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News & ArtsFriday, February 6, 2009
Economy Notes from the Unemployment Line
Posted by Eli Sanders on Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Another day, another tale of frustration with the state Employment Security Department. Yesterday an unemployed construction worker dared me to call the state's unemployment hotline and get a real human. I called, and I couldn't. Today Schuyler Bagwell, an unemployed former city worker who has already tried the game of using the media to get the unemployment department's attention—well, he tries again. Schuyler used to work for Seattle Community Court, trying to help homeless, drug-addicted, and chronically incarcerated people, and was laid off in October.
Instead of immediately looking for another job, I retreated to California where I smoked lots of pot in my old bedroom at my grandmother's house and lived off of my savings account until Christmas. I casually looked for work in November, called in a few favors, but no dice. December was when I called in the troops for an all-out assault on the job market. I would send at least three resumes every working day. Christmas was less than lucrative and I still had to drive back up north. Craigslist was full of nonsensical postings that require an M.A. and five years experience for $28k per year. Monster and CareerBuilder were no better, but I carried on, despite my discouragement.
The new year happened and still no interviews. It had been two years since I'd made a latte or waited a table, but I escalated my resume distribution and went after cafes and restaurants. Nothing. Nobody would even interview me. I tried to apply for unemployment but, as you've heard, it's like Russian roulette trying to talk to a human being over there. I applied for food stamps. I sold my mountain bike, a microwave, and a dead MacBook for some extra cash on craigslist. I wrote depressing fiction and sent it to some small magazines, dreaming some agent would discover me and offer me a six-figure book deal. I applied for some sketchy clinical trials at some place in Tacoma. I reached a point where I was spending more time calling unemployment's 800 number than sending out resumes. While repetitively dialing, I wrote an email to the dailies and the TV stations, hoping some foul media exposure would help me get through. It worked. I had both Rep. Jamie Pedersen and Sen. Ed Murray apologizing profusely to me on the phone the morning after my story aired. ESD told me to fax them some pay stubs and they'd get back to me with their decision. That was three weeks ago. I haven't seen a dime.
My former colleagues downtown wish me plenty of luck and have given me great references, but luck doesn't pay the rent. My contract position was Community Court's first victim of the Financiapacalypse, but annoyingly, they'll always be hiring new cops and jail guards. I had a few good interviews in January but my half-finished college degree and relative lack of experience usually mean I end up at the bottom of the stack. I'm doing my best to fend off agonizing despair and outstanding debt, but time is seriously running out. Out of necessity, I spend hours writing a nauseatingly pandering resume only to get a postcard in the mail two weeks later that begins, "Dear Applicant,".
I want to believe that I'm creative and self-sustainable and enjoying the freedom to smoke a bowl and watch Judge Judy, but I'm not. I'm miserable, and I would do just about anything for the financial security of a steady paycheck, which is what I imagine my former clients feel like every day of their lives.
Got a story to share? Write to jobless@thestranger.com.
2
hey genius...maybe bragging about smoking pot on the internets isn't the best idea for you right now as you search for a new job?
3
"I smoked lots of pot in my old bedroom at my grandmother's house and lived off of my savings account until Christmas."
Well, fuck me, why should I care about your predicament?
"I haven't seen a dime."
For your next dime bag?
Well, fuck me, why should I care about your predicament?
"I haven't seen a dime."
For your next dime bag?
4
"my half-finished college degree and relative lack of experience usually mean I end up at the bottom of the stack."
Well, that's because you ARE the bottom of the stack. Do you think you should be put ahead of folks with college degrees?
Where's this sense of entitlement come from? You drop out of college, smoke pot and blow your savings on dime bags (instead of paying dear ol' grannie rent) and you want my sympathy?
I know times are tough, but act like a dip shi*t, hipster douche bag with a sense of entitlement and guess what, you ARE on the bottom of the pile.
Well, that's because you ARE the bottom of the stack. Do you think you should be put ahead of folks with college degrees?
Where's this sense of entitlement come from? You drop out of college, smoke pot and blow your savings on dime bags (instead of paying dear ol' grannie rent) and you want my sympathy?
I know times are tough, but act like a dip shi*t, hipster douche bag with a sense of entitlement and guess what, you ARE on the bottom of the pile.
6
"I think there's an easy way to apply for unemployment benefits online, no?"
I guess it's tough to do when you're packing a bowl.
I guess it's tough to do when you're packing a bowl.
7
I have two suggestions: First, there is the old standard of shaving and getting a haircut before going out to look for work. I don't know if that still applies.
Second, a good way to get new job skills, to add recent experience to a resume, and to network, is to volunteer. It can also, in my experience, help with depression by making one feel useful, and providing structure to the day. It can also be fun and social, and sometimes leads to a job. Just an idea.
Second, a good way to get new job skills, to add recent experience to a resume, and to network, is to volunteer. It can also, in my experience, help with depression by making one feel useful, and providing structure to the day. It can also be fun and social, and sometimes leads to a job. Just an idea.
9
"Instead of immediately looking for another job, I retreated to California where I smoked lots of pot"
Uhhhhhh..... well played, sir
Uhhhhhh..... well played, sir
10
@5 - ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!!!!!!
Oh yes, you'd think so, wouldn't you? One can apply online, but any and all follow-up must be done by phone, and based on my wife's experience, not only is it almost impossible to talk to someone on the phone, most days you can't even get to the automated menu - it just says the lines are too busy and hangs up on you.
Oh yes, you'd think so, wouldn't you? One can apply online, but any and all follow-up must be done by phone, and based on my wife's experience, not only is it almost impossible to talk to someone on the phone, most days you can't even get to the automated menu - it just says the lines are too busy and hangs up on you.
11
"Schuyler used to work for Seattle Community Court, trying to help homeless, drug-addicted, and chronically incarcerated people" = worthless naive pothead with no skills who sucks at the taxpayers' teats doing useless impotent liberal things "trying to help" a bunch of even more worthless and useless scumbags who will never ever change in ten billion years.
12
Deliver pizzas. Or work fast food - you can be management within six months if you bust your ass. What's that? You're too good to do this sort of thing? Oh, I see.
13
I was sitting in the bar at Tulio's last night, and happened to overhear part of a conversation between the bartender and someone who was apparently a buddy of his, who also seemed to be in the service industry. They were talking about how, with the economy tanking they're getting lots and lots of resumes from recently unemployed folks who are so desperate they're applying for wait and serving positions, "I guess they figure, 'hey I did this back in college, so I could always go back to it'" said one. But, they were sort of laughing about it as well, as apparently most of these applicants haven't so much as touched a server's apron in about a decade, and as the other noted, "Yeah, but I've got a stack of at least 30 apps from people who are still active - why would I consider some MBA type who hasn't worked in a restaurant since grad school?"
Guess those folks should have thought about a better fall-back position...
Guess those folks should have thought about a better fall-back position...
14
"Guess those folks should have thought about a better fall-back position..."
Yeah, like blowing their savings on dime bags while leeching off grandma like this loser.
Yeah, like blowing their savings on dime bags while leeching off grandma like this loser.
15
With a name like Schuyler Bagwell he should be a shoe-in for bagging job at Safeway.
Hey Bag-not-so-well, send me your address, I'll send you $20 for a tie, haircut and a razor.
Hey Bag-not-so-well, send me your address, I'll send you $20 for a tie, haircut and a razor.
18
god, i fucking hate this guy. he is a total douche and i would never hire his sorry ass. he can't find work so he calls the media? wtf? his grannie must be a saint to put up with this loser pot head.
19
I'm trying to work up sympathy for someone who decided to blow his savings on getting baked in NorCal and living off of family....
but it's just not coming. Maybe prioritize your spending, apply for financial aid, and finish that college degree. I'm busting my ass to get a degree so I can get a job ahead of assclowns like this.
but it's just not coming. Maybe prioritize your spending, apply for financial aid, and finish that college degree. I'm busting my ass to get a degree so I can get a job ahead of assclowns like this.
23
I have two jobs now because of the dire situation we are in. If I lose the big job, then I can fall back to the other one, pick up more hours and wait out a hire.
I agree with Diana. The guy in the story does need a shave and haircut. I also agree with Diana about volunteering, which is something I've been doing in Seattle since I moved here ten years ago. I made great connections that way. My extracurricular activities with working on a TV show at SCAN (yes, public access) led to meeting someone and working (and earning a tidy sum of money) a major political campaign during a time when I was laid off.
Back when I was laid off (2005), I cut down expenses, worked with Work Source and went to area food banks for food. My good friend supported me with kind words, encouragement and the occasional drink at our local watering hole, The Rosebud.
I have two college degrees (completely finished). I worked very hard to get these: waking up early to go to class, studying late nights at the library and going from class to part-time college based jobs (counseling center and college newspaper reporter) to social events to my organizational activities and everything else. It kept me busy and tired, but I got through it. Today, the work was worth it, but I will probably still struggle if there is more employment downturn. I just have that leg up on the competition. I earned it.
Oh, yeah and the pot is probably making him more depressed.
I agree with Diana. The guy in the story does need a shave and haircut. I also agree with Diana about volunteering, which is something I've been doing in Seattle since I moved here ten years ago. I made great connections that way. My extracurricular activities with working on a TV show at SCAN (yes, public access) led to meeting someone and working (and earning a tidy sum of money) a major political campaign during a time when I was laid off.
Back when I was laid off (2005), I cut down expenses, worked with Work Source and went to area food banks for food. My good friend supported me with kind words, encouragement and the occasional drink at our local watering hole, The Rosebud.
I have two college degrees (completely finished). I worked very hard to get these: waking up early to go to class, studying late nights at the library and going from class to part-time college based jobs (counseling center and college newspaper reporter) to social events to my organizational activities and everything else. It kept me busy and tired, but I got through it. Today, the work was worth it, but I will probably still struggle if there is more employment downturn. I just have that leg up on the competition. I earned it.
Oh, yeah and the pot is probably making him more depressed.
24
You people are focusing your energy on the wrong person! This story is really about Jesse Jones, and how fucking awesome he is.
"JESSE JONES! KING 5 NEWS!"
"JESSE JONES! KING 5 NEWS!"
25
People are missing the point a bit. He's entitled to unemployment benefits, but can't file his claim because the lines are overloaded.
Now I do have some advice for anyone who is laid off. First file your claim right away, don't wait. Second file online if at all possible. Third be sure to do the three contact per week thing and keep records.
Now to go back to smoking pot and watching Judge Judy.
Now I do have some advice for anyone who is laid off. First file your claim right away, don't wait. Second file online if at all possible. Third be sure to do the three contact per week thing and keep records.
Now to go back to smoking pot and watching Judge Judy.
26
when did Slog become so judgemental of smoking weed? you all did it last night & will do it again tonight & all day saturday & sunday, so get off his ass.
and dude, go back and finish school. that's what you're supposed to do during recessions.
and dude, go back and finish school. that's what you're supposed to do during recessions.
27
@26, You can't see the difference between a smoking pot when you have a job, and smoking pot when you don't? The people that post on Slog mostly are the responsible employed pot smokers who don't like this guy being a reference point for how...unthinking...pot heads can be.
28
@4: I know I'm at the bottom of the pile. That's the problem. I'm not entitled to anything. I'd LOVE to go back to college, but that costs money.
@7: I did get a haircut and shave before all my interviews, thank you very much. I would've looked a little better for KING5 had they not just suddenly shown up on my doorstep with a camera.
@18: The problem is that I can't get unemployment insurance. Unemployment insurance fucking sucks. I'd much rather have a job. Any job. You're right, my Nana is a saint, even though I never "lived off of her" like #19 implies.
@7: I did get a haircut and shave before all my interviews, thank you very much. I would've looked a little better for KING5 had they not just suddenly shown up on my doorstep with a camera.
@18: The problem is that I can't get unemployment insurance. Unemployment insurance fucking sucks. I'd much rather have a job. Any job. You're right, my Nana is a saint, even though I never "lived off of her" like #19 implies.
29
It's so weird how Slog has been taken over by the Fox News crowd lately.
It's hard to have years and years of experience when you're young, but he had some, and he applied for 3+ jobs per day. What do you want him to do instead of smoke weed and watch TV when there are no more jobs to apply to? Do something useful suburbanites do like insult people with disparaging blog comments and keep popping out kids to send to private segregation academies? WTF?
And, unless you have you were smart enough to be born with rich white parents to give you money, it's very difficult to finish a college degree when you don't have a job. Even if you qualify for federal aid, it's a very long and expensive process.
It's hard to have years and years of experience when you're young, but he had some, and he applied for 3+ jobs per day. What do you want him to do instead of smoke weed and watch TV when there are no more jobs to apply to? Do something useful suburbanites do like insult people with disparaging blog comments and keep popping out kids to send to private segregation academies? WTF?
And, unless you have you were smart enough to be born with rich white parents to give you money, it's very difficult to finish a college degree when you don't have a job. Even if you qualify for federal aid, it's a very long and expensive process.
30
Hey, let's calling it the "Bush Depression" now so we don't get stuck with a less accurate or more cloying name later on.
31
"Do something useful suburbanites do like insult people with disparaging blog comments and keep popping out kids to send to private segregation academies? WTF?"
Self Pity much?
Self Pity much?
32
PS, Weed is the responsible drug of choice for people on a budget. It's really very cheap entertainment if you don't go too wild. Even cheap PBR or Rainier costs more, and weed won't give you a hangover. It's a really good cheap alternative if you're nearly broke and can't afford movies, drinking, shows, cable, crafts, etc.
34
#31, I was referring to homegirl's comments on other posts about her love of sending kids to expensive segregation academies. I wasn't meaning to make fun of parents or suburbanites in general, just the ones who brag about how rich and white and useful they are compared to everyone else.
35
@32,
wait wait wait, you smoke pot right? That explains how buying 60 cans of beer for 40 bucks wouldn't last as long as an eighth at 40 bucks.
wait wait wait, you smoke pot right? That explains how buying 60 cans of beer for 40 bucks wouldn't last as long as an eighth at 40 bucks.
36
Good luck, Sky. I know it's hard out there, and I know how demoralizing it can be to get those rejections when there just aren't any other options for you (although you get postcards? The best I ever got were badly written emails!).
Can you do something like go back to school, so that you can qualify for and live off of student loans? Maybe apply for an internship while you're in school?
Can you do something like go back to school, so that you can qualify for and live off of student loans? Maybe apply for an internship while you're in school?
37
Hey Douchebag @28. The internets don't forget. A google search of your name by a potential employer will now find your proud admission that instead of immediately looking for a job, you took months off to rip bongs in your grannies basement.
I can't imagine why a genius like you can't find any work.
I can't imagine why a genius like you can't find any work.
38
Yeah, good luck Schuyler. The last thing you need is people coming down on you when you are trying to get back on your feet.
40
@32, yes, because smoking pot or getting drunk is some kind of right? seriously, you defending this asshat is not really working. the sense of entitlement from the both of you is insufferable.
being unemployed sucks, but this guy's pot addled sob story ain't doing it for me.
being unemployed sucks, but this guy's pot addled sob story ain't doing it for me.
42
@40, no, lizzie is making an even more absurd point.
If the man has already done all he can in finding a job, he has nothing else to do besides smoke pot and watch TV. Literally, nothing else to do. Not going to library or bookstore to learn things. Not volunteering and building relationships with people. Not exercising. Not selling Real Change papers. Nope. It's either look for jobs or get high.
If the man has already done all he can in finding a job, he has nothing else to do besides smoke pot and watch TV. Literally, nothing else to do. Not going to library or bookstore to learn things. Not volunteering and building relationships with people. Not exercising. Not selling Real Change papers. Nope. It's either look for jobs or get high.
43
"Unemployment insurance fucking sucks."
Well, you're a prime example of why it should be tough.
"Do something useful suburbanites "
Oh Lizzie, still angry at Mom and dad and trying to get some urban cred? Poor thing, I actually grew up in a city, one with 12 million people. Seattle? THis is a town and you're a hick by my standards.
"her love of sending kids to expensive segregation academies"
My kids school is about 30% non-white (higher ration than Seattle's demographics). 10% of the kids are on scholarships. Scholarships the other parents help pay for. But keep being angry, it's so hip.
Well, you're a prime example of why it should be tough.
"Do something useful suburbanites "
Oh Lizzie, still angry at Mom and dad and trying to get some urban cred? Poor thing, I actually grew up in a city, one with 12 million people. Seattle? THis is a town and you're a hick by my standards.
"her love of sending kids to expensive segregation academies"
My kids school is about 30% non-white (higher ration than Seattle's demographics). 10% of the kids are on scholarships. Scholarships the other parents help pay for. But keep being angry, it's so hip.
44
I want Mr Poe back...he seemed to help keep away the asshole, uptight brigade that is seeping into the Slog.
And since when are college graduates better or more entitled than non-college graduates? A lot of mean, stupid motherfuckers have degrees, (and apparently quite a few of them have time out of their busy corporate days to waste it posting a bunch of nastyass shit on the Slog. Or, does your employer encourage you to hang out on teh nets all day?) And, there's a lot of college graduates out there out of work as well, and more to come. A degree isn't a magic passport that guarantees you an $80k a year job, the perfect spouse, a mortgage and eternal happiness. Lay off the guy.
(also, it's bad karma and you're going to jinx your ass.)
And since when are college graduates better or more entitled than non-college graduates? A lot of mean, stupid motherfuckers have degrees, (and apparently quite a few of them have time out of their busy corporate days to waste it posting a bunch of nastyass shit on the Slog. Or, does your employer encourage you to hang out on teh nets all day?) And, there's a lot of college graduates out there out of work as well, and more to come. A degree isn't a magic passport that guarantees you an $80k a year job, the perfect spouse, a mortgage and eternal happiness. Lay off the guy.
(also, it's bad karma and you're going to jinx your ass.)
46
What a bunch of judgmental bitches. This guy doesn't need a haircut OR a shave - he looks clean to me. So what if he smokes pot? So does Michael Phelps.
You, with the pointing finger, have you applied for a job in the last six months? It's FUCKED UP out there. I get to the point where I don't even want to try anymore. And yes, I have a college degree and yes I've been working since I was 17 years old - including the time I was in school.
It's easier to collect unemployment than deal with applying for nonexistent jobs (notice how the same ones have been posted for six months?). I file online AND I get direct-deposit, so nope - have never had to deal w/ the phone part. I get the max unemployment - it covers my mortgage payment (yes, I own a house in the city of Seattle) and utilities.
I'd rather be working but who is hiring? Until this blows over I'm content to just collect what's coming to me.
Flame on, flamers.
You, with the pointing finger, have you applied for a job in the last six months? It's FUCKED UP out there. I get to the point where I don't even want to try anymore. And yes, I have a college degree and yes I've been working since I was 17 years old - including the time I was in school.
It's easier to collect unemployment than deal with applying for nonexistent jobs (notice how the same ones have been posted for six months?). I file online AND I get direct-deposit, so nope - have never had to deal w/ the phone part. I get the max unemployment - it covers my mortgage payment (yes, I own a house in the city of Seattle) and utilities.
I'd rather be working but who is hiring? Until this blows over I'm content to just collect what's coming to me.
Flame on, flamers.
47
Is this guy Michael Phelps, Santonio Holmes, or someone that makes a million dollars based on a unique talent in the world? No. What a stupid comparison.
48
"So does Michael Phelps. "
So Mr Bag-not-so-well is the Seattle's very own Michael Phelps? Wow, I didn't realize he was so accomplished!
Well dude, smoke up!
So Mr Bag-not-so-well is the Seattle's very own Michael Phelps? Wow, I didn't realize he was so accomplished!
Well dude, smoke up!
49
"What a stupid comparison. "
Well the entitlement crowd thinks losers should be able to party it up like winners. You know, they're entitled to it. Just like Michael Phelps. Even if you've accomplished squat. I mean, life's supposed to be fair isn't it?
Face it Bagwell, your best bet is a life as a bagger at Safeway. It's where the losers go.
And why am I able to post all day? I'm the boss in my own office? Master of my own domain.
Well the entitlement crowd thinks losers should be able to party it up like winners. You know, they're entitled to it. Just like Michael Phelps. Even if you've accomplished squat. I mean, life's supposed to be fair isn't it?
Face it Bagwell, your best bet is a life as a bagger at Safeway. It's where the losers go.
And why am I able to post all day? I'm the boss in my own office? Master of my own domain.
50
#46 - guess what, buddy? it ain't blowing over. the house of cards is coming down. what now? still content to sit on your ass collecting checks?
51
First of all, you don't wait 4 months to apply for unemployment. You do it the week after you're laid off.
Second, in a contract position, you're technically self-employed and not entitled to unemployment. If you get around that one, let me know how. I'd be very interested.
Second, in a contract position, you're technically self-employed and not entitled to unemployment. If you get around that one, let me know how. I'd be very interested.
52
I have been working since I was 14 years old. Full time since I was 17. If I get laid off again (I was laid off last year around this time) I will totally take some vacation time. I mean, christ, you only get 2 weeks a year to have any time to yourself. So I don't hate on him for taking a little vacation after getting laid off.
53
"So I don't hate on him for taking a little vacation after getting laid off. "
Well except he hasn't been taking vacation time now has he? He's been busy going on TV complaining about how the 'man' is keeping him down. If he was on vacation we wouldn't have heard his sorry ass tale of self-inflicted woe.
Well except he hasn't been taking vacation time now has he? He's been busy going on TV complaining about how the 'man' is keeping him down. If he was on vacation we wouldn't have heard his sorry ass tale of self-inflicted woe.
54
Take all the vacation you want, but if you apply for unemployment immediately you can get paid to smoke pot in humbolt county..
55
Breaking news: New PBS documentary on Schuyler Bagwell's quest for meaning in life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED4VL7W6V…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED4VL7W6V…
56
Homegirl? Did you used to date this guy or something? You seem overly vitriolic for some dude who just happened to post his story on the internets. Did you wrong you in the past?
58
Homegirl has some sort of weird vendetta here... but, that being said, if I lost my job, I would freak the fuck out, apply for unemployment that day and immediately start reaching out to people I knew and applying for jobs. In a booming economy, you can afford to take a vacation before diving into a job search, but, this year, there's no guarantee that you won't be without a job for a really long time and an initial vacation would only exacerbate the situation...
I have sympathy for this guy, but, I also think it was pretty stupid to air your real name and the fact that you took some months off to smoke pot in your grandma's basement. I don't have a problem with pot smoking (even if you're unemployed), but many employers do. And employers use google these days...
I have sympathy for this guy, but, I also think it was pretty stupid to air your real name and the fact that you took some months off to smoke pot in your grandma's basement. I don't have a problem with pot smoking (even if you're unemployed), but many employers do. And employers use google these days...
59
uh, contract workers can get unemployment. Several contract workers in my office were let go in November and they are getting unemployment checks.
60
So much hate from the Employed going off on the Unemployed. The fat chicks always hated the skinny, pretty chicks, too.
61
@54: I was born in Humboldt County. The medicinal pot dispensaries are weathering this economy just fine.
For all you children so concerned about my pot habit, get over it. You're the reason Michael Phelps' bong hit heard 'round the world was breaking news. I paid for my own college by waiting tables. I bought my first car in cash from working at Krispy Kreme in high school. I had my dream job at the city until the city ran out of money. And I smoke pot a few times a week. It helps me get the creative juices flowing, it doesn't cost me more than $50 a month, and it's a lot more healthy than alcohol, which is legal. I'd like to believe I'm fairly accomplished for being born during Reagan's second term.
So, that said, would anybody like to hire a well-spoken pot smoker dedicated to social justice and undoing institutional oppression? I'm ready for this "vacation" to be over.
For all you children so concerned about my pot habit, get over it. You're the reason Michael Phelps' bong hit heard 'round the world was breaking news. I paid for my own college by waiting tables. I bought my first car in cash from working at Krispy Kreme in high school. I had my dream job at the city until the city ran out of money. And I smoke pot a few times a week. It helps me get the creative juices flowing, it doesn't cost me more than $50 a month, and it's a lot more healthy than alcohol, which is legal. I'd like to believe I'm fairly accomplished for being born during Reagan's second term.
So, that said, would anybody like to hire a well-spoken pot smoker dedicated to social justice and undoing institutional oppression? I'm ready for this "vacation" to be over.
62
@44,
He didn't keep ecce homo away.
But I do agree about this degree bullshit. If this guy can't get any job with an incomplete degree, what do you guys think is happening to people with a degree? They're taking shit jobs, for shit pay, which are now requiring far more education and experience than makes any kind of sense. I'm almost glad that I have a general liberal arts degree and am mostly at the beginning of my career. I can only imagine what it's like to be a 40-something with a specialized career who's now looking at taking a fucking receptionist job.
Anyway, good luck, Schuyler. You might as well start looking for loans and education grants while you can.
He didn't keep ecce homo away.
But I do agree about this degree bullshit. If this guy can't get any job with an incomplete degree, what do you guys think is happening to people with a degree? They're taking shit jobs, for shit pay, which are now requiring far more education and experience than makes any kind of sense. I'm almost glad that I have a general liberal arts degree and am mostly at the beginning of my career. I can only imagine what it's like to be a 40-something with a specialized career who's now looking at taking a fucking receptionist job.
Anyway, good luck, Schuyler. You might as well start looking for loans and education grants while you can.
63
Yeah, he bogart my joint once.
The problem I have is that people like Bagless give sensible pot smokers like myself a bad name.
The problem I have is that people like Bagless give sensible pot smokers like myself a bad name.
64
Crap. All y'all are a bunch of ass-hungry midgets on a crowded train.
How about SKILLS, Sky? There is this magical thing called self-education. (I belive our sweet dark lord had somehting to say about it.) Learn SQL, learn Ruby, learn PHP. Learn French.
There are no excuses and no rights. Have a day.
How about SKILLS, Sky? There is this magical thing called self-education. (I belive our sweet dark lord had somehting to say about it.) Learn SQL, learn Ruby, learn PHP. Learn French.
There are no excuses and no rights. Have a day.
65
@61, you are gross. you took MONTHS off to smoke pot and leech of your relative. no, i don't want to hire you. i don't have anything against potheads, i would just rather hire someone else. i wouldn't hire an admitted alcoholic either.
66
@61, you are gross. you took MONTHS off to smoke pot and leech of your relative. no, i don't want to hire you. i don't have anything against potheads, i would just rather hire someone else. i wouldn't hire an admitted alcoholic either.
67
"dedicated to social justice and undoing institutional oppression?"
They pay people to do that sh*t? Herein may lkay your problem,. Evergreen College's school of envrio oppressions grads aren't exactly hot property in the best of times.
Maybe you should get a job that helps society, you know start a company and hire the downtrodden and actually help them?
And please, don't compare yourself with Phelps. I see him on a medal stand with 8 golds around his neck. I see you huddled in grannies basement toking a blunt and cursing the 'man' for keeping the downtroden oppressed.
They pay people to do that sh*t? Herein may lkay your problem,. Evergreen College's school of envrio oppressions grads aren't exactly hot property in the best of times.
Maybe you should get a job that helps society, you know start a company and hire the downtrodden and actually help them?
And please, don't compare yourself with Phelps. I see him on a medal stand with 8 golds around his neck. I see you huddled in grannies basement toking a blunt and cursing the 'man' for keeping the downtroden oppressed.
68
FYI Sky, last week I saw a help wanted sign at the Wendys in Ballard on 15th, at 53rd I believe.
Number is (206) 783-3575
Good luck, let me know how it goes.
Number is (206) 783-3575
Good luck, let me know how it goes.
69
Hey dummy, go form a band, get some gigs, get popular, go date some drugged out crazy broad who always comes to your shows, get signed to a major, but a big mansion in Madrona, then once you hit it big blow your brains out with a shotgun!!
At least you'd be doing something instead of smoking doobies in your grandma's house.
At least you'd be doing something instead of smoking doobies in your grandma's house.
70
You have got to be the dumbest motherfucker out there, especially for someone who grew up (have you grown up?) in the internet age. You just limited your job options to the Stranger and waiting tables. Nice one. The best part is that you keep pushing it. Be sure to give us an update on how accomplished you are in another 6 months when you are once again living in your grannies basement and giving handjobs @ $5.00 a pop.
On second thought, don't.
On second thought, don't.
72
Homegirl sounds like an bitter, obese, pringles muching cow that hasn't had a root in 7 years, and is probably a repressed lesbian. She certainly has a lot of company in this town. Seriously, you sound like a sad, pathetic twat.
Oh and also, that sign at Wendy's has always been up. It doesnt mean a thing.
Oh and also, that sign at Wendy's has always been up. It doesnt mean a thing.
74
Thank you, mrbanana, for singlehandedly saving this rapidly-spiraling-further-into-ugliness thread.
75
Sky, weren't you an AmeriCorps Volunteer at community court? I'm pretty sure that means you weren't "laid off" and the city didn't "run out of money", but your 11 month volunteer service commitment was up. When i was in AmeriCorps most of us were looking for jobs well before our 11 month commitment was up. I don't remember anybody taking off to grandma's house to smoke pot for the next six months. Good luck, though.
76
"that sign at Wendy's has always been up. It doesnt mean a thing."
Yes, meaningless to the terminally self-oppressed. Another film of Bagful at work, the ideal, model employee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o76WQzVJ4…
Sky, have you called Wendys yet? Seriously, I want to help you. I also saw a sign at the Kinkos in Ballard. I'll even give you a reference and if the manager Googles your name (very common these days for HR folks to do), just tell them you were misquoted by that awful liberal press and no, you've never the munchies for a greasy square burger and fries at 2am.
Yes, meaningless to the terminally self-oppressed. Another film of Bagful at work, the ideal, model employee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o76WQzVJ4…
Sky, have you called Wendys yet? Seriously, I want to help you. I also saw a sign at the Kinkos in Ballard. I'll even give you a reference and if the manager Googles your name (very common these days for HR folks to do), just tell them you were misquoted by that awful liberal press and no, you've never the munchies for a greasy square burger and fries at 2am.
77
@56 - I was thinking the same thing. Either she dated him or someone just like him, or she's the neurotic, rage-addled mother of someone just like him.
78
" I'm pretty sure that means you weren't "laid off" and the city didn't "run out of money"
Pot head and fibber. Your resume grows Bag-o-nuts!
Called Wendy's yet?
No?
Thought you were looking for a job?
Pot head and fibber. Your resume grows Bag-o-nuts!
Called Wendy's yet?
No?
Thought you were looking for a job?
79
Is "Sky" really the best person to use as the face of unemployment though? I think that's what makes some of us prickly. Seriously, out of all the people, you picked the hapless, pot smoking, living with grandma, social services college drop out?
80
"Seriously, out of all the people, you picked the hapless, pot smoking, living with grandma, social services college drop out?"
That's because all the illegals are too busy working.
Maybe we should start sending the 'pot smoking, living with grandma, social services college drop outs' to Mexico in exchange for people willing to work ANY job for a living? Seems unfair that Latin America only sends people up here who will take any job and we get stuck Bag-o-nails here.
That's because all the illegals are too busy working.
Maybe we should start sending the 'pot smoking, living with grandma, social services college drop outs' to Mexico in exchange for people willing to work ANY job for a living? Seems unfair that Latin America only sends people up here who will take any job and we get stuck Bag-o-nails here.
81
Pot smoking and leaching off of the elderly aside, would you really want to hire someone who goes crying to multiple media outlets when he doesn't get what he feals he is entilted to?
If, IF, you ge that job at Wendy's, are you gonna call KOMO if the 16 year old gets promoted to front counter from the fry station before you do?
If, IF, you ge that job at Wendy's, are you gonna call KOMO if the 16 year old gets promoted to front counter from the fry station before you do?
82
http://www.seattle.gov/communitycourt/do…
2007-2008 Americorp Community Court team. You weren't laid off, your contract expired with you knowing full well it would and when it would.
2007-2008 Americorp Community Court team. You weren't laid off, your contract expired with you knowing full well it would and when it would.
84
So Homegirl, you run your own business, huh? How do your employees feel about you spending all your time maniacally freaking out over a complete stranger (although the more you post the more likely it seems you're an embittered ex or similar)? Are they doing your work for you?
Schuyler would probably make more on unemployment than he would at Wendy's or Kinko's. Even if they hired him, he'd have to put in ridiculous hours to make ends meet and the search for a longer-term or, more likely, additional job would not end. It would just get harder, because all that time he's spending flipping burgers is time he's not spending job searching and sending out resumes.
Frankly, I have to hand it to Schuyler. I was unemployed from late November until this Monday (when I was rehired on a temporary contract by the same company - god bless them) and there is nothing pretty about it. He found three jobs a day to apply to? He had savings and thought he'd use them to take what sounds like a well-deserved vacation? That's awesome and I wish him the best of luck. To me, he sounds like a driven young man with his heart and mind in the right place.
Schuyler would probably make more on unemployment than he would at Wendy's or Kinko's. Even if they hired him, he'd have to put in ridiculous hours to make ends meet and the search for a longer-term or, more likely, additional job would not end. It would just get harder, because all that time he's spending flipping burgers is time he's not spending job searching and sending out resumes.
Frankly, I have to hand it to Schuyler. I was unemployed from late November until this Monday (when I was rehired on a temporary contract by the same company - god bless them) and there is nothing pretty about it. He found three jobs a day to apply to? He had savings and thought he'd use them to take what sounds like a well-deserved vacation? That's awesome and I wish him the best of luck. To me, he sounds like a driven young man with his heart and mind in the right place.
85
Wow, a lying sack of sh*t...thanks dude, you just made us hard working pot heads look bad!
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Let's meet the real Bag-o-Pot:
"During this AmeriCorps year
(September 2007 - August 2008), we
had the benefit of working with four
wonderful young people from the
AmeriCorps program: My-Lan Dodd;
Christopher Thomas; Andrew Sontag;
and Schuyler Bagwell provided
outstanding service to our program. As
a result, we were able to partner with
the Belltown Business Association and
Community Council in our Belltown
Cleanup Corps project. (See Spotlight,
this page). Each Wednesday and
Thursday, defendants help clean up
Belltown side-by-side with our
AmeriCorps team. In the true spirit of
community collaboration, the Millionair
Club generously donated use of their
facility as a meeting place, service site,
and space to store our equipment. They
also feed our participants a hot lunch.
Litter-removal equipment is provided
through a partnership with the City of
Seattle’s Adopt-a-Street program."
Of course, they did say you were 'wonderful'. Did you offer them a hit for the compliment?
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Let's meet the real Bag-o-Pot:
"During this AmeriCorps year
(September 2007 - August 2008), we
had the benefit of working with four
wonderful young people from the
AmeriCorps program: My-Lan Dodd;
Christopher Thomas; Andrew Sontag;
and Schuyler Bagwell provided
outstanding service to our program. As
a result, we were able to partner with
the Belltown Business Association and
Community Council in our Belltown
Cleanup Corps project. (See Spotlight,
this page). Each Wednesday and
Thursday, defendants help clean up
Belltown side-by-side with our
AmeriCorps team. In the true spirit of
community collaboration, the Millionair
Club generously donated use of their
facility as a meeting place, service site,
and space to store our equipment. They
also feed our participants a hot lunch.
Litter-removal equipment is provided
through a partnership with the City of
Seattle’s Adopt-a-Street program."
Of course, they did say you were 'wonderful'. Did you offer them a hit for the compliment?
87
Homegirl, you have serious issues if you're this obsessed over a story on a blog of some random guy you've never met. You've made your point.
88
"Even if they hired him, he'd have to put in ridiculous hours to make ends meet"
So what? Jesus you fu*cking people are spoiled. It'll build some character,. Character it looks like he desperately needs judging by how he lied about getting laid off, lied about his work. Seriously, it's all right there on the web. He was working at Americorps, an 11 month contract job that ended in August and because it's contract work, he's ineligible for unemployment benefits. Maybe while smoking all that splif at grannies, Bag-o-lying-sh*t should have been made a effort to understand the true nature of his employment.
"your employees"
I'm a consultant. Take most Friday's off to torture and expose social services cretins.
So what? Jesus you fu*cking people are spoiled. It'll build some character,. Character it looks like he desperately needs judging by how he lied about getting laid off, lied about his work. Seriously, it's all right there on the web. He was working at Americorps, an 11 month contract job that ended in August and because it's contract work, he's ineligible for unemployment benefits. Maybe while smoking all that splif at grannies, Bag-o-lying-sh*t should have been made a effort to understand the true nature of his employment.
"your employees"
I'm a consultant. Take most Friday's off to torture and expose social services cretins.
89
@88, While I've agreed with you on premise, now that Julie has admitted you made your point, now might be the time to move on to other things. Like writing nasty letters to EA for delaying Sims 3
90
Or move on from commenting on people that haven't moved on.
Or move on from commenting on people who comment on people who haven't moved on.
Holy shit, I just blew my own mind.
I should see if grandma made any cookies this afternoon.
Or move on from commenting on people who comment on people who haven't moved on.
Holy shit, I just blew my own mind.
I should see if grandma made any cookies this afternoon.
91
@all the haters: I was a contracted, paid AmeriCorps member for 11 months. Excellent research. I was promoted to Volunteer Coordinator in July. I signed a new contract making lots more money. Lots more. Then, the economic shit storm happened and the City of Seattle got rid of every and any expendable contracted position. The nature of my work fell into that category. The second issue of the newsletter, which I designed, might mention that.
@Homegirl: You're pretty set on this Wendy's thing. Are you the GM or something? I'll send you my resume. Maybe I could troll Slog all day and leave comments for you. You could get to work on all that serious business you've been putting off, like fixing the Frosty machine. No, but really, you sound exactly like my ex. Jessie? Is that you out there in Internetland?
@Homegirl: You're pretty set on this Wendy's thing. Are you the GM or something? I'll send you my resume. Maybe I could troll Slog all day and leave comments for you. You could get to work on all that serious business you've been putting off, like fixing the Frosty machine. No, but really, you sound exactly like my ex. Jessie? Is that you out there in Internetland?
93
Wow, Homegirl (if indeed you are a "girl") things must be really SLOW in the home office today, huh?
I don't think Sky is the only one around here in serious need of some THC-adjustment...
I don't think Sky is the only one around here in serious need of some THC-adjustment...
94
@86 That's a good question (and I say that without a hint of snark, truly). I assumed the point of Notes from the Unemployment Line was just to see who was out there and tell their stories, not necessarily to repeatedly illustrate the way the rug has been pulled out from under unsuspecting, hard-working, law-abiding people's feet.
In autumn 2008, it wasn't unreasonable for Sky to believe he could live off savings for a bit and get a new job pretty quickly. I don't get the anger over the AmeriCorps contract, but he's already defended himself so I won't go into it.
Sky - I don't know that you're really ineligible for benefits. Take a look at the "lack of work" clause. Actors - who work on contract - use it all the time.
In autumn 2008, it wasn't unreasonable for Sky to believe he could live off savings for a bit and get a new job pretty quickly. I don't get the anger over the AmeriCorps contract, but he's already defended himself so I won't go into it.
Sky - I don't know that you're really ineligible for benefits. Take a look at the "lack of work" clause. Actors - who work on contract - use it all the time.
95
Every single school district in the area has help wanted ads for substitute food service, sweepers, bus drivers, etc. The pay isn't much, but it sure as hell helps extend unemployment if you work when you can.
96
WHO the fuck are all these junior high school students now posting on Slog, and where the fuck did they come from?
The discourse on Slog has never been very high, but lately it's started turning into the comments section at Perez Hilton...
yech.
The discourse on Slog has never been very high, but lately it's started turning into the comments section at Perez Hilton...
yech.
97
"if you work when you can."
Ahhh, but our friend, Bag-o-dope wants to write the Great American Novel and wants us, the taxpayer to pay for it and his weed supply.
BTW Bag-o-fun, how long did you work the next 'social services' job? If it's less than a year (or 6 months?), you get no benefits.
But Wendy's awaits.
Ahhh, but our friend, Bag-o-dope wants to write the Great American Novel and wants us, the taxpayer to pay for it and his weed supply.
BTW Bag-o-fun, how long did you work the next 'social services' job? If it's less than a year (or 6 months?), you get no benefits.
But Wendy's awaits.
98
@86 I don't think the major problem is the catagory of work but getting into the system to begin with. I think "under contract" means something different when you are working for the city. It means "temp" not 1099/contractor. The inital intake at employment can be a nightmare. To those of you who have never had to do this before, when you are first opening your claim its worth the fight to get it started. My heart goes out to you. I have never had to do it in an economy this bad and I always got my claim approved right when I was about to go postal. Once you get your claim open its pretty easy to keep the checks rolling. To get a decent check you at least need a good six-month stretch of on the books employee work. With less you may qualify but your check will be pretty small.
Unfortunatly learning how to successfully open an unemployment claim is one of those life skills that many people don't have the first time they need it. Even if you don't get to draw more than one check it is a good survival skill that is better learned sooner than later.
Sky,
In my place of employment we hire temps for a pretty crappy work assignment for $12/hr on a highly variable schedule. Its not choice but if nothing else it could help you build up a base year and put some change in your pocket. I'll call the guy in that department and see if we are hiring. If so I'll send an email.
Unfortunatly learning how to successfully open an unemployment claim is one of those life skills that many people don't have the first time they need it. Even if you don't get to draw more than one check it is a good survival skill that is better learned sooner than later.
Sky,
In my place of employment we hire temps for a pretty crappy work assignment for $12/hr on a highly variable schedule. Its not choice but if nothing else it could help you build up a base year and put some change in your pocket. I'll call the guy in that department and see if we are hiring. If so I'll send an email.
100
@10
The phone line for unemployment benefits operates 24/7; so, rather than trying to call during the peak daytime hours like everyone else, try calling late in the evening or at night.
After the first 5 or 6 times you get "outplaced" due to mergers and downsizing, you learn a few things.
The phone line for unemployment benefits operates 24/7; so, rather than trying to call during the peak daytime hours like everyone else, try calling late in the evening or at night.
After the first 5 or 6 times you get "outplaced" due to mergers and downsizing, you learn a few things.
101
Dude, you're Seattles' most famous pothead today, congratulations. No doubt social service agencies dealing with addicts will think you're an ideal candidate! I mean how high can their standards be?
102
I would like to hear some more stories that don't involve an unemployed person smoking pot.
last time i checked weed wasnt free, although yes it does grow on trees.
and i love that you are the poster child victim of the accurately depicted as unfair and inaccessible unemployment hotline.
with your nearly finished college degree, sigh, i dont doubt weed had any factor in that. college took me a long time too.
here's a tip: put down the bong, and take ANY job. finish college and then you can talk to the rest of us college graduates who can't find a job because they all require a MA.
last time i checked weed wasnt free, although yes it does grow on trees.
and i love that you are the poster child victim of the accurately depicted as unfair and inaccessible unemployment hotline.
with your nearly finished college degree, sigh, i dont doubt weed had any factor in that. college took me a long time too.
here's a tip: put down the bong, and take ANY job. finish college and then you can talk to the rest of us college graduates who can't find a job because they all require a MA.
103
"So, that said, would anybody like to hire a well-spoken pot smoker dedicated to social justice and undoing institutional oppression?"
-----------
This bears repeating:
"Schuyler used to work for Seattle Community Court, trying to help homeless, drug-addicted, and chronically incarcerated people" = worthless naive pothead with no skills who sucks at the taxpayers' teats doing useless impotent liberal things "trying to help" a bunch of even more worthless and useless scumbags who will never ever change in ten billion years.
-----------
This bears repeating:
"Schuyler used to work for Seattle Community Court, trying to help homeless, drug-addicted, and chronically incarcerated people" = worthless naive pothead with no skills who sucks at the taxpayers' teats doing useless impotent liberal things "trying to help" a bunch of even more worthless and useless scumbags who will never ever change in ten billion years.
104
eli,
in your next segment can you invite posters both lovers and haters to post real job tips.
places that are really hiring not just windowshop/interviewing.
from craigslist to signs, ive found a lot of dead ends.
in your next segment can you invite posters both lovers and haters to post real job tips.
places that are really hiring not just windowshop/interviewing.
from craigslist to signs, ive found a lot of dead ends.
105
homegirl/fairy is pathetic.
You complain about Sky giving pot smokers a bad name...?
Seriously?
The guy's got humanity & patriotism working for americorps, he's ambitious enough to work the volunteer gig and do well enough at it that he got hired on again after the stint was up, he's hardly greedy in his career choices (if not a touch idealist and altruistic), he's using the press the way it should be- for the people (I'm happy to see one less 'look how safe this new car is' TV news feature that JUST HAPPENS to be the same model car shown on the evening news commercials all night), he took time-off first on his own dime (living off not grandma (who's clearly got an empty nest/extra room), but off his SAVINGS- earned from WORKING) rather live on taxpayer money for his sabbatical (pot, beer or prayer, his break was a sabbatical, a 'mental-health break'), and he's applying to 3 jobs a day! Normally I'd call BS on the 3/day thing, but the guys so damn honest about potsmoking I'll cut him some slack and assuming he's naively honest about everything.
Contractors get UI if they pay into it: the law doesn't discriminate based on w2 vs 1099 nor parttime vs fulltime. It's law-mandated insurance, folks: you pay in, and if you qualify, you make claims out of your money that you paid in. It's your money! There's no "taking advantage" to be had. If you don't have the required 680 hours of work, then you don't get a dime. Don't like the law as it's been for a century? then: Vote. Write Patty Murray. Or Ed Murray. But STFU here.
The UI process IS terribly fawked up: the phone lines might be 'open' 24/7 but they sure as hell don't answer 24/7 for new claims, and even the automated system rings busy 3 days a week now. Website has been down 4 weeks in a row now SUNDAY through TUES, so don't tell me the interwebs are magically better: Washington's ESD/UI was not ready for the flood of layoffs, plain and simple, and everyone: CPA's, COO's, Wendy's Managers, and potsmoking social worker types, are having a hard time claiming their benefits that they paid into, that are in fact their right, thanks to sacrifices of union workers in this city a 100 years back.
If not for my company laying off 45% of it's workforce, I'd hire this guy Sky in an instant.
Homegirl: I notice you are not using your real name, or website, yet Sky is. I presume you are as ashamed of your e-thug behaviour here as everyone thinks you should be. Pot smokers need more Michael Phelpss, more Matt & Treys, more John Stewarts, more Dave Chappelles, more Rick Steves, and even more Skys putting a face on the casual pot smoker cliche. The last damn thing pot smokers need is PR that includes an example that's anything like you.
More...
You complain about Sky giving pot smokers a bad name...?
Seriously?
The guy's got humanity & patriotism working for americorps, he's ambitious enough to work the volunteer gig and do well enough at it that he got hired on again after the stint was up, he's hardly greedy in his career choices (if not a touch idealist and altruistic), he's using the press the way it should be- for the people (I'm happy to see one less 'look how safe this new car is' TV news feature that JUST HAPPENS to be the same model car shown on the evening news commercials all night), he took time-off first on his own dime (living off not grandma (who's clearly got an empty nest/extra room), but off his SAVINGS- earned from WORKING) rather live on taxpayer money for his sabbatical (pot, beer or prayer, his break was a sabbatical, a 'mental-health break'), and he's applying to 3 jobs a day! Normally I'd call BS on the 3/day thing, but the guys so damn honest about potsmoking I'll cut him some slack and assuming he's naively honest about everything.
Contractors get UI if they pay into it: the law doesn't discriminate based on w2 vs 1099 nor parttime vs fulltime. It's law-mandated insurance, folks: you pay in, and if you qualify, you make claims out of your money that you paid in. It's your money! There's no "taking advantage" to be had. If you don't have the required 680 hours of work, then you don't get a dime. Don't like the law as it's been for a century? then: Vote. Write Patty Murray. Or Ed Murray. But STFU here.
The UI process IS terribly fawked up: the phone lines might be 'open' 24/7 but they sure as hell don't answer 24/7 for new claims, and even the automated system rings busy 3 days a week now. Website has been down 4 weeks in a row now SUNDAY through TUES, so don't tell me the interwebs are magically better: Washington's ESD/UI was not ready for the flood of layoffs, plain and simple, and everyone: CPA's, COO's, Wendy's Managers, and potsmoking social worker types, are having a hard time claiming their benefits that they paid into, that are in fact their right, thanks to sacrifices of union workers in this city a 100 years back.
If not for my company laying off 45% of it's workforce, I'd hire this guy Sky in an instant.
Homegirl: I notice you are not using your real name, or website, yet Sky is. I presume you are as ashamed of your e-thug behaviour here as everyone thinks you should be. Pot smokers need more Michael Phelpss, more Matt & Treys, more John Stewarts, more Dave Chappelles, more Rick Steves, and even more Skys putting a face on the casual pot smoker cliche. The last damn thing pot smokers need is PR that includes an example that's anything like you.
106
What's with all the stoner hate? This is the Stranger... you know, the 5-page-spread-slobbing-the-knob-of-the-hemp-fest-articles Stranger. Try and keep up, leaning-right moderates. @32: hear hear
@5: you still have to wait for a decision AND deal with state-sized bureacracy BS: Letters, wait periods, required classes, orientation meetings and 2 trees worth of paper and booklets. God forbid you use your middle initial instead of spelling out your middle name: you just bought a one way ticket to 6week-delaysville!
@12: Pizza driver gig is a scam if ever there was one: car payment: 299-599/month. state-law-required insurance for young male: 175+/month. Gas: $2.oo-5.oo/gallon depending on whims of oil industry. Pizza wages: minimum wage (8 bucks), part-time (as in, we're busy Thurs,Fri & Sat so those are the only days you can work), evenings only, and ...I'm going out on a limb here.. but I bet you don't tip more than a buck a pie, do you?
@35: I don't know how you're smoking yours, but lemme give you a hint: cheech and chong is NOT an instructional video: small joints /bowls get a fine high. .. you Dope.
@40: While it doesn't get as much buzz as the first amendment, the 21st amendment makes getting drunk an actual right: it's in the constitution and everything, asshat.
@51: a. by waiting 4 months and living off his own SAVINGS of money he earned working, he did a nice job of keeping the hell off the public dole: what's to complain about?
@84 you have humanity. I'd like to have your space babies.
@5: you still have to wait for a decision AND deal with state-sized bureacracy BS: Letters, wait periods, required classes, orientation meetings and 2 trees worth of paper and booklets. God forbid you use your middle initial instead of spelling out your middle name: you just bought a one way ticket to 6week-delaysville!
@12: Pizza driver gig is a scam if ever there was one: car payment: 299-599/month. state-law-required insurance for young male: 175+/month. Gas: $2.oo-5.oo/gallon depending on whims of oil industry. Pizza wages: minimum wage (8 bucks), part-time (as in, we're busy Thurs,Fri & Sat so those are the only days you can work), evenings only, and ...I'm going out on a limb here.. but I bet you don't tip more than a buck a pie, do you?
@35: I don't know how you're smoking yours, but lemme give you a hint: cheech and chong is NOT an instructional video: small joints /bowls get a fine high. .. you Dope.
@40: While it doesn't get as much buzz as the first amendment, the 21st amendment makes getting drunk an actual right: it's in the constitution and everything, asshat.
@51: a. by waiting 4 months and living off his own SAVINGS of money he earned working, he did a nice job of keeping the hell off the public dole: what's to complain about?
@84 you have humanity. I'd like to have your space babies.
107
I would recommend removing this from your website:
"Now I spend my days refreshing Craigslist and writing tailored copy about my trumped-up skills and qualifications"
There must be a better phrase than that.
Main Entry:
trumped–up
Pronunciation:
\ˈtrəm(p)t-ˈəp\
Function:
adjective
Date:
1728
: fraudulently concocted : spurious
"Now I spend my days refreshing Craigslist and writing tailored copy about my trumped-up skills and qualifications"
There must be a better phrase than that.
Main Entry:
trumped–up
Pronunciation:
\ˈtrəm(p)t-ˈəp\
Function:
adjective
Date:
1728
: fraudulently concocted : spurious
108
Oh, come on everyone quit trying to be judge and jury here. Obviously the guy is a good writer and you know what look at all the attention he's getting. Most people that just "move to California and smoke pot everyday" don't admit it. I bet a ton of people do that when faced with life changing choices. I don't smoke pot but I'm pretty sure that if I did like it and I was depressed, 3 resume's a day, wow, I would be smoking a lot at this point. Oh, I see, you all want him to hit the streets and look for change like the people that channel 4 news showed the other night!!!!
I say, stay on the internet and research, research, research. And, if your new employer is going to google you and see that you smoked some pot... good ridden you don't want that one anyways.
I say, stay on the internet and research, research, research. And, if your new employer is going to google you and see that you smoked some pot... good ridden you don't want that one anyways.
109
@105, thanks for injecting some reason and humanity here. This comment thread has been breaking my fucking heart.
110
Such hostility...
For the record, I have a bachelor's degree from a fairly well-respected college, I'm working on my masters' from a fairly well-respected university, and have been steadily employed for the past four years. I actually have a job right now, a job that leverages both my undergraduate degree and my post-graduate studies.
And I still can't pay my rent. That's sounds like hyperbole, I know. "I can't pay pay my rent, I can't make ends meet," etcetera and so forth. But I'm not exaggerating. My monthly income is less than my monthly rent. And just so we're clear, I have two roommates and live in one of the cheaper neighborhoods in my city. Rent's not going to get much lower than it already is.
Times are bad. And though I haven't smoked pot in a good, long while, I understand where this kid is coming from. My drug of choice happens to be legal, but I'm not passing judgment. I know I need something at the end of the day just to turn night into morning and spend a few of the intervening hours unconscious.
I have an idea what some of you might say. My student loans barely cover the cost of tuition. The full-time jobs that would allow me the flexibility to complete my masters' degree are few and far between in the best of times. And finding part-time work when you're already working eighteen hours a week, attend five hours of classes, and can't promise where you'll be on a Wednesday afternoon in a semester's time...well, it's slow going. I could quit grad school, I suppose, but that seems like a step in the wrong direction.
Anyway. All that to say lay off the poor guy. He's contributed more than many people ever will and all he's asking for is a chance for an honest day's work.
For the record, I have a bachelor's degree from a fairly well-respected college, I'm working on my masters' from a fairly well-respected university, and have been steadily employed for the past four years. I actually have a job right now, a job that leverages both my undergraduate degree and my post-graduate studies.
And I still can't pay my rent. That's sounds like hyperbole, I know. "I can't pay pay my rent, I can't make ends meet," etcetera and so forth. But I'm not exaggerating. My monthly income is less than my monthly rent. And just so we're clear, I have two roommates and live in one of the cheaper neighborhoods in my city. Rent's not going to get much lower than it already is.
Times are bad. And though I haven't smoked pot in a good, long while, I understand where this kid is coming from. My drug of choice happens to be legal, but I'm not passing judgment. I know I need something at the end of the day just to turn night into morning and spend a few of the intervening hours unconscious.
I have an idea what some of you might say. My student loans barely cover the cost of tuition. The full-time jobs that would allow me the flexibility to complete my masters' degree are few and far between in the best of times. And finding part-time work when you're already working eighteen hours a week, attend five hours of classes, and can't promise where you'll be on a Wednesday afternoon in a semester's time...well, it's slow going. I could quit grad school, I suppose, but that seems like a step in the wrong direction.
Anyway. All that to say lay off the poor guy. He's contributed more than many people ever will and all he's asking for is a chance for an honest day's work.
111
"...For all you children so concerned about my pot habit, get over it..."
Smoking pot isn't really the issue. Being out of work, looking for a job while babbling on an internet site about smoking pot is.
You aren't the sharpest tack in the box.
Smoking pot isn't really the issue. Being out of work, looking for a job while babbling on an internet site about smoking pot is.
You aren't the sharpest tack in the box.
112
so far what has really bothered me about this post has been the responses. using sky's frequent use of pot as en excuse to hate and condemn him is just simply ignorant, i guarantee most negative comments on this board have been made by EMPLOYED individuals. he's an average guy just trying to find a job who can't because unemployment is rising all around the country. and considering he held a volunteer job for 12 months in Seattle, i think that earns him the right to some fucking respect.
113
So, I just finally got around to reading all of this, and actually watching the video on KING5, and I'm surprisingly appalled. Knowing this situation pretty well, it is amazing just how blinded I was to how silly it all sounded for Sky to be the poster child of unemployment. However, I think that people are greatly missing the point here. You can thank the people who sit on their ass all day and bitch about people online for that one.
@91 No, that wasn't me, I've been a little too busy hanging out with that guy I left you for, and WORKING.
And by the way, Homegirl is a psycho bitch. She makes good points, but after 50,985,847 posts it gets a little ridiculous and seriously creepy. Just because you have a "big girl" job, doesn't make it okay to internet stalk and obsess.
Let's try and focus on what this article was actually about. I applaud Sky for trying to be an advocate for others, but, perhaps next time keep your strong affinity for pot out of the media.
Good luck, Sky. I would say that I really hope it worked out for you, but I would be lying. So, I'll leave you with this: I hope you were able to make your car payment on that shiny M3 of yours.
@91 No, that wasn't me, I've been a little too busy hanging out with that guy I left you for, and WORKING.
And by the way, Homegirl is a psycho bitch. She makes good points, but after 50,985,847 posts it gets a little ridiculous and seriously creepy. Just because you have a "big girl" job, doesn't make it okay to internet stalk and obsess.
Let's try and focus on what this article was actually about. I applaud Sky for trying to be an advocate for others, but, perhaps next time keep your strong affinity for pot out of the media.
Good luck, Sky. I would say that I really hope it worked out for you, but I would be lying. So, I'll leave you with this: I hope you were able to make your car payment on that shiny M3 of yours.
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