I jumped on the 38BX express bus home. Even though the bus was packed, I spotted my friend Megan and gave her a wave. She motioned for me to make my way over. I squished my way through to the middle of the bus and gave her a pat on the back.
“I got laid off today,” she said.
This conversation is almost routine with me now–given I know so many people who are unemployed. I told her I was sorry, I told her I’d look out for any jobs that might interest her.
We continued to chat. I fired off all my data points.
First thing, go to the unemployment site and sign up for unemployment. She shrugged. “I don’t think you can collect unemployment when you get severance.”
I shook my head. “There are all these pre-conceived notions about unemployment. Truth be told, I quit my first job and I still collected unemployment. I didn’t even lie. I told the officer I quit and he said I was still eligible.” She shrugged again. I wanted to shake her like a spineless Raggedy Anne with her red hair. “An extra hundred dollars a week is a lot of money!”
“Another thing I’d do is put my place up for sublet. Stop paying rent, especially since your parents live in Marin.”
Again, she shrugged. “Well, I still have another month or two until I don’t have a single dime in my bank account. I just don’t want to deal with moving.”
I was appalled. Her attitude is not unique either. I honestly don’t get it. Can someone please help me understand the lackadaisical attitude the recently unemployed people are taking? Another month or two until they completely run out of money? Another month or two until you are on the street homeless? I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s a chore to move. FUCKING MOVE! You no longer have an income. With your wherewithal, you won’t have a job in the next six months. Get off your butt and think about the worst case scenarios. Save yourself some money. Get on the unemployment site. Collect unemployment. Get out of your $1,200 a month rental. Move in with mom and dad. Have a little self-respect and give yourself financial peace of mind.
Is there something I’m not understanding in this world? I just don’t get it.
I say it all the time. Nothing is beneath me. I will gladly rent out my condo. I will sadly move in with my folks. I will sign up for Twitter and tell my network that I’m unemployed and I will do anything for money. I will clean homes. I will pickup your groceries. I will babysit your kids. I will do all this AND I get 6 months severance AND I will be collecting unemployment for a year.
Come on America. Is it really that hard???
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