How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

I thought this was an interesting article and everytime they extend unemployment I think there are alot of people who are happy just to stay at home a little longer. I know not everyone thinks like this but it seems to be a growing movement and some people are not even trying to find a job. Just thought it was an interesting subject.

[url=http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/02/23/for_now_laid_off_and_loving_it/]For now, laid off and loving it - The Boston Globe[/url]

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

Everytime I say I'm going to sit on my ass after lossing a job it doesn't happen. After the second week I'm bored out of my mind. There's plenty of time for rest in the grave.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

The comments at the end of the article make this link.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

first, are you related to Ann Coulter?

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

I have no issue with this. The article references hard working, family oriented folks who were responsible enough to accumulate savings to live off of, and are re-focusing on family and personal growth for a little while. Ask any of them, and I'm sure they'd say they would rather have solid employment right now. Nothing wrong with making the best out of a shitty situation.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=GMScud;529130]I have no issue with this. The article references hard working, family oriented folks who were responsible enough to accumulate savings to live off of, and are re-focusing on family and personal growth for a little while. Ask any of them, and I'm sure they'd say they would rather have solid employment right now. Nothing wrong with making the best out of a shitty situation.[/quote]

If they were just living off savings alone, that would be one thing. But they're collecting unemployment checks while they "reconnect with their hobbies." Get a fuggin job! If you want to stay home because you enjoy it, fine, but don't make me pay for it through my taxes. That's the kneejerk argument.

Now, the reality of this article is life sucks for these people who are laid off. They may smile, put on a happy face, and look on the bright side by telling you "hey, this is great, I get to stay home with my kids!" But even if they have plenty of savings, truth be told, they'd rather be working. And that's why they're looking for employment. This article paints an artificially sunny view of their situations.

It's just rather uncool to come out in an article and say "look at me, I'm having fun while I collect your tax dollars through the unemployment program!"

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

You're right, Schneed, no one is happy or fully content with being unemployed. That's what your retirement years are for. Well, at least that's what they used to be for. I'm sure even that has been extended by a few years the deeper we get into this recession.

But to each his own. I think, when things do recover, there will be a bottleneck, so to speak, within the job market. All the unemploy folks will then be looking for work again, but they'll be chasing a limited number of job opportunities/openings. I would rather try to land something now, if it's available, rather than compete with three or four guys/girls with an MBA but who may not be as qualified. No offense to anyone out there with an MBA, by the way.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=dmek25;529120]first, are you related to Ann Coulter?[/quote]
What because I found this article interesting and was surprised how people talk about how they love to stay home while collecting unemployment off our tax dollars. At least act like your looking for a job and don't do an interview to brag how your taking our tax money while sitting on your a$$. One of my best friends has lost three jobs in two years and everyday he feels its his job to get up get dressed and go out looking for a new job. I don't mind if these people want to stay home but don't expect me to pay taxes to suport you.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

everyone, including you, pays taxes that go into the unemployment compensation fund. essentially, you are collecting money that you have deposited. while i agree with you about sitting on your ass, when is the last time you looked at the want ads? or applied for a job? the market is rail-thin. our want ads used to be between 10- 15 pages of jobs, from all venues. now its roughly 2 and a half pages. dominated by the medical field. times are tough. my best friend is going on 5 months without work. he looks every day. there is just not that much available

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Schneed10;529141]If they were just living off savings alone, that would be one thing. But they're collecting unemployment checks while they "reconnect with their hobbies." Get a fuggin job! If you want to stay home because you enjoy it, fine, but don't make me pay for it through my taxes. That's the kneejerk argument.

Now, the reality of this article is life sucks for these people who are laid off. They may smile, put on a happy face, and look on the bright side by telling you "hey, this is great, I get to stay home with my kids!" But even if they have plenty of savings, truth be told, they'd rather be working. And that's why they're looking for employment. This article paints an artificially sunny view of their situations.

It's just rather uncool to come out in an article and say "look at me, I'm having fun while I collect your tax dollars through the unemployment program!"[/quote]

I get what you're saying. I guess my stance falls somewhere in between your opinion and the article.

These people didn't ask to get laid off. Our unemployment system was obviously put in place to help those who get laid off, but I don't think it should be abused. It's not like you can just keep collecting checks indefinitely. I have no issue with these people using a government program for it's intended purpose, but if they are intentionally putting off looking for work solely becuase they can ride the taxpayers' gravy train... well I have an issue with that.

Like we both said, they'd rather be working. But if they got laid off from a career they've had for years, and want to use a few weeks to take a deep breath and reset before diving back into a shitty job market... well, I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=dmek25;529163]everyone, including you, pays taxes that go into the unemployment compensation fund. essentially, you are collecting money that you have deposited. while i agree with you about sitting on your ass, when is the last time you looked at the want ads? or applied for a job? the market is rail-thin. our want ads used to be between 10- 15 pages of jobs, from all venues. now its roughly 2 and a half pages. dominated by the medical field. times are tough. my best friend is going on 5 months without work. he looks every day. there is just not that much available[/quote]
I fully understand the situation and the lack of jobs its the fact these people said they are not even looking for a job. If I'm correct only the employer pays the unemployment tax so your not collecting funds you deposited.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=GMScud;529168]I get what you're saying. I guess my stance falls somewhere in between your opinion and the article.

These people didn't ask to get laid off. Our unemployment system was obviously put in place to help those who get laid off, but I don't think it should be abused. It's not like you can just keep collecting checks indefinitely. I have no issue with these people using a government program for it's intended purpose, but if they are intentionally putting off looking for work solely becuase they can ride the taxpayers' gravy train... well I have an issue with that.

Like we both said, they'd rather be working. But if they got laid off from a career they've had for years, and want to use a few weeks to take a deep breath and reset before diving back into a shitty job market... well, I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing.[/quote]

I think you probably misread me. My opinion is an exact match to yours.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=dmek25;529163]everyone, including you, pays taxes that go into the unemployment compensation fund. essentially, you are collecting money that you have deposited. while i agree with you about sitting on your ass, when is the last time you looked at the want ads? or applied for a job? the market is rail-thin. our want ads used to be between 10- 15 pages of jobs, from all venues. now its roughly 2 and a half pages. dominated by the medical field. times are tough. my best friend is going on 5 months without work. he looks every day. there is just not that much available[/quote]

I don't think anybody is arguing against the unemployment program, I think people are just saying it sucks an awful lot to come out and say "hey I'm having a fun time" while collecting unemployment dollars.

We don't want to hear about people looking at the bright side and enjoying things. We want to hear how they're working their ass off to find a job.

They may be working their ass off, and most probably are. But don't tell me you're "reconnecting with your hobbies" while you're home. I don't want to hear that because it just pisses me off.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=dmek25;529163]everyone, including you, pays taxes that go into the unemployment compensation fund. essentially, you are collecting money that you have deposited. while i agree with you about sitting on your ass, when is the last time you looked at the want ads? or applied for a job? the market is rail-thin. our want ads used to be between 10- 15 pages of jobs, from all venues. now its roughly 2 and a half pages. dominated by the medical field. times are tough. my best friend is going on 5 months without work. he looks every day. there is just not that much available[/quote]

I hear you dmek..............my job sucks and I've been looking for a new job for about three months now. I haven't been able to find anything either! It makes me feel sorry for those that ARE unemployed. Poor darn bastards! At least they have their unemployment checks and some money to get by until companies start hiring again.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

So let me get this straight. The issue is that these people aren't moping enough?

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

I did a survey kind of back in the mid. 80's about people looking for work and the numbers said they don't want to work. I worked for my father for 5 years prior to opening up my business and it seemed that about once a month some girl would call out of the blue looking for a job. After I said we where not hiring they would then ask if they could use my name and business for their unemployment requirments which I'd said no. Then came my idea. When the next person called and asked about using us as a referal for unemployment I'd say no but I had good friend just down the street that was looking for a full time employee with good benifits and pay. I would then give them my back line to see how many would call about this job. Well out of about 35 to 40 only one person ever called to see about the job. I know thats not real snap shot of whats going on now but I was really surprised at the results. I did know that most of these people did not want to work I just wanted them to confirm my belief that many take advantage of the system.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=firstdown;529217]I did a survey kind of back in the mid. 80's about people looking for work and the numbers said they don't want to work. I worked for my father for 5 years prior to opening up my business and it seemed that about once a month some girl would call out of the blue looking for a job. After I said we where not hiring [B]they would then ask if they could use my name and business for their unemployment requirments[/B] which I'd said no. Then came my idea. When the next person called and asked about using us as a referal for unemployment I'd say no but I had good friend just down the street that was looking for a full time employee with good benifits and pay. I would then give them my back line to see how many would call about this job. Well out of about 35 to 40 only one person ever called to see about the job. I know thats not real snap shot of whats going on now but I was really surprised at the results. I did know that most of these people did not want to work I just wanted them to confirm my belief that many take advantage of the system.[/quote]

That happens a lot of times to my dad. He would even hire some people and they'd turnaround and quit the next day. There a bunch of weasels out there who only care about getting paid without doing any work.

As far as taking sometime off after getting laid-off I don't have a problem with that. It's kinda dumb to kill your savings though. I can understand taking advantage of your severance package...I know I would take 2 months off out of 4 month severance pay that I would receive if got the pink slip.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=saden1;529220]That happens a lot of times to my dad. He would even hire some people and they'd turnaround and quit the next day. There a bunch of weasels out there who only care about getting paid without doing any work.

As far as taking sometime off after getting laid-off I don't have a problem with that. It's kinda dumb to kill your savings though. I can understand taking advantage of your severance package...I know I would take 2 months off out of 4 month severance pay that I would receive if got the pink slip.[/quote]

Our area did a good job with getting people back working when Clinton and Congress passed the Welfair reform bill but that was all just blowing out of the water with the stimulas package. So now welfare requirments are pretty much back to what they were before they passed the reform. I agree I'd take a week or so off but I'd want to find a job and save that severence money away for retirement.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=firstdown;529224]Our area did a good job with getting people back working when Clinton and Congress passed the Welfair reform bill [B]but that was all just blowing out of the water with the stimulas package. So now welfare requirments are pretty much back to what they were before they passed the reform.[/B] I agree I'd take a week or so off but I'd want to find a job and save that severence money away for retirement.[/quote]

Huh? I didn't know unemployment and welfare were interchangeable. Did I miss something with the stimulus? Or are you just being a stimulus hater who think the stimulus is another form of welfare?

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Schneed10;529141]If they were just living off savings alone, that would be one thing. But they're collecting unemployment checks while they "reconnect with their hobbies." Get a fuggin job! If you want to stay home because you enjoy it, fine, but don't make me pay for it through my taxes. That's the kneejerk argument.

Now, the reality of this article is life sucks for these people who are laid off. They may smile, put on a happy face, and look on the bright side by telling you "hey, this is great, I get to stay home with my kids!" But even if they have plenty of savings, truth be told, they'd rather be working. And that's why they're looking for employment. This article paints an artificially sunny view of their situations.

It's just rather uncool to come out in an article and say "look at me, I'm having fun while I collect your tax dollars through the unemployment program!"[/quote]


You know, unemployment is based on what you put into it, and in VA the maximum is 379/week. Not like anyone's getting rich, and the check that i get every week is based on MY ****ing taxes. I'm actively searching for work and working for myself even though every week I work i lose the money in unemployment benefits, so I've worked for free for 2 weeks, basically.

But I'll be the absolute first to admit I go to the gym longer than I ever have, I take my daughter to school every day, and I dont spend 40 hours a week looking for a job. I do put in about 10 resume's a week (8 more than the required 2, which i think is a joke) but there's really not a whole lot out there and the competition is stiff.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

EE, I take it you're not happy about being unemployed, clearly not what is expressed by the people in the article firstdown, Schneed and a few others are talking about.

What gets me is the "worst crisis since the Great Depression" talk and then reading articles like this about how it's not so bad. When I got laid off 7 years ago, I went to Europe for a month. I had no bills or a family to support and had saved up 6 months salary. After my month vacation I came back and started looking for a job. It took 5 months and a little extra anxiety before I was employed again. My point is I wouldn't assume (not you EE) that you'll be able to find a job when you're savings/severance runs out. The article seems to hint that these people think they'll work eventually when they need the money. Could be a nasty wake up call in ~6 months.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;529232]You know, unemployment is based on what you put into it, and in VA the maximum is 379/week. Not like anyone's getting rich, and the check that i get every week is based on MY ****ing taxes. I'm actively searching for work and working for myself even though every week I work i lose the money in unemployment benefits, so I've worked for free for 2 weeks, basically.

But I'll be the absolute first to admit I go to the gym longer than I ever have, I take my daughter to school every day, and I dont spend 40 hours a week looking for a job. I do put in about 10 resume's a week (8 more than the required 2, which i think is a joke) but there's really not a whole lot out there and the competition is stiff.[/quote]

On a side note EE, I like how your Omega Contractor's website is burgundy and gold. Well done.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

This article isn't about people bragging about living off the system like some lazy bums who don't want to work. This is people making the best of a shitty situation. Lame thread.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Mattyk72;529294]This article isn't about people bragging about living off the system like some lazy bums who don't want to work. This is people making the best of a shitty situation. Lame thread.[/quote]

I'm all for people making the best of a situation but several of these people said they are not even looking for a job while collecting unemployment. So yes they are taking a free ride off tax payer money and also money they saved. So they kick back now and when their unemployment runs out and their savings is gone who's going to suport them then. If they would have just said hey I'm looking for work but I cannot find a job so I'm making the best of my situation then I would not care.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;529232]You know, unemployment is based on what you put into it, and in VA the maximum is 379/week. Not like anyone's getting rich, and the check that i get every week is based on MY ****ing taxes. I'm actively searching for work and working for myself even though every week I work i lose the money in unemployment benefits, so I've worked for free for 2 weeks, basically.

But I'll be the absolute first to admit I go to the gym longer than I ever have, I take my daughter to school every day, and I dont spend 40 hours a week looking for a job. I do put in about 10 resume's a week (8 more than the required 2, which i think is a joke) but there's really not a whole lot out there and the competition is stiff.[/quote]

Sorry but you are wrong its based of your salery and the employer pays the federal and state unemployment tax.

[B]Unemployment Insurance Taxes[/B]
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a federal-state program jointly financed through federal and state employer payroll taxes (federal/state UI tax). Generally, employers must pay both state and federal unemployment taxes if: (1) they pay wages to employees totaling $1,500, or more, in any quarter of a calendar year; or, (2) they had at least one employee during any day of a week during 20 weeks in a calendar year, regardless of whether or not the weeks were consecutive. However, some state laws differ from the federal law and employers should contact their state workforce agencies to learn the exact requirements. Click [URL="http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/agencies.asp"][COLOR=#0000ff]here[/COLOR][/URL] for state links.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=saden1;529228]Huh? I didn't know unemployment and welfare were interchangeable. Did I miss something with the stimulus? Or are you just being a stimulus hater who think the stimulus is another form of welfare?[/quote]
No the stimulas bill took away the way states had to account for getting people off welfair which was passed as sweeping reforms by Clinton and congress. It waters it down so they really don't have to account for getting people off welfair. I have read this several times and unless it was removed by from the stimulas bill in the last minute it was in there. Its like they now let the sates use numbers in only ways the goverment knows how to. You know like when they cut spending but they only cut how much they increase spending but still call it a cut.

Her is an article that explains what they did.[url=http://voices.kansascity.com/node/3792]Obama's stimulus bill reverses Clinton's welfare reform | Midwest Voices[/url]

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=firstdown;529313]I'm all for people making the best of a situation but several of these people said they are not even looking for a job while collecting unemployment. So yes they are taking a free ride off tax payer money and also money they saved. So they kick back now and when their unemployment runs out and their savings is gone who's going to suport them then. If they would have just said hey I'm looking for work but I cannot find a job so I'm making the best of my situation then I would not care.[/quote]

From the sounds of it the people mentioned in this article are educated and are in the position where they can live off their savings for a while along with unemployment. If they were in a serious crunch they perhaps would be more serious about a job search. In a tough economy it's not exactly an easy thing to go out and find another job, so some are choosing to allow for some "me time" while they get things back in order.

Just look at the title of the article, "[U][I]For now[/I][/U], laid off and loving it".

These people aren't the root of the problems with welfare. This article just wasn't the best choice for trying to open that can of worms.

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[quote=Mattyk72;529323]From the sounds of it the people mentioned in this article are educated and are in the position where they can live off their savings for a while along with unemployment. If they were in a serious crunch they perhaps would be more serious about a job search. In a tough economy it's not exactly an easy thing to go out and find another job, so some are choosing to allow for some "me time" while they get things back in order.

Just look at the title of the article, "[U][I]For now[/I][/U], laid off and loving it".

These people aren't the root of the problems with welfare. This article just wasn't the best choice for trying to open that can of worms.[/quote]

So when people like this use up all their money and now find they cannot find a job (they might have if they didn't wait) who is going to support them at that point?

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

Of course there are folks that take advantage of the system, I just don't think the people in this article are a big problem.

You want to talk about people that are truly sucking off the system I see them every day. People that sprain an ankle and are out of work for a year. Meanwhile I see a guy who breaks a leg and is back to work in 2 weeks.

I get the basic idea of this thread FD, but the choice of article is a little poor in comparison to your point.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

How carefully did you read your link First? It profiles a laid off software engineer who, while having started looking for a job already, is cherishing the extra time he gets to spend with his kids; a laid off 41 year old who hasn't even started collecting unemployment yet; and an educational trainer who is now kind of a housewife (and also presumably not on unemployment).

As usual, you started with your political belief - welfare is bad - and worked backwards, not seeming to notice or care that this article has little to do with your actual argument.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Mattyk72;529294]This article isn't about people bragging about living off the system like some lazy bums who don't want to work. This is people making the best of a shitty situation. [B]Lame thread.[/B][/quote]

I thought that after every post until yours... LOL.

It's not just a lame thread it's badly timed and not entirely relevant to the article.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=firstdown;529316]Sorry but you are wrong its based of your salery and the employer pays the federal and state unemployment tax.

[B]Unemployment Insurance Taxes[/B]
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a federal-state program jointly financed through federal and state employer payroll taxes (federal/state UI tax). Generally, employers must pay both state and federal unemployment taxes if: (1) they pay wages to employees totaling $1,500, or more, in any quarter of a calendar year; or, (2) they had at least one employee during any day of a week during 20 weeks in a calendar year, regardless of whether or not the weeks were consecutive. However, some state laws differ from the federal law and employers should contact their state workforce agencies to learn the exact requirements. Click [URL="http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/agencies.asp"][COLOR=#0000ff]here[/COLOR][/URL] for state links.[/quote]


yeah i know how it works, my point was that the amount you get is based off of your previous income (taxable wages) so that people that havent been working and paying taxes of their own cant just sit home and get at schneeds taxes dollars. Its also set up to deny people benefits who quit their jobs or turn down employment, or get fired for a reason that could be construed as their fault. I know for a fact that there are plenty of employers that will go out of their way to fire someone to avoid paying more for unemployment insurance. I pay out Unemployment Insurance for my business, so I am somewhat familiar with the process.

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[quote="EternalEnigma21"]I know for a fact that there are plenty of employers that will go out of their way to fire someone to avoid paying more for unemployment insurance. [/quote]

And if anything THAT is taking advantage of the system! Not somebody that just made the mistake of working for a CEO that didn't know how to run a company!

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

I didn't read the article so I wont comment on it. I have seen several comments though alluding that "people aren't happy not working." I'd say SOME people aren't happy not working. There are plenty of people who don't have jobs who would prefer for it to stay that way though. At any given time this country has 4-6% unemployment and that is historically considered as zero or cyclical unemployment because either people have left jobs on their own to look for another or simply don't want to work. The question is how many of these non-workers are collecting unemployment. It probably isn't all but it isn't none either. I personally think if you are out of a job and collecting unemployment you should be working your ass off to find a job ASAP no matter what the job market is like. In fact that is your job when you don't have one.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

I don't know about you lot but I'm gonna collect welfare/unemployment damn it and sit at home, enjoy a icy cold Starbucks beverages, martinis, and arugula salad.. I love socialism! This is the life...American I can believe in! Change I can believe in!

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=saden1;529431]I don't know about you lot but I'm gonna collect welfare/unemployment damn it and sit at home, enjoy a icy cold Starbucks beverages, martinis, and arugula salad.. I love socialism! This is the life...American I can believe in! Change I can believe in![/quote]

arugula sucks, but you got the idea...

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

firstdown, were you listening to Limbaugh today?

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Beemnseven;529680]firstdown, were you listening to Limbaugh today?[/quote]

Was he still talking about that today? He talked about it out yesterday too. Maybe he's taking it easy before the address to Congress rebuttal. Rush is good for entertainment and he knows it.

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Beemnseven;529680]firstdown, were you listening to Limbaugh today?[/quote]
nah, he had Bill O'Reilly on :)

Re: How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work
 

[quote=Beemnseven;529680]firstdown, were you listening to Limbaugh today?[/quote]
No actually I was listening to Tony Macini who is a local guy who comes on in the morning (who voted for Obama) and he was talking about this article. I do listen to Rush some but I'd say at most an hour a week. While I like some of what Rush talks about there is only so much of the same talk I can listen to over and over again. Its like talking about Ramsey over Brunell when its our 20th thread on the subject.