The first time I found myself in a position to file for
unemployment was a real humble moment. I
had been ‘downsized’ from a company that said they were closing their
doors. I called my dad as I left the
office that final day and was sobbing as I told him I was ‘fired’. I’m putting those words in quotes, because
depending on my mood, I tend to tell the story a little differently.
Being downsized implies the workload decreased and/or my
position had become redundant. Being
fired implies I did something wrong.
Anytime we are let go from a position we can’t help but wonder why, and
if we did something wrong. For purposes
of this story, however, I’m going to vary between both as it is relevant.
As I was on the phone with my dad, he said the first thing I
should do was file for unemployment. I
became indignant and said no way was I going to file, I am fully capable of
working and if this company couldn’t see that (fired) I would find someone who
would! My dad helped level set me by
explaining that I did nothing wrong (downsized) and that until I find another
position I was fully able to file for, and collect unemployment (downsized),
unless my actions caused my termination (fired). Since I was in fact downsized, I went ahead
and filed for unemployment.
Every time I called in to collect they asked if I had been
able, willing and available to work full time those previous two weeks. Every time, I answered yes.
This scenario brings me to a point that I see becoming more
and more prevalent: people filing for
and collecting unemployment while not actively looking for work. I have heard everything from “I’m in school
and this helps pay my bills” to “I have (however much) left on unemployment so
I’m not in a rush to find something”.
Regardless of their ‘reason’ (c’mon, these are all excuses for not
working), the bottom line is they are able, but NOT willing or available for
full time work. Therefore, they should
be disqualified for unemployment. I
would hate for the benefits to go away for those who truly need them, versus
those who aren’t working and actually choose not to.
If the state had other controls in place to prevent taking
advantage of the system, I wonder what the unemployment rates would look
like. I wonder if those going to school,
or waiting until their unemployment ran out, would actually find work that
would suit their schedules/needs. I see
‘help wanted’ signs all over town. It’s
hard to walk past a restaurant that doesn’t have one hanging in the
window. It may not be your ideal job, I
get that, but it’s honest work for honest money.
What these people are doing is wrong. The laws dictate you
MUST be able, willing and available for full time work to collect unemployment
wages.
If this post upsets you, please note that it should.
