Unemployed DUers check-in

[AllentownJake]

Out of work since July 2009.

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. Checking in! July 2009

:hi:

[unhappycamper]

2. October 2009. n/t

[DavidDvorkin]

3. May, 2009

One small contract since then, but no state unemployment benefits.

[Captain Hilts]

4. Aye aye!

[sharesunited]

5. Devoting all my time to drinking, gambling and whoring now.

[Robb]

19. A career unto itself. Bravo. nt

[Ruby the Liberal]

31. Where can I send a resume?

:D

[bamacrat]

6. Had to quit my job September 30th.

Moved across country with Mrs. bamacrat. Been looking applied to 10+ jobs in the past three weeks, continuing to search and wait. Thought it might be nice to have a little time off but this sucks I havent been unemployed for 10 years. Ive had two jobs alot of that time as well. Ive got 2 years of work experience since I graduated college but feel very lost.

[jpak]

7. Will you refuse all Obama-Dem giveaways to the long term unemployed?

Will you refuse food stamps?

Extended UI benefits?

COBRA subsidies?

Job-retraining/education benefits?

Stimulus-funded jobs?

:shrug:

:sarcasm:

[AllentownJake]

8. Dude

No where in this thread does it say anything about Obama...you cheerleaders are getting a little crazy.

[jpak]

12. answer the question

dude

[Tempest]

Start your own thread and ask the question

Stop trying to hijack this one.

[AllentownJake]

17. You guys are getting really nasty

[jpak]

23. I just want to know how unemployed Obama critics feel about his programs for the unemployed

nasty?

not

[AllentownJake]

25. Start your own thread

It is an entirely different topic.

At the end of the day, people want to work, despite what republicans and I guess now some democrats as evidenced by a nasty little response to me was sent on another thread.

People don't want government programs, they want jobs.

[jpak]

27. What government programs would you eliminate to "create jobs"?

:shrug:

[AllentownJake]

29. Start your own thread and I'll talk to you

otherwise you are going on ignore for trying to hijak a simple thread for DUers to share their unemployment stories.

[jpak]

34. I was tryng to get you to share your thoughts about Obama's policies regarding unemployment

I guess you do not want to share

[AllentownJake]

35. You will not be hijaking another one of my threads

Bye Bye.

[jpak]

37. (((Your))) threads?

R U the Gatekeeper?

:rofl:

[Tempest]

64. Yes, HIS thread

He started it, he's responsible for it.

Or are you one of those who believes you shouldn't be held responsible for something you start?

[jpak]

70. Yes, you are not supposed to be critical of an OP - ever

nope! nope! nope!

[Tempest]

91. You're some nasty piece of work

You personally attacked the poster and should have been deleted from the thread.

[hfojvt]

48. I have a job for the government

and I don't really want it. What I want is about $12,000 a year plus health insurance. If I could get that without mopping floors, hauling tables and stacking chairs, I would gladly do so.

But I think it's a valid point. You spend considerable time complaining abou Obama and Democrats, but cannot admit that they have done some things that are helping you right now.

[AllentownJake]

51. People are proud

despite what this poster might think. No one likes to admit they are relying on the government for assistance even if they earned it through the taxes they have paid all their lives. I had trouble filing for unemployment. It actually made me sick to my stomach when I had to do it.

I still do work. I help out on political campaigns and I'm going to start helping out a non-profit next week. I just don't get paid that much for it.

I have a degree, certifications, and a solid experience record.

It hurts not to be able to provide for myself...and posts like that feels like someone is rubbing it in my face.

[hfojvt]

65. to me, unemployment is qualitatively different

it is insurance, not welfare. If your furnace blows up and destroys your house, you wouldn't have any qualms collecting a check for the damages. Same thing if your car gets wrecked.

Although I have paid taxes for food stamps and TANF for many years (sort of, for many years I only pay FICA and gasoline taxes) those taxes went to pay for the people who were getting it, not into some fund that I have a right to should I need it.

[Autumn]

26. I have been un-employed too long

none of them are any help to me.:shrug:

[jpak]

30. I'm sorry to hear that

:(

[SammyWinstonJack]

38. Jobs would be better, no?

:shrug:

[jpak]

40. Jobs would be better, Yes - and that's what Obama's policies are all about

n/t

[Raineyb]

42. Haven't seen the uptick in jobs yet. But I have a lot of former co-workers

who are still unemployed. So if it's all the same to you I'll be keeping my pom-poms locked up thank you.

[jpak]

45. All my frends etc. that were under- or unemployed this summer are back to work full time

or have retuned to school with gov't. financial aid provided under the stimulus bill.

Some of them now have jobs that were directly related to the stimulus package.

It is working.

[Raineyb]

46. Well my friends are still under or unemployed.

And I'm in school on my own dime hoping that my former employer won't screw me out of the money they promised to pay for my return to school.

And as the official unemployment rate is either at double digits or flirting with double digits I think it's more than a tad premature to be popping champagne. (Which is not in my meager budget anyway.)

[jpak]

49. Unemployment in my state declined in October

The recovery is spotty but it's on track.

Hang in there.

[Raineyb]

39. I prefer being able to find a job. Or at least being allowed to finish

school without having to go broke to do it.

And a single payer health system so I don't have to come out of a rather empty pocket to pay for it.

[jpak]

41. Agreed

n/t

[StarfarerBill]

28. "Giveaways", my ass.

I started working in 1985, and have been working or looking for work constantly since then. I've paid my taxes, and have had few benefits from my employers, including firm-provided health insurance only two-and-half-years out of that 24 years of working.

I earned those extended benefits, just as every laid-off or fired worker has earned them. Our labor and our need entitles us to them.

You want to talk about giveaways? Talk about the trillions handed to corporations for no other reason than to keep their profits at obscene levels...while they dispose of us workers by the millions.

[jpak]

33. I was being sarcastic

I will put the sarcasm thingy in that post

[debbierlus]

61. Well stated!

[republicansarewhores]

73. Trillions for corporate welfare.

Damn straight.

RAW

[Greyskye]

36. "Giveaways"?

My last job lasted almost 25 years before I was laid off. I fucking earned those extended UI benefits, COBRA subsidies, etc.

My wife, who is a teacher, just received some of that stimulus money.

We are both huge Obama supporters.

Why don't you take your agenda and peddle it someplace else.

[TexasObserver]

47. You're really going to dump on those at DU who are unemployed?

Your implication is that these unemployed should first have to acknowledge publicly to you if they're utilizing any of these programs. Then you want them to kiss the royal ring for throwing them a bone.

Start a thread about your topic. This thread about those who are unemployed should be about THEM, not about your problem, real or imagined, with them.

[jpak]

52. Nope, I want to dump on unemployed DUers who criticize Obama's jobs/economic policies

but still take advantage of everything Obama and the Democratic Congress have done for the unemployed since 2007

This is as good a place as any to do it.

[TexasObserver]

55. Thanks for owning up to it.

One can appreciate the benefits without thinking the president is doing enough. I've been generally supportive of the president's actions regarding the economy, but he has not done enough about unemployment. As with many things, he seems detached from the reality of unemployment for many Americans. He DOESN'T feel their pain, and apparently, you don't either.

Bashing the employed for taking benefits, but demanding more action, sounds a lot like what the GOP talking heads always say about the benefits that go to the lesser among us.

[jpak]

57. Obama is "detached" from the reality of unemployment? Wow!

If that was true, I missed something big during the campaign and after the inauguration.

[TexasObserver]

71. Yes. Where is a WPA? Where is a program to get jobs now?

I'll give you an example of how the Stimulus package is not working.

I represent a private foundation that acts as the non profit partner in the construction of low income housing apartments. They provide the equity capital and arrange for federal or state funds to help build the apartments and get supplements for the rents. The complex qualifies for funds, and they have a great project that is "shovel ready." We should be able to get a half million for the project, and have been trying for six months to do so. But they are not getting the money out fast enough.

That's one small example of one project that would produce ten jobs for ten workers for one year, maybe more. I'm sure eventually, they'll get the money, but eventually doesn't help the people here out of work.

[jpak]

77. Yes - evidence of an evil lazy detached uncaring Obama! Let them eat cake!

Not

Here in Maine, our Democratic governor had no problem getting and spending federal stimulus money - and creating thousands of jobs.

Maine was the only state to allocate ALL its transportation-related stimulus money this summer - of the 71 highway and transportation projects that qualified for stimulus money, 64 were started and 27 completed in the last six months..

Stimulus money has been allocated to paper mills, higher education, weatherization programs, wind farms, nonprofits and for biomass heating systems for schools/hospitals/businesses, cash 4 clunkers and on and on.

Maine has spent $400 million of the $2 billion in stimulus $$$ it will receive from the detached Obama administration.

The difference between Maine and Texas is that Maine has a Democratic governor that wants to use stimulus money to create and save jobs - Texas does not.

And it has worked - Maine's unemployment rate declined in September 2009 while it increased nationally during the same period.

Thank you detached uncaring Obama!!!!11111

[Autumn]

9. March 30, 2007.

Sucks.

[NRaleighLiberal]

10. Let go April 2007 (24 yrs Pharma). Lucky to have found a bit of consulting.

[TK421]

11. Out of work since June 2009

:hi: I've applied to five different places and haven't gotten one call yet

[supernova]

13. Laid off 10/2008

Currently contemplating setting up my own writing business, applying to grad school in the spring, and applying for anything I can just to get by at the moment.

I was thinking of taking up Dickens strain of social justice fiction. There is a goldmine of laissez-faire evilness in the present waiting to be given the Bleak House treatment.

[tridim]

14. No work since March..

and unpaid on a 10 month contract prior to that.

I'm trying to start a new buisness, but the State of Colorado is making it incredibly difficult. Think "new gold rush".

[StarfarerBill]

15. Since September, 2008

I have been periodically employed by a local architect (I'm a drafter), but after about a month I was down to four hours this week...and it's uncertain whether he'll have any more work in the near future.

Keepin' on keepin' on... Good luck to all those struggling here!

[sunwyn]

16. July 2008

[LiberalEsto]

18. October 2008

But I'd been steadily losing hours over the previous year or two. No unemployment benefits.
In 2009, the only money I've earned has been through a very small amount of freelance writing in the past month.
Luckily my husband has a job now (knock on wood), but when he was downsized two days before last Christmas we were terrified.

[lib2DaBone]

20. Out since Novmber 2007

State of Florida cut off my $98-a-week benefits. Said I was "overpaid". Now..nothing..

[Angry Dragon]

21. August 2009 .......... age ..... late fifties

[MiniMe]

22. March 2009

[spiritual_gunfighter]

24. Out of work since March 2009

have been delivering pizza's part time but that isn't work.

[Greyskye]

32. Laid off April 1, 2009, after 24.8 years.

No job prospects due to an extremely specialized career choice.

Since I'm in my late 40's, it's an interesting time to try a new line of work.

[Canuckistanian]

43. March 2009

High Tech casualty.

[CurtEastPoint]

44. March 2009. Have had 3 interviews, no offers. n/t

[hfojvt]

50. October of 2006 I started working part time

I applied for other full time jobs besides the janitor one that I get to work. I applied to be Main Street director (no interview), assistant librarian (no interview), dog catcher and finance assistant. The last two jobs were with my current employer so I was guaranteed an interview, but did not get either job in spite of my five years with my current employer and my high qualifications. The person who got the finance job did not have a master's degree in economics or even a B.A. in math. As far as the dog catcher job goes, I have captured seven dogs on my own as a civilian, so I think I have demonstrated some skills in this area.

[Thickasabrick]

53. Out of work since August 2009 nt

[gblady]

54. graduated Grad School in December 2008......

no "real job" yet....have done some on and off caregiving which helps...
but have to ask the ex for help....he's very gracious and I am so appreciative.

Soon.....something's gunna break my way!

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

56. December 2008.

They laid off my entire department. I was working in England and had 28 days to leave the country. Back in the US now. Just got my first interview scheduled on Monday, and it looks like a good bet. Guess it's time to shave off the grizzly beard.

[tonysam]

58. Wrongfully terminated April 21, 2008

Looking for a lawyer to sue the school district's ass while trying to get my life together--not easy when you're nearly 55 and have no other means of support.

[saracat]

59. Both my husband and I have been unemployed for too, long to get any benefits.

We are draining our retirement to live.Our healthcare alone is over 1200 a month and we wouldn't be eligable for the po.

[TommyO]

60. I'm not unemployed today, but after November 28th I will be

I received notice last Friday that after several decades with my current employer I've been "selected" to no longer continue my employment.

[Samurai_Writer]

62. Unemployed since July 23, 2009

Massive layoff at my company resulted in 1/2 the employees in my department being laid off, the other 1/2 reassigned to other departments. Three other companies also had layoffs during that same time, so the market is flooded with IT professionals with very few job openings in the area.

Taking that into consideration, I started going back to school. I will be getting my RN certification after nursing school... in two years. I just hope I can survive that long, especially after my unemployment runs out.

[KG]

63. laid-off Aug 2008 - at age 49, the first time i ever collected umemp comp.

[Blue_In_AK]

66. I guess I'm unemployed,

but my legal transcription work declined right about the same time as my social security started, so I may be more accurately described as "retired."

[XemaSab]

67. August 2007

x(

[Prism]

68. Unemployed but productive

Living on savings and going back to school for spring term. In the interim, volunteering to help the homeless and preparing to do some intern work with early childhood education. I prepped for this, so I'm much better off than most in these times.

[earthboundmisfit]

69. December 2008

Almost a year now.

[republicansarewhores]

72. Freelance film and tv producer, editor, nothing steady since March of 2008.

When I edited four programs for the History Channel. Disability is my only steady stream of income now since I am an amputee, although I have been one since 1986. I am proud and would rather be working steadily in my field of expertise and training.

RAW

[Libertas1776]

74. Checking

my broke, unemployed ass in (since June 2009)
:hi:

[Paula Sims]

75. Nov 16, 2008 for my husband

And he's in the petrochemical engineering business. NOTHING out there. Banks aren't willing to lend and those companies that do have money are afraid of pulling the trigger on projects (some with a guaranteed 100% return in 4 months). Those of his friends that are working are working twice as long and have to take unpaid vacation days. We're in Chicago and can't move because we're supporting our parents.

On edit: oh yea, he's 55. . .

At least I'm employed.

[Efilroft Sul]

76. First day of autumn, 2009.

Work slowed down at the ad agency. Not enough new jobs, and the clients sat on stuff in review. I can be recalled, but it's up to the clients to move their butts.

I'm not counting on it. I'm looking like crazy, but all I get is reject letters for being overqualified for 20 years of experience.

The good news is that if worst came to worst, my wife and I can pay off our house and get by with greatly tightened belts. We've been fortunate in that regard.

I hope for the best for everyone else facing worse predicaments.

[ddeclue]

78. Newly unemployed again... as of Monday.

Was also unemployed last year and earlier this year.

[Starry Messenger]

79. I just found out today

funding for my position has been cut for 2010-2011. I have work until May and then who knows.

[ohheckyeah]

80. October 2007. n/t

[GoCubsGo]

81. June 30, 2007

I had couple of temp jobs since then. They are over. Nothing else in sight.

Oh, and I was at my job for 20 years. I have an M.S. degree. Almost as worthless as my B.S.

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

82. January, 2009

totally doing the re-training thing, though.

[murdoch]

83. Laid off January 2009

My situation is better than a lot of people, not that it's any fun. I'm unmarried and don't have to worry about supporting anyone.

I am not completely unemployed, I get some part-time work here and there, so technically, I'm not even considered in that 10% unemployment number

[PSzymeczek]

84. Unceremoniously dumped by the Federal government

March 17, 2006.

[CakeGrrl]

85. Laid off February 2009

I was lucky to have a good severance that's taken me through most of this time before I need to file unemployment claims, and I still have full healthcare benefits for a few more months.

[elshiva]

86. Quit my part-time job in April 2008. I am in a lot of physical pain

and mentally ill. Not many jobs for me to do now, I've tried.

[nc4bo]

87. .

Still having problems getting contract work.

Got damn it all to hell.

[njlib]

88. 2/13/09

Was fired after almost 8 years for going to nursing school at night. Graduation date, if all goes as planned is 1/21/10, and then I'll be trying to find an LPN job with no experience. Everyone wants at least a year, but how do you get experience if no one will hire you?? I'm extremely stressed about passing my graduation/licensing exams, but even more stressed about how long it'll take to find a job. Oh, and I'm 43 years old...no spring chicken for sure!

One of my friends was laid off last Thursday. The entire company closed...she's 58 and was the "baby" of the company because she was only there 8 years. She said the majority of employees were there for 20+ years, that this was the one & only job they've ever had.

Another friend's been out of work since 9/15/08, has sent out over 100 resumes and gotten nothing! He went from being a VP making $130K/year to having Sears offer him a job where he'd be responsible for supervising 18 employees, in addition to a laundry list of other duties, for $11.40/hour! He's 50.

[Orangeone]

89. May 2009 nt

[juno jones]

90. I've been fitfully underemployed for over a year now

and my DH hasn't had steady employment for over two years now. Right now, it's the slow season for his industry and there's no work to be had.

I just love the 'givaways' guy upthread. He obviously has never had to apply and qualify for the gracious aid of the state before.

[babydollhead]

92. unemployable? check

[tabbycat31]

93. June 2008 here

but I went back to school instead of looking for new work in the same field.

[Kansas Wyatt]

94. Averaged less than 20 hrs/wk this year & laid off Sept. 1

Wall Street & Washington must be drained, so we can occupy ourselves with chopping up snakes.

[Blue Diadem]

95. My husband has been unemployed since Feb. 09

I'm recuperating from surgery done a little over a week ago. Won't be able to look for work myself until at least the new year.