Unemployment

I've been getting some questions lately, so here is my two cents ++... More positive posts about the new year to come later, first a rant.

First I am grateful it exists, but it is poorly run and staffed. Thank goodness you can file online and have direct deposit so I don't have to deal with those people or I might hurt someone. Also, getting a check with the Employment department printed all over it and taking it to a bank, gets you a look of pity and makes you feel like you did something wrong. I didn't do anything wrong, I stimulated the economy last year!

I think I have already blogged about my initial trip to the local office for my interview, math and reading test so I won't go back to that day. I received an email around Thanksgiving about qualifying for extra job search support and was told to contact a person. I called, I emailed and nothing was returned, so I posted a question to the department and heard back promptly. Each week to claim benefits I have to answer a series of questions and every now and then submit my work search history (3 jobs per week) Well what if there aren't 3 jobs a week to apply for was my question (Since I'd like to stay in my field or one similar to it). The response was that there are over 700 unemployed architects in Oregon and I should consider relocating. WHAT? I am on 3 committees - at the professional, city and neighborhood levels, I own a home, my spouse has a job, how could I possibly relocate and start all over and hope for more networking opportunities than what I have? I know people in 3 of the major firms in Salem! I don't know who to send my complaint to, but I am still fuming after this response over a week ago. Things may be bad in Oregon, but I'm sure there are more unemployed architects in the rest of the country. Morons.
And lastly, while again grateful the check is there, it is less than 50% my salary, but still more than a minimum wage job so I can see why it is better for me to take the check than someone else's job. Does that mean I'm lazy for not wanting a $10 an hour blue collar job? Does that mean I'm abusing the system? Or just still holding out hope that something in my profession, in my town will pop up...