fraction of what I used to make! Now I can't even seem to get those jobs.

Oh yes, I did try to get back with that company, but once you sign the papers to leave, that's it! Even though I'm approaching my mid 60's now, I still have all those skills and ability and could really benefit a company willing to use them. Their loss!

If you do indeed have Aspergers, don't despair. You are young and can still find that job that you will excel in! I have Aspergers and even with all the financial and job problems I've had in the last 10 years, I wouldn't trade it for the world!

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by w55w

According to this article Chapter 2 - Why Some People Remain Unemployed | Re-Place Yourself | Job Seekers | Georgia Department of Labor (http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/replace/chapter02.htm - broken link)

• At least 40% turn off prospective employers by presenting themselves poorly in appearance and manners.
• Approximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.
• More than 80% cannot identify or describe their skills and abilities.
• Approximately 85% of the long term unemployed do not spend enough time looking for a job. In fact, the majority devote fewer than five hours a week to the job search.
• Approximately 90% cannot answer difficult questions during interviews.

I wonder if the reason I am long-term unemployed is because deep inside, at an unconscious level, I don't want to work, or because I'm just an idiot that somehow slipped through the cracks and managed to trick the educational system. After all, many people ridiculed me when I was in high school and many people often seemed to be in disbelief when they learned that I was an A student. So I'm probably one of those borderline-asperger's kind of guys: smart in school but in real life judged to be on the same league as the guy who mows lawns for a living because that's all he can do. I think that's why I am unemployed. The sad part is that nobody told me "look kid, I know that you can get As in school, but you are mentally defective and for that reason you are never going to find proper employment, just don't bother doing anything". It would have been cruel, but it would have been very honest.

This is a troll post to bash the unemployed.

Look at # 1 for example. People who are unemployed don't have their wardrobes confiscated. A trunk doesn't show up and their dress clothes and shoes are taken....LOL. "you're unemployed now so you won't be needing those suits in your closet".

If someone doesn't know how to dress properly for an interview that's a personal issue, I bet there are plenty of people who are currently employed who don't dress properly.

You don't lose your manners(if you were raised right) simply because you're not working. Manners is something we learn as children.

I haven't ridden a bicycle in several years, however I know I can still ride one.

This thread was started just to bash the unemployed.

[nctecchie]

One negative aspect of having 99 weeks of benefits is that it may have lulled people into less activity early in their unemployment. I know for me, it did - I had less of a sense of urgency and was more picky about what I applied for.

Unfortunately, you're probably most employable immediately after you were laid off.