Unemployed

[MadHound]

Well, it's another day of being unemployed in this country. Now that I'm well into my fourth month of unemployment, let me clue you in on some things that are going on.

I'm battling depression. Being unemployed makes you question your own self worth. When no employer wants you, and you are either over or under qualified for any possible job you see in the papers, you start to wonder about just what you are worth.

Worse yet, you start thinking of yourself as a burden, a burden on your spouse, a burden on your family, possibly even a burden on society. You're apparently just another "useless eater" who isn't contributing monetarily to your family's finances.

You start to wonder what friends and family are actually thinking of you. Do they think less of you because you're not working? Do they pity you? Do they think you're just another lazy slob who isn't working?

You are strapped for funds, so the little things you used to take for granted are out, coffee, movies, books, all that and more are out. Being unemployed means being on a very strict, and limited budget, hoping, praying that you can continue this personal financial tightrope walk until you find a job. Sadly, many don't, and they fall into homelessness and true despair. This is your greatest fear when you are unemployed, losing it all and becoming a member of the underclass in this country.

Stress and anger are a big part of your life as well. Stress over not having a job, anger and frustration at the whole process of getting a job. Dealing with young twits half your age whose job you could do blindfolded, twits who dare to question your competence and experience, your very reason for existence, dangling a job just out of your reach only to yank it back when they've had their fun. All you can do is smile sickly and move along. Learning to deal with rejection is a quick and dirty lesson, one that many people simply can't deal with.

And don't get me started on how this interferes with your life plan. Unemployment when you're young isn't so bad, you've got years and decades to make up for the lost income. But long term unemployment when you're older completely fucks your world. Early retirement goes out the window, hell, retiring itself soon follows. Plans to make much needed repairs to the house, replace that ailing car, having a little fun, all those go out the window.

So you go from day to day, hoping that something will open up, discouraged when you open the classifieds to find more ads in the trust sales of foreclosed housing section than you do in the want ads. You are stuck in limbo, unable to get on with your life because without a job there simply isn't a way to move on.

This isn't about me, I'll be fine, one way or the other. I've dealt with this sort of unemployment, albeit thirty years ago, so I know what to expect.

The point is tens of millions of people in this country are dealing with this same situation, and many are failing, and in failing they fall into despair and desperation. My situation is being played out over and over throughout the country, each and every day.

This is not healthy, not for individuals, not for our country, and this situation needs to be changed now. While people's lives are hanging in the balance, the leadership in this country plays political games with people's lives. Government says that it is private industry that is at fault, they need to create jobs. Yet why should private industry create jobs when there is no demand in this economy. What, you expect them to create jobs out of the goodness of their heart?

FDR recognized the corrosive effects of long term unemployment on individuals and our society. That is why he implemented massive public jobs programs such as the WPA. This is what needs to be done now. Our infrastructure is badly in need of updating and repair, and a jobs program would address this problem. Better yet, it would create millions of jobs, lift millions out of despair, and generate the demand that is needed for private industry to expand and start hiring again. This should be the top agenda item for Democrats in the White House and Congress. Buckle down, gird their loins and fight with all they have to start putting people to work, that's what needs to be done. If not, millions of people are going to continue in misery. Eventually, our social fabric, already in tatters around the edge, will be ripped to shreds.

This is what unemployment is, a corrosive cancer that eats at the heart and souls, not just of individuals, but our society as a whole. It is time for our so called leaders to stop dancing around the issue, giving us pious platitudes and half measures. Otherwise, we're all going to be treated to the sad spectacle of a once proud work force being beaten into submission, and worse yet, hopelessness, despair and yes, even death.

Is this what we want? If not, then we need to demand that Washington do the right thing, the just thing, and start bringing that much promised hope home to workers across this country.

[IBEWVET]

1. Stay strong, go out and do

something for yourself that is cheap, Splurge on a good cup of coffee or something. I wish I could say everything will be ok, but I can't. If my job went away, I would be in the same boat, over sixty and health issues, you can guess what the chances of a job are. I would probably have to retire on S.S. early. Do try to keep your spirits up, something could show up any day. Good Luck:)

[MadHound]

4. Thanks, but like I said, this isn't about me,

This is what is being repeated around the country, day in, day out, by tens of millions of people. Me, I'll be fine, my wife and I have always lived our lives and planned our finances with the possibility of only one of us working in mind. My mental health is strong, and I have the advantage of being able to to go out everyday and finding peace in nature.

But when you have tens of millions of people out of work, this is simply not healthy for our society. Many, perhaps most of those who are unemployed don't know how to deal with their situation in a healthy manner. They fall in despair and depression. Worse yet, their finances, beaten to a pulp from living paycheck to paycheck, now simply collapse and these people are out in the streets, homeless and out of hope.

What this piece is about is simply a plea to put pressure on our leadership in Washington, a plea to stop bailing out Wall St. and to do something about those of us who are down and out on Main Street.

Me, I'll be fine. I'll walk my dogs and watch a hawk making off with a snake for dinner. I will watch the stars and feel the air change as summer turns to fall. I will enjoy these small spectacles and my spirit will soar. Even unemployed, I am better off than millions of my fellow citizens. It is time for Obama and Congressional Dems to do something, otherwise millions will be lost and our country will simply go to hell. It's that simple.

[Lost4words]

11. +1!

[The Midway Rebel]

2. Underemployment here.

Almost as destructive and unhealthy,

Hang in there, to you and everyone in your shoes.

[MadHound]

5. You do so as well,

Underemployment is as destructive and unhealthy as unemployment. Sadly, I think that is where our society is headed, with most of the work force either unemployed or underemployed, willing to do anything for whatever pittance our employers deign to give us.

Good luck, and thanks.

[Lost4words]

3. well that pretty much sums up my life.

meanwhile the never ending calls from creditors continue all day

[MadHound]

6. Gotta love the creditor calls

I'm lucky, my wife has a decent job, and though our budget is tight, tight, we're still able to pay our bills. Thirty years ago, during the Reagan recession I was on my own and got those creditor calls. I eventually just discontinued my phone service, thus saving what little money I had and helping restore my sanity.

[Lost4words]

10. same boat,

after time even using a gallon of gas becomes difficult, zero unnecessary trips, no eating out, no purchases other than the ultimate minimum to survive, then if you are lucky you may have acquired some personal treasures over the years and off to ebay you go, but the items have lost some of their value because so many others are selling their treasures for the same reasons, so those who are unaffected by this economy are able to benefit from your misfortune.

I am lucky many others have things much worse. Its a maddening situation, too young to die too old to work, thats the message I'm feeling at 56.

good luck to you
:hi:

[justabob]

7. I am employed but

just barely. I work part time waiting tables with a bad back, really bad back. (no insurance) I live with the constant fear of my back problems flaring up. I am one or two spasms away from total ruin. If I miss a shift or two it is over for me financially. (I am on track to make less than 10K this year) I am chronically overdrawn and have cut everything to the bone. I am waiting tables because it is all that is available to me right now.... at least I won't starve working in a restaurant, and with *some* cash coming in daily I can juggle the bills etc, but it is very much a tightrope, and there are many times, like right now, when one is left hanging by one bloody hand to that rope just praying that the next person doesn't step on your hand going across behind you. The anxiety and fear, plus all the self doubt you mentioned, being a burden takes a serious toll. People can't live this this.

[Yavin4]

8. I Was UE Like Yourself Up Until Four Months Ago. Here's How I Battled The Depression: I Volunteered

I volunteered for a non-profit agency that assists children, and it was great. I work in a quasi-IT field, and that volunteering opportunity gave me a chance to learn and develop new IT skills.

If I were you, I would look into volunteering for a non-profit. Lord knows with all of the budget cuts going around, they will be hungry for the help. It will get you out of the house, and it will build up your self-esteem.

Moreover, you can use your experience to promote yourself. Major corporations are big sponsors of these non-profits. Do some good work there, and you may catch the attention of a prime decision-maker who will offer you a position.

Good luck.

[druidity33]

14. It's good karma too! nt.

[Dawgs]

25. +1.

:hi:

[conspirator]

9. Don't feel like that. This planet and its resources belongs to you as much as anyone else

Thinks of how many rich parasites, are just rich because they have inherited the right to live without working and exploit others.
This life is a lottery. The guys who got the winning tickets are made of flesh and bone just as you are.

[Smarmie Doofus]

12. K and R . OK , you've defined the problem and part...

... at least.. of the solution:

>>>>That is why he implemented massive public jobs programs such as the WPA.>>>>>>>



But.... the Republican Party ( and part of the Democratic Party; unfortunately it's the part that presently holds down the executive branch) seems to think we need to *privatize* everything. Social Security; public schools.

And squander billions on foreign wars . That will not end anytime soon. ( And privatize THEM, btw, as much as possible.)



Just some idle observations.

Outstanding OP, btw.

[HughBeaumont]

13. Employed, but in my third year with no raise in pay.

Also witnessed long-time friends get dropped like a bad habit, through no fault of their own. That didn't make me feel happy that I survived; it only made me think "how long is it going to be before it IS me?"

I was laid off in May of 2001, during the first Bewsh recession (the FIRST Bewsh recession . . . speaks volumes of the success of "trickle down", doesn't it?). It felt the same way - like there was no light at the end of the tunnel and you just wonder if it's ever going to get any better. I went three months without a single interview. After September 11th, I went to D.C. because I just had to get away. It was like a warzone morgue there. Tanks in the street. The White House cordoned off. Military everywhere. I don't know whether that's just what I needed, but I got calls from two banks that week. I was lucky to get a job a month later, which I'm still at by some miracle since this bank failed and got bought out.

People seem to act as if this crap economy is a new phenomenon. The bare truth of the matter is that this economy has been in a state of shite since around 1998. When the effects of NAFTA, blue and white collar offshoring took hold, thousands of displaced workers turned into a few million displaced workers. Stagnant wages became the norm. High unemployment became a standard. Boom/Bubble/CRASH wasn't a ride or a soft drink - it was our economic process and it happened in a 7 year pattern.

My only statement to you and everyone else out there is this: it's going to get better, because we have nowhere to go but UP. If every person in this country has to be reached by any means necessary, they all have to be told that the only way this is ever going to work is by a bottom-UP rebuild. Go viral and tell everyone via video, forwards, whatever, about your story. Many will come forward and follow suit.

There needs to be a massive jobs program, one that emphasizes permanent construction and rebuild. And as someone wise here once said - "It really comes down to ending these two wars". End the two wars, tax the wealthy, end the visa racket, drop the "Trickle Down" fantasy and start caring about this COUNTRY again.

It's either the wealthy's "Trickle Down" or this country's long term future. You cannot have both. It's either "Laissez-Fail" or let us ALL succeed. You cannot have both.

This country's people cannot wait any longer. There is only NOW and the bills in front of them. And those things ain't gettin' paid if you ain't hiring, private sector AND government. If they want to make this country a debt ridden sinkhole, then they (and the rest of us) will watch as we become a low-wage, flea-market second-rate HOLE.

Or, we can do the right thing, ignore the needs of the wealthy and help everyone out of this mess right NOW.

[inna]

38. "it's going to get better, because we have nowhere to go but UP" - optimism appreciated,

but all evidence points to the exactly opposite conclusion, sorry.

[FBaggins]

15. Hang in there MH! We're pulling for you.

What line of work were you in?

[raccoon]

16. Great post. I've been in that position, and it does make you feel worthless.

Even though you know intellectually that it isn't your fault.

[Joe Chi Minh]

17. K&R

[izquierdista]

18. Go work in the garden

Plants can give you more reassurance in these unpredictable times that fellow humans cannot. It's just about time here in the South to put in the fall vegetables: cabbage, beets, turnips, carrots. Grow some of those and you will eat better with fresh vegetables and save some money too.

The fact that the jobs have been sent away to be done for a dollar an hour shouldn't get to you. You didn't send them away, and if you don't participate in the "Made in China" economy, you won't be keeping them away. Join the underground American economy and buy second-hand. When you do that, none of your sales dollar gets added to the trade deficit.

I've been at this unemployment thing going on 7 years; I've been watching the economy bump along downhill for 30 years, so I know it's not coming back. Go out to that garden and get some fresh air and remember the words of Chance the Gardener: "There will be growth in the spring".

[MadHound]

22. Oh, I've got a garden, along with an orchard, berries and mushrooms that I grow

You're right, it does help to work in the garden. It also helps to hang with my animals and there are many other coping mechanism that I employ. I'm fine.

But sadly, there are too many millions of unemployed who aren't fine, who don't have gardens or pets or much, if any, support system. These are the people that in real hell, and they are the reason why we need to have our government get into the business of creating jobs, not just waiting for them to magically appear.

[Starry Messenger]

19. k & r

[wisteria]

20. I agree with you. Being one of the unemployed is bad, but when you are one of the older ones

on unemployment is is worse. Young hiring agents making you feel inadequate and agility and speed testing that favors those who are younger. Even a degree doesn't seem to matter any more.

[Mimosa]

21. Madhound, we do need a WPA (and we support you.) n/t

[lumberjack_jeff]

23. People confuse "what are you?" with "what do you do for a living?"

Unemployment hasn't changed the first question. If you were an individual of worth five months ago, you are still one today, regardless of your income.

[MadHound]

24. True that,

However this society puts an unusual emphasis on what job a person has. Even if you buy into your own self worth, society at large thinks you're worthless without a job.

[lumberjack_jeff]

32. It is difficult, but not impossible to recognize your own self-worth despite social conditioning. nt

[4lbs]

26. I was unemployed for 3 years before I began just working for myself, and slowly built up my own

little business.

From 2002 to 2005.

[shanti]

27. i'm so sorry...

:( my sons are going thru this now too. one of them is very depressed. so many people are hurting now.

[RockaFowler]

28. I hope everything works out for you and you get a job soon

My hubby is in the same situation that you are. I pray that everyday we can get out of this mess. Good Luck :hug:

[snooper2]

29. What do you do for a living?

Shitload of jobs in the Dallas metroplex..

[walldude]

30. Sorry you are going through this MH...

It's not like i can do much for you but if you need some books or something feel free to PM me, I'd be glad to send you some stuff. There are 5 readers in my house and I have more books than I do space to keep them in...

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Timbuk3]

33. Can I offer some advice?

I've been unemployed since January. I'm OK. No worries about me. But I can understand completely what you're saying.

So, remember to take care of you.

You got guilt-free days off when you were working. Take guilt-free days off from job searching.

Everyone can walk. Find a nice wooded trail, a bike path, whatever. Go out walking and get exercise and sun.

TALK TO PEOPLE. Not on "the tubes", in real life. Anyone. Neighbors, postmen, store clerks. Just don't fucking isolate yourself. Better yet, volunteer. Two days a week, go into an animal shelter, a political campaign, a hospital, an old folks home.

Stay active. Prove to your self you're worth more than you think. CHALLENGE yourself.

You could be unemployed a long time. You're NOT alone. Don't let it get to you. It's not you. It's the Reagan economy.

Reagan, and later Bush, WANTED you to feel like crap about yourself.

Angry, yet?

[Juche]

34. I've been through it

I am young, but I know what it feels like to deal with the stress and anger.

I know logically that "I" didn't collapse the economy. The financial industry did. But it really doesn't help. And that is a sad part. Like sexual assault victims, those of us hurt by this economy are so busy blaming and hating ourselves to stand up to the people who are hte truly evil ones who are out doing it again and again.

[KillCapitalism]

35. I'll just tell you this...

Don't blame yourself for being unemployed, seriously.

You're unemployed because of a broken system and because many millions of jobs have been sent overseas. Don't believe the media lies, they say there a 6 job seekers for every job out there, but I've seen studies that say it's more like 40-50 seekers for each job.

[Hannah Bell]

36. knr

[MrScorpio]

37. You'll make it, Man

Things gotta get better