Slog
News & ArtsFriday, February 20, 2009
Economy Notes from the Unemployment Line
Posted by Eli Sanders on Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Sophia Ferrel, 32-year-old optimist extraordinaire, sounds a bit less bullish on unemployment than she did last Friday.
The start of the week has changed for me. It is now Sunday. That's the day that I apply for my weekly unemployment benefits.
And it starts online, early in the morning, like this: We are experiencing a high volume of usage at this time, please try again later. The internet application is available 24-hours a day from midnight Saturday through 5:00 p.m. Friday. Monday through Thursday after 5:00 p.m. is our least busy time. On a web page. In the city that birthed Bill Gates.
Applied for food stamps, a lengthy process online, and they booked me an interview time. (Oh! My first interview!) I received the letter with my interview date and time in the mail—7 hours after it was actually scheduled. Brilliant.
However: I love this city. I don't believe that it is going to let me down.
The conundrum about having to apply for a job three times a week is that there are not usually three jobs out there that I am interested in or that are interested in me. Still, I apply to a lot of places. But usually I am not emotionally invested in any of them. I don't really want to be an Apartment Manager in Kirkland… And when I search Craigslist for job postings in my field, property development, I get the following: "Loan Officers — Get Your $100,000 Income Back," "Women, This Business Is Perfect For You," "Looking for A Highly Motivated, Hungry Real Estate Agent," "Attention Sales Pros..Thousands in Profit Per Sale!," "$$$ Real Estate Investor seek an Apprentice $$$."
I guess important people do read the Slog though, which maybe will help eventually. After last week's post I was contacted by a gentleman from the mayor's office. My first reaction was to panic. Was I now being held accountable for all those acid-riddled high school days?
As it turned out, they'd contacted me to find out what "amazing website for volunteers" I was working on... and not because of the acid or, fear number two, because I park illegally close to stop signs. The website in question is basically going to change the way people recruit, organize and manage volunteers (and allow anyone to create their own project) through the hyper local application of social networking tools. It's also a pretty fulfilling, interesting way to spend my days (and some nights), even though it doesn't provide me with health insurance or make me any money.
And then there is the issue of making money.
The big news of the week in applicationland is that I got, for the very first time, an e-mail acknowledgment of one of my applications. Yes, in all the what-feels-like-millions of applications, I hadn't even got so much as a Thank You For Applying We Will Get Back To You After We Fill The Position With Someone Else. Finally, the Henry Art Museum stepped up to the plate. Thank you Henry Art Museum; sometimes just a short reply can help make the process feel a little less like tossing e-mails into cyberspace. At times it seems as if it would be just as effective to throw my resumes from an overpass onto the passing cars below. Which is tempting and sounds sort of fun (as well as sort of illegal). Since I can't afford more ink to print them, I will just have to throw them at random Job-1028806283@craigslist.org postings instead.Last night, disconnected from the rest of the world, I drove north on I-5 at 5:30 p.m., sun hanging low in the sky, red taillights blurry without my glasses, and I had the weirdest feeling of being an imposter. Masses of people headed home after work, thousands and thousands of people with jobs. It has been months without a job or school. This may be why Hollywood people do such strange things; I am living side by side with all of normality and trying to pretend that I still can relate. And afford fancy cheeses.
Or am I fortunate? What an opportunity to have the mental space to explore other options for providing for myself! I am now working, unpaid, on two different website start-ups (one is the volunteer website, and one is secret, secret, secret) and happily enjoying all my other time off. The final upside to it all is I that I now get the good hours at the climbing gym, when hardly a soul is in there. The downside is that I realize they play crappy music all the time.
Have an unemployment story to share? Write to jobless@thestranger.com.
1
Apt manager in Kirkland might not be that bad for a few months. I assume they at least get free rent. It would eliminate one expense item from the gal's budget.
2
I really enjoyed reading her story. Good luck finding some work, you'll be great for whoever hires you!
4
When I was fired I definitely remember the feeling of being an impostor, and of having no purpose. I'd ride the bus or drive during rush hour and it would be incredibly surreal.
5
"We are experiencing a high volume of usage at this time, please try again later. The internet application is available 24-hours a day from midnight Saturday through 5:00 p.m. Friday. Monday through Thursday after 5:00 p.m. is our least busy time."
I tried the website a couple times then gave up, I've actually had better luck getting through on the automated phone system. It is annoying listening to the recorded voice say the same things very slowly, but at least you can connect.
I tried the website a couple times then gave up, I've actually had better luck getting through on the automated phone system. It is annoying listening to the recorded voice say the same things very slowly, but at least you can connect.
6
i like her story, too. thanks for the update. this recession might wind up being a clarion call to young people to create their own jobs, maybe their own economies (barter, anyone?).
7
It's been years since I was on unemployment, but at the time you could do the Sunday filing on the phone without speaking to anyone. Did they get rid of that service?
Also, regarding applying for three jobs a week. What I remember about being audited regarding that was that they'd pick a group of people and tell them to show up at the center with all their documentation for a specified period. You sat through a 30 minute presentation with the other fifty people who'd been called in. Then they picked something like five people out of the fifty and asked for their documentation for a specific week, i.e. the three jobs you'd applied for during that period. Then they'd call those places and ask them "Did you have the following position open on the week of whatever?" If the answer was "yes", you were golden. I don't believe they could actually find out if you applied due to some privacy law.
Things may have changed now, but that's how it was in 2001.
Also, regarding applying for three jobs a week. What I remember about being audited regarding that was that they'd pick a group of people and tell them to show up at the center with all their documentation for a specified period. You sat through a 30 minute presentation with the other fifty people who'd been called in. Then they picked something like five people out of the fifty and asked for their documentation for a specific week, i.e. the three jobs you'd applied for during that period. Then they'd call those places and ask them "Did you have the following position open on the week of whatever?" If the answer was "yes", you were golden. I don't believe they could actually find out if you applied due to some privacy law.
Things may have changed now, but that's how it was in 2001.
9
I feel for you Sophia, but reversed. When the economy is in the crapper I always seem to have a great job, when the boom times are happening, I am always unemployed. Still, I remember having delays in trying to do the weekly applications for benefits, and the system sucked. You should come to the next happy and we should all buy you drinks, at least I would buy you one.
@7 They did the same thing to me in 2003. Same result.
@7 They did the same thing to me in 2003. Same result.
10
notes from the unemployment line is the worst stranger column ever conceived. what good are you doing having people write columns like this, for a topic that should evoke some sense of understanding or appreciation from us who have jobs? its a disservice.
so what, you sit around and daydream and fill your life with self pity while you lay on your couch in your pajamas at noon. maybe stop emailing your resume and walk it in and talk to someone. you dont sound interested in any of these job, i wouldnt take you as a serious candidate for a position either. you dont get it. you are unemployed and - woe unto me! - have been looking for a job for, like, evar, but say that you are not interested in any of them. THATS A LUXURY! Some folks have to just make money and will take anything that pays. You get the LUXURY of trying to find what you love to do? WTF? No one else reads this article with spite and contempt? do you think we are all out here doing fun things we want to be doing? NOPE. Wish I was. Wish I could sit on the couch surfing craigslist for that job that really spoke to me while collecting unemployment. But nope, I got rent to pay, so im going to go to a job i dont care for and put in my time while you drive around with nowhere to go. what a luxury.
so what, you sit around and daydream and fill your life with self pity while you lay on your couch in your pajamas at noon. maybe stop emailing your resume and walk it in and talk to someone. you dont sound interested in any of these job, i wouldnt take you as a serious candidate for a position either. you dont get it. you are unemployed and - woe unto me! - have been looking for a job for, like, evar, but say that you are not interested in any of them. THATS A LUXURY! Some folks have to just make money and will take anything that pays. You get the LUXURY of trying to find what you love to do? WTF? No one else reads this article with spite and contempt? do you think we are all out here doing fun things we want to be doing? NOPE. Wish I was. Wish I could sit on the couch surfing craigslist for that job that really spoke to me while collecting unemployment. But nope, I got rent to pay, so im going to go to a job i dont care for and put in my time while you drive around with nowhere to go. what a luxury.
11
Oh Dragovich. Thank goodness you've got that job you don't care about so you can afford to feed that high horse of yours.
It's not a LUXURY to be broke all the time, count your pennies, feel like an outsider, and feel conflicted about applying to jobs that you aren't excited about OR even easy to get.
It's not a LUXURY to be broke all the time, count your pennies, feel like an outsider, and feel conflicted about applying to jobs that you aren't excited about OR even easy to get.
12
@10, You have a point; everyone they have featured so far doesn't resonate at all with the hardships of unemployment.
13
Walking your resume in to a corporation does nothing.
You'll either leave it with the receptionist, or at best, an HR rep will begrudgingly meet you in the lobby and take the thing and feed it into their system after thanking you for dropping by. Someone will scan, type or OCR it into their hiring DB. They prefer that all submissions be electronic, since that's where they're going. I've done plenty of hiring interviews and I've *never* seen an original resume--it's always a printout, usually from the HR DB. That careful typesetting? Expensive linen paper? I never see it.
You'll either leave it with the receptionist, or at best, an HR rep will begrudgingly meet you in the lobby and take the thing and feed it into their system after thanking you for dropping by. Someone will scan, type or OCR it into their hiring DB. They prefer that all submissions be electronic, since that's where they're going. I've done plenty of hiring interviews and I've *never* seen an original resume--it's always a printout, usually from the HR DB. That careful typesetting? Expensive linen paper? I never see it.
14
Labor Ready
1120 John St
If you show up at 5:30am and are not stinking drunk, you will be able to get a days worth of physical labor at $8 or $9 per hour. Obviosly every single one of the from the unemployment line contributers are too good for this kind of thing.
1120 John St
If you show up at 5:30am and are not stinking drunk, you will be able to get a days worth of physical labor at $8 or $9 per hour. Obviosly every single one of the from the unemployment line contributers are too good for this kind of thing.
15
@10,
Fuck off. Seriously. She's still applying for those jobs anyway, and I'm sure she'd take one of them. Did you notice that we're in a recession? Did you notice that unemployment is sky high? I hope you wind up unemployed and find out how truly fun it is.
Fuck off. Seriously. She's still applying for those jobs anyway, and I'm sure she'd take one of them. Did you notice that we're in a recession? Did you notice that unemployment is sky high? I hope you wind up unemployed and find out how truly fun it is.
16
@14,
If she's getting the maximum from unemployment, she'd be taking a huge pay cut by doing that work. Get fucking real.
If she's getting the maximum from unemployment, she'd be taking a huge pay cut by doing that work. Get fucking real.
17
@14
You've done this? What's it like? They'll literally take anyone and pay them $9 without interviews, etc? What kind of work would a young woman (with white-collar experience) expect?
Not trying to be snarky, just curious. My wife is unemployed and could be interested.
You've done this? What's it like? They'll literally take anyone and pay them $9 without interviews, etc? What kind of work would a young woman (with white-collar experience) expect?
Not trying to be snarky, just curious. My wife is unemployed and could be interested.
18
@12:
Maybe that's because, most of these people have never BEEN unemployed for extended periods of time. Their stories may not "resonate at all with the hardships of unemployment" in your mind because they've never gone through this before, unlike many of those who seem to take such umbrage over their situations, presumably because they been through similar circumstances already.
But, it's precisely this lack of experience in the unemployment sector that makes these stories compelling to me - we're in the worst fucking recession since the Great Depression and with the current unemployment rate at 7.5% and climbing there are a lot of people out there who are, and will be finding themselves without work for the first time in their adult lives. So, seeing how they're coping (or not in many cases) is a pretty telling indicator to me at least as to where the overall employment sector is going to go for a while.
If people were feeling more optimistic; if they were actually getting interviews; if there were a few success stories in the mix, it would be at least an anecdotal indication that things may be looking up. The fact that none of these people, most of whom seem to be reasonably intelligent, reasonably skilled, at least within an admittedly limited sampling, are getting new offers is I think, a clear indication that we've got a long ways to go before we hit bottom.
And before that happens, a lot more of us are going to be sharing similar stories. One can only hope those who will be going through this for the first time, as these people are now, will garner a little more sympathy from the rest of us, because who knows? We might be submitting our own stories sooner than we anticipate.
Maybe that's because, most of these people have never BEEN unemployed for extended periods of time. Their stories may not "resonate at all with the hardships of unemployment" in your mind because they've never gone through this before, unlike many of those who seem to take such umbrage over their situations, presumably because they been through similar circumstances already.
But, it's precisely this lack of experience in the unemployment sector that makes these stories compelling to me - we're in the worst fucking recession since the Great Depression and with the current unemployment rate at 7.5% and climbing there are a lot of people out there who are, and will be finding themselves without work for the first time in their adult lives. So, seeing how they're coping (or not in many cases) is a pretty telling indicator to me at least as to where the overall employment sector is going to go for a while.
If people were feeling more optimistic; if they were actually getting interviews; if there were a few success stories in the mix, it would be at least an anecdotal indication that things may be looking up. The fact that none of these people, most of whom seem to be reasonably intelligent, reasonably skilled, at least within an admittedly limited sampling, are getting new offers is I think, a clear indication that we've got a long ways to go before we hit bottom.
And before that happens, a lot more of us are going to be sharing similar stories. One can only hope those who will be going through this for the first time, as these people are now, will garner a little more sympathy from the rest of us, because who knows? We might be submitting our own stories sooner than we anticipate.
19
@14: There's no Labor Ready branch at that address. Is this a past location that you actually worked at, or are you just looking for reasons to pretend that all unemployed people are lazy bums?
21
Applying for food stamps just before you run off to the climbing gym? Am I the only one here that thinks this is a bit much? Enough with the expensive gym membership and the other luxury items you probably don't mention here. Yes, you may be eligible for food stamps, but I can't imagine that you are the most needy candidate for that type of assistance.
Just to echo what some others said here already; in the time of a recession, you take the work you can get. Now is not the time to be holding out for the dream job of a lifetime. If you have the luxury to go on a drive to clear your head, or a trip to the climbing gym or the high speed internet you likely have at your apartment, then you probably don't need such things as food stamps.
Just to echo what some others said here already; in the time of a recession, you take the work you can get. Now is not the time to be holding out for the dream job of a lifetime. If you have the luxury to go on a drive to clear your head, or a trip to the climbing gym or the high speed internet you likely have at your apartment, then you probably don't need such things as food stamps.
22
@14, ha ha.
People who google would know that 1120 John St is the street address of The Seattle Times.
People who google would know that 1120 John St is the street address of The Seattle Times.
23
@19
You are correct, I was thinking of the one a couple of blocks over at 219 Pontius, which also seems to be closed. My bad. I think 1120 John is actually The Seattle Times. Not all unemployed people, I don't know all unemployed people nor do all unemployed people whine about how they can't find anything that they are in love with.
@17
Sweeping up construction sites, holding stop signs, if she's lucky some light office work, cleaning up fire damage, throwing the belongings of someone who has been evicted out in the street.
@16
Then why the fuck is she whining. Is it all the stress of applying for 3 whole jobs a week, or having to check back more than once to be able to get her food stamps?
I guess I shouldn't really care about her or the others whining to The Stranger about it. But seriously, if you feel like a loser without a job, go do some day laboring you pussies.
You are correct, I was thinking of the one a couple of blocks over at 219 Pontius, which also seems to be closed. My bad. I think 1120 John is actually The Seattle Times. Not all unemployed people, I don't know all unemployed people nor do all unemployed people whine about how they can't find anything that they are in love with.
@17
Sweeping up construction sites, holding stop signs, if she's lucky some light office work, cleaning up fire damage, throwing the belongings of someone who has been evicted out in the street.
@16
Then why the fuck is she whining. Is it all the stress of applying for 3 whole jobs a week, or having to check back more than once to be able to get her food stamps?
I guess I shouldn't really care about her or the others whining to The Stranger about it. But seriously, if you feel like a loser without a job, go do some day laboring you pussies.
24
Lord, what's with all the puritanical resentment around here?
Sophia's gym habits are probably what helps her be an "optimist extraordinaire." I know I'd probably be in better spirits if I had an exercise regimen.
According to the Calvinist self-flagellation brigade here, unemployment during a recession means you should immediately stop doing anything that brings you any joy, and take any work you can find, up to and including running a "massage" parlor out of your apartment.
The worst part of this economic downturn has already been the toll it's taken on the vibrancy and strength of our personal lives. Many people will have to dramatically adjust their expectations in this regard in the years to come, but people say "stop spending money on things you like, now!" are just the small-minded victims of ressentiment.
Sophia's gym habits are probably what helps her be an "optimist extraordinaire." I know I'd probably be in better spirits if I had an exercise regimen.
According to the Calvinist self-flagellation brigade here, unemployment during a recession means you should immediately stop doing anything that brings you any joy, and take any work you can find, up to and including running a "massage" parlor out of your apartment.
The worst part of this economic downturn has already been the toll it's taken on the vibrancy and strength of our personal lives. Many people will have to dramatically adjust their expectations in this regard in the years to come, but people say "stop spending money on things you like, now!" are just the small-minded victims of ressentiment.
25
@21. what, you don't use insurance when you can? if you qualify for welfare, that is your money. if you, pluto, don't like that, then you have to work to change the law. until then, if someone qualifies for food stamps and can afford the gym, then they can get the former and climb at the latter.
26
@1 has a good point.
I still recommend taking some classes too, even if you elitists at SLOG look down on higher education and think she should be a purist and twiddle her thumbs playing Tomb Raider.
I still recommend taking some classes too, even if you elitists at SLOG look down on higher education and think she should be a purist and twiddle her thumbs playing Tomb Raider.
27
@21,
I take it you don't actually belong to a gym. Most offer special deals if you pay for one or two years up front. It's entirely possible that she's not paying anything per month for the gym at the moment.
@23,
How is she whining? She stills sounds relatively upbeat. Also, try getting it through your thick skull that if she does manual labor for $8/hour, she'll likely be taking a huge cut in income. If she works, she loses her unemployment insurance. Why should she take a shitty day labor job (while simultaneously taking a job from someone who actually needs it, such as someone who doesn't qualify for unemployment) when she'll be paid less and lose a lot of time that could be spent looking for a permanent job?
You are a sanctimonious turd.
I take it you don't actually belong to a gym. Most offer special deals if you pay for one or two years up front. It's entirely possible that she's not paying anything per month for the gym at the moment.
@23,
How is she whining? She stills sounds relatively upbeat. Also, try getting it through your thick skull that if she does manual labor for $8/hour, she'll likely be taking a huge cut in income. If she works, she loses her unemployment insurance. Why should she take a shitty day labor job (while simultaneously taking a job from someone who actually needs it, such as someone who doesn't qualify for unemployment) when she'll be paid less and lose a lot of time that could be spent looking for a permanent job?
You are a sanctimonious turd.
29
@25
I just rather see people that actually need the food stamps get the food stamps. It doesn't sound like she is in absolute need, but is rather taking advantage of a seriously strained social service system. She is in her right to apply but is that the socially responsible thing to do when you are not truly in need? Can I say for sure that she is or is not truly in need? No. But if she has the gas money to take mind clearing drives, pay gym membership dues, etc, then signs point to her not truly being in need. There are some that take whatever they can get regardless of the world and others around them. That might be you, 25; all about you. Your (and hers) prerogative. Then there are others that are cognizant of the situation around them and do not pull the trigger until they really need to.
@24
A gym membership is a luxury item. Exercise is not. She can clear her head by running around Greenlake, buying a $10 exercise ball and going to town. Spending money for a workout when you are in line for food stamps is bullshit. Have some pride. I couldn't imagine applying for food stamps while my fellow applicants around me might have slept in a bus stop the night before or the single dad couldn't feed his kip properly this week because Sophia got the last food stamp for the day. I would be embarrassed. But I'm not part of the "whatever I can get" crowd as some of you are.
I just rather see people that actually need the food stamps get the food stamps. It doesn't sound like she is in absolute need, but is rather taking advantage of a seriously strained social service system. She is in her right to apply but is that the socially responsible thing to do when you are not truly in need? Can I say for sure that she is or is not truly in need? No. But if she has the gas money to take mind clearing drives, pay gym membership dues, etc, then signs point to her not truly being in need. There are some that take whatever they can get regardless of the world and others around them. That might be you, 25; all about you. Your (and hers) prerogative. Then there are others that are cognizant of the situation around them and do not pull the trigger until they really need to.
@24
A gym membership is a luxury item. Exercise is not. She can clear her head by running around Greenlake, buying a $10 exercise ball and going to town. Spending money for a workout when you are in line for food stamps is bullshit. Have some pride. I couldn't imagine applying for food stamps while my fellow applicants around me might have slept in a bus stop the night before or the single dad couldn't feed his kip properly this week because Sophia got the last food stamp for the day. I would be embarrassed. But I'm not part of the "whatever I can get" crowd as some of you are.
30
@21
Yes, yes, you are right and I expected your obvious but lacking-depth analysis that she might have paid up front. Or she might not have. We simply just don't know. None of us here know all of the fantastic facts of Sophia's situation. Does she own a home or rent? Does she feed off of someone else's interenet? Does she do tricks for her daily cup o joe? Who knows? So without knowing all of these and other wonderfully specific and banal details of her life, those of us here comment on things based on limited info, posing arguments for the sake of discussion. But the reason your point lacks any meat is because her other posts provided plenty of information to support my point at this time; she has other luxuries in her life that tell us that she is not truly in need. If the gym membership is not one of them, then other things are. Still, thank you for pointing out different membership plans. If you are ever looking for work, you too can be one of those overbearing Membership Associates at 24 Hour Fitness. Still, ya missed the point.
Yes, yes, you are right and I expected your obvious but lacking-depth analysis that she might have paid up front. Or she might not have. We simply just don't know. None of us here know all of the fantastic facts of Sophia's situation. Does she own a home or rent? Does she feed off of someone else's interenet? Does she do tricks for her daily cup o joe? Who knows? So without knowing all of these and other wonderfully specific and banal details of her life, those of us here comment on things based on limited info, posing arguments for the sake of discussion. But the reason your point lacks any meat is because her other posts provided plenty of information to support my point at this time; she has other luxuries in her life that tell us that she is not truly in need. If the gym membership is not one of them, then other things are. Still, thank you for pointing out different membership plans. If you are ever looking for work, you too can be one of those overbearing Membership Associates at 24 Hour Fitness. Still, ya missed the point.
32
Uh oh. There's that homeless guy on the freeway ramp again. Should I give him some money? He's got a dog! If he can feed a dog, why's he need my money? And he's got shoes! If I had to choose between shoes and food . . . I mean COME ON! There's people in Africa eating sand. Can't wait to get home and rag on some unemployed dude through my witty Slog comments. Light's changed . . . bye.
33
I'm recently unemployed for the first time since I started working at 16. I like this series because it helps me feel like I'm NOT the only one out there. I've noticed a lot of replies to these unemployment stories come from employed people who seem to think they can dictate how an unemployed person lives. She paid into the unemployment fund; it's her money.
Do you folks stand behind EBT folks at Safeway and make noises about the steaks in their grocery basket?
Not one of these stories has come across to me as whining - they're just telling it how it is out there. Right now, it's freaking scary.
Do you folks stand behind EBT folks at Safeway and make noises about the steaks in their grocery basket?
Not one of these stories has come across to me as whining - they're just telling it how it is out there. Right now, it's freaking scary.
34
@Comte
The pot smoker seemed genuinely clueless.
Most the women seem like yuppies without jobs, which doesn't resonate well to blue collar males like myself.
The pot smoker seemed genuinely clueless.
Most the women seem like yuppies without jobs, which doesn't resonate well to blue collar males like myself.
35
it's true. this chick is annoying. who cares about her finding herself right now? she's young, seems attractive, dreamy-eyed, and she'll be fine. barf. her story is boring and regurgitates what all of us privileged, whitey, young, childless people approach life. the stranger masturbating itself again. How about a truly unique prespective? snore.
36
@30,
No, I didn't miss the point. Those services are in place to keep people from losing everything before they can get help. Five bucks says that you're one of those people who whines about those fat poor people. Too bad they don't put aside any money for a gym membership.
And high speed internet? Are you fucking kidding? How is she supposed to find a job without it?
No, I didn't miss the point. Those services are in place to keep people from losing everything before they can get help. Five bucks says that you're one of those people who whines about those fat poor people. Too bad they don't put aside any money for a gym membership.
And high speed internet? Are you fucking kidding? How is she supposed to find a job without it?
37
omg, why bother with sophia? i certainly didn't bother reading her ramblings or any of the comments. she does not care or is not worried about finding work b/c she is a spoiled rich kid. oops, cats outta the bag now. she does this all the time, quits a job and goes travel for a few months all the while maintaining a mortgage on nice houses in seattle. i'm not hating, don't get me wrong. its awesome, i wish i could do that. more power to her, its awesome, she should be proud but..... c'mon, this girl is hardly struggling. she never has and probably never will. you wonder why she is so happy? duh. shes NOT worried, haha........ girl owned a house and a new acura when she was a sophmore at wwu. :) this is like talking to bill gates about the recession....
39
@36
Such vulgar language - my, did I hit a nerve with you? Why do you have to bring obese people into this? Nice attempt at a deflection, but no, you assumption is wrong and entirely irrelevant. Once again, you don't see the point. I did not say she shouldn't use the internet as tool for getting a job. Do I have to get the crayons out so you can understand an argument? In times of financial need you do things to cut expenses. You go through levels of corrections to make sure you don't go poor and on to the streets. You cut costs (maybe go to the library for free internet (yes, you can use the internet and not pay for it!), you drive less, you cut out gym memberships and run/bike/swim with friends, etc etc etc. And if those things don't cut it, THEN you start to take advantage of the social services. You don't have to agree with my point, but do you at least get what I am saying? Doesn't seem like it if you are throwing into your argument obese people, making ridiculous assumptions and using the two together to voice your displeasure with my point. But please, do reply; your objections and thoughts are at least fun to read!
Such vulgar language - my, did I hit a nerve with you? Why do you have to bring obese people into this? Nice attempt at a deflection, but no, you assumption is wrong and entirely irrelevant. Once again, you don't see the point. I did not say she shouldn't use the internet as tool for getting a job. Do I have to get the crayons out so you can understand an argument? In times of financial need you do things to cut expenses. You go through levels of corrections to make sure you don't go poor and on to the streets. You cut costs (maybe go to the library for free internet (yes, you can use the internet and not pay for it!), you drive less, you cut out gym memberships and run/bike/swim with friends, etc etc etc. And if those things don't cut it, THEN you start to take advantage of the social services. You don't have to agree with my point, but do you at least get what I am saying? Doesn't seem like it if you are throwing into your argument obese people, making ridiculous assumptions and using the two together to voice your displeasure with my point. But please, do reply; your objections and thoughts are at least fun to read!
40
@39,
If she qualifies for public assistance, then she gets it. Your opinion of how people have to behave before they "deserve" social services is irrelevant. And, no, you haven't touched a nerve. I simply think you're an idiot.
If she qualifies for public assistance, then she gets it. Your opinion of how people have to behave before they "deserve" social services is irrelevant. And, no, you haven't touched a nerve. I simply think you're an idiot.
41
@40
Your debating skills are stellar.
And having worked in social services, I can tell you now that if she has a house like the other guy says she does, she won't get food stamps.
Thanks for the kind words. Poor guy, so sensitive, so inarticulate.
Your debating skills are stellar.
And having worked in social services, I can tell you now that if she has a house like the other guy says she does, she won't get food stamps.
Thanks for the kind words. Poor guy, so sensitive, so inarticulate.
42
@39. that might be what you do, but that is not the way the system is "supposed" to work. if it was "supposed" to work that way, then that would be the law. but it's not the law. not even close.
if you get laid off, you can file for unemployment. you can also cut your expenditures if you must, but you do not have to do so. not only do you not have to, but you are not obligated to. get over it.
finally, if she does take a job she is not qualified for before taking benefits, she may no longer qualify for those benefits. even the unemployment offices do not expect you to take the first job possible. the time they allow is so you can find a job that you are suited for.
give me a break.
and who cares if she's done it before or her parents bought her a car or a house. is the system is broke, try to fix it. otherwise, quit criticizing people who are using it, and doing so well within their rights.
if you get laid off, you can file for unemployment. you can also cut your expenditures if you must, but you do not have to do so. not only do you not have to, but you are not obligated to. get over it.
finally, if she does take a job she is not qualified for before taking benefits, she may no longer qualify for those benefits. even the unemployment offices do not expect you to take the first job possible. the time they allow is so you can find a job that you are suited for.
give me a break.
and who cares if she's done it before or her parents bought her a car or a house. is the system is broke, try to fix it. otherwise, quit criticizing people who are using it, and doing so well within their rights.
44
Oh dear... I am surprised to learn that I owned a brand new Acura. I thought it was a '91 that I purchased in '99. Or that I own multiple houses in Seattle. But I guess that you learn something new every day, even about yourself.
45
@43: Now that you mention it, I predict that this recurring feature will eventually result in at least two libel lawsuits before the end of the year. *sigh*
46
Why rag on people who take public assistance? Formerly employed people who are eligible have paid into the unemployment fund, most for quite sometime, for just these occasions. Why should anyone take a major hit to their life? Should I give up the gym membership and pay the early termination penalty? Should I deny every possible pleasure that gives me a reason for living? Why not just advise the unemployed to commit suicide?
To the shitbag who advises 'hitting the pavement' to look for work: are you a total idiot? That is the least likely way to find a job. As a hiring manager, a job applicant who tries to corner me in person or on the telephone is sure to have their resume end up in the recycling bin. So is applying for a job for which you are way overqualified in a down economy. I know you'll leave as soon as the economy improves or something better comes along. Acting desperate definitely doesn't help, and most hiring managers can smell desperation in an application. If I get a really long tragedy narrative in a cover letter or interview - it is over. I want the best person for the job, who won't steal from us, call in sick, or bail as soon as possible, or bring their tragedies into my worklife on a daily basis. And above all, do not lose your unemployment benefits to take a dead end low paying job too far outside of your career and skill set. It will hurt you in so many ways. Hold out, if at all possible, for something remotely useful on your resume or until your benefits expire.
No - you smug hairshirt-peddling jackasses - a jobseeker should not become desperate, ashamed, depressed, and exaggeratedly frugal while unemployed. If you are recently unemployed, make reasonable and timely cutbacks, but do not make yourself totally miserable. If you buy a fancy cheese every now and then with your food stamps, good for you! Keep that gym membership if you can. Preserve a few of your small luxuries and your self-respect. It makes a difference when you apply to and meet with prospective employers.
Finally, our social support system is totally inadequate. Many of us could lose our jobs anytime. But instead of a strong social safety net, we get billions for ineffective abstinence programs in our schools and unnecessary wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. I wish more of my taxes could have gone to the non-existent welfare queens....it takes a lot of hard work to stay on public benefits indefinitely AND own a Cadillac.
More...
To the shitbag who advises 'hitting the pavement' to look for work: are you a total idiot? That is the least likely way to find a job. As a hiring manager, a job applicant who tries to corner me in person or on the telephone is sure to have their resume end up in the recycling bin. So is applying for a job for which you are way overqualified in a down economy. I know you'll leave as soon as the economy improves or something better comes along. Acting desperate definitely doesn't help, and most hiring managers can smell desperation in an application. If I get a really long tragedy narrative in a cover letter or interview - it is over. I want the best person for the job, who won't steal from us, call in sick, or bail as soon as possible, or bring their tragedies into my worklife on a daily basis. And above all, do not lose your unemployment benefits to take a dead end low paying job too far outside of your career and skill set. It will hurt you in so many ways. Hold out, if at all possible, for something remotely useful on your resume or until your benefits expire.
No - you smug hairshirt-peddling jackasses - a jobseeker should not become desperate, ashamed, depressed, and exaggeratedly frugal while unemployed. If you are recently unemployed, make reasonable and timely cutbacks, but do not make yourself totally miserable. If you buy a fancy cheese every now and then with your food stamps, good for you! Keep that gym membership if you can. Preserve a few of your small luxuries and your self-respect. It makes a difference when you apply to and meet with prospective employers.
Finally, our social support system is totally inadequate. Many of us could lose our jobs anytime. But instead of a strong social safety net, we get billions for ineffective abstinence programs in our schools and unnecessary wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. I wish more of my taxes could have gone to the non-existent welfare queens....it takes a lot of hard work to stay on public benefits indefinitely AND own a Cadillac.
47
Well put, spoiled rich kid (#44). You should check on those extra houses, you might be owed some rent money.
Apparently the readers of the slog are not fans of people with a positive outlook on life.
To all of the whiners here, until a short time ago it wasn't that hard to get a house and if you are resourceful you can travel the world for pretty cheap (if you're really good, it's cheaper than being home).
Just to be clear, I do know Sophia. A lot of your accusations are way off base. Seriously, don't you guys have anything better to do with your time? Don't you have jobs?
Apparently the readers of the slog are not fans of people with a positive outlook on life.
To all of the whiners here, until a short time ago it wasn't that hard to get a house and if you are resourceful you can travel the world for pretty cheap (if you're really good, it's cheaper than being home).
Just to be clear, I do know Sophia. A lot of your accusations are way off base. Seriously, don't you guys have anything better to do with your time? Don't you have jobs?
48
The bureaucracy is even worse if they send you to a dispute resolution. They are wondering if I was working legally in the US while I was paying them premiums. It has been 10 weeks since I sent them all the stuff they asked for, and still I have not seen a cent. Every week, they send me a letter telling me that it may take up to six weeks to resolve. I am lucky that I have some savings. If I had to depend on those people, I would be homeless in the street right now. If they cannot look at what I sent to them within a reasonable length of time, they should just release the funds, and we will deal with their process when they find the time. There were no delays when I and my employer paid them preiums, there should be no delays when it is time for me to collect the benefits I am entitled to. It truly is shameless of them to behave in this way.
49
OMG, I could have written a similar article, myself! I especially understand the part about feeling like an "imposter," as not long ago, I experienced the same when I found myself driving through Seattle one day, during rush hour traffic. But how your story made me laugh, simply because I can empathize. Thank you for the spot of humor, in what is often a very gloomy process, during these tough economic times.
50
Hello everyone,
Regarding the climbing gym, Sophia is probably volunteering her time as a belayer so she gets membership in return. I doubt she pays for a membership.
Regarding the climbing gym, Sophia is probably volunteering her time as a belayer so she gets membership in return. I doubt she pays for a membership.
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