  Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 685 Registered: 01-2008 |
We (2) are not counted in the unemployed figures. Just wondering how many others are not being counted locally? The stats are dire but I think they are far worse than reported. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 3752 Registered: 11-2007 |
Supposedly, they call people at home to get a head count for the ones off unemployment. In all my years of Michigan layoffs, I've never been counted that way. | ||
Chrissy_snow Member Username: Chrissy_snow Post Number: 433 Registered: 07-2008 |
I don't understand, what do you mean uncounted? And how can you tell? | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 7705 Registered: 10-2003 |
Formerly self-employed, not actively seeking work, work one day in two weeks, disabled, etc are not included in the "Official Count". Most estimates I've seen lately indicate the "True" unemployment/underemployment is double the "Official" rate. | ||
Lugotown Member Username: Lugotown Post Number: 43 Registered: 02-2008 |
i think that they also only count the people currently receiving unemployment. so, if has ran out or you couldn't qualify, you don't get counted in the numbers. | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 7707 Registered: 10-2003 |
Also "temporary" layoffs do not count as unemployed. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 3753 Registered: 11-2007 |
Don't forget the underemployed too, those that can only find a job at 10-30 hours a week, at less than $10/hr. Not counted. | ||
Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 687 Registered: 01-2008 |
I worked briefly (about 5 months) for a landscape co. I took a walk because his business financial practices were so bad, I figured better unemployed than in jail. We would get a call once a month asking how many workers on the payroll. I don't get what that meant but presumably it had something to do with the economy tracking. | ||
Mackenzie68 Member Username: Mackenzie68 Post Number: 81 Registered: 03-2008 |
Present. I have only worked for three weeks in the last three years, I'm semi-retired. Which is to say that my out of state pension semi-covers my bills. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 3756 Registered: 11-2007 |
Sumas - I ran across this CL ad for a Landscape drafts(woman) for Wayne/Livingston. http://detroit.craigslist.org/ lab/1030529463.html Just a shout out ! | ||
Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 699 Registered: 01-2008 |
Thank you Big, I do have background in computer generated landscape programs but have never heard of dynascape. I dumped my last program cause it took too much computer memory. I'll give them a shout but they did sound like they wanted specific background. I partner often with another woman-run landscape firm. We work together well. We laugh hard and work hard. We share jobs and customers. We will be attending another landscape seminar together tommorrow. Your kindness at sharing/caring exemplifies what this board should be about. People looking out for other people. The odds are, we will never meet, but I do have kind thoughts and wishes for many people on this forum. We are in an odd financial problem, but I can assure you I would have bought groceries for Chrissy or found you a place to stay. Now I worry about Sean's friend. It is hard to be among the uncounted unemployed. For the pricks out there, I report all self employment income. To delight Bats, my income taxes will be prepared free, (we be poor) thanks to a grant. I can see him scream socialism. Honestly, Bigb things should get better. We love your posts. You are honest and when you are in the mood hilarious. Keep posting. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 3760 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks, Sumas. Tough times, but not a time to deride people on economic misfortune. Friday my brakes went out and I was looking at a $450 bill with $180 in the bank. I have no immediate family left and out of contact with others. And to boot, I have post surgery complications that prevents me doing heavy wrenching/lifting. Well, yesterday, I posted on CL barter, to exchange some of my trade tools for help working on the brakes at my home. Out of four calls, three wanted to know what I had to offer them, and then one guy I never met, offered to come over and do the whole job for nothing, if I bought the parts. He said thats just what he does ! Well I made other arrangements through St. Vincent DePaul (Thanks), and fixed the brakes today. But I called this guy back, and we talked for twenty minutes, and he said if I ever needed a hand, to give him a shout. We pay it forward, so to speak. At least I have one Guardian Angel out there.  | ||
Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 700 Registered: 01-2008 |
Always looking for support networks. How was St Vincent De Paul able to help? My car recently cost me a bundle. Just short of $1000. Pretty much wiped us out financially. That one person who offered to help (free labor) deserves acclaimation. We believe in service to community and it is always nice to see that others care too. Dealing with financial problems, due to this economy, is damn hard, but it should never take away our humanity to others. We were downtown the other day and my husband gave away our last dollar to to a street musician. We still have a few resources, so it is no hugh worry. I just wish more, others, would care to share. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 3763 Registered: 11-2007 |
Those were federal faith based funds Sumas. Call them, and find out. I'm a 54 year old military veteran that has worked my ass off and paid taxes for 38 years. And it looks like I still have 25 years to go. A little federal give back was due. | ||
Chrissy_snow Member Username: Chrissy_snow Post Number: 438 Registered: 07-2008 |
Whenever the finances get tight, isn't it always the car that wants to act up first? My car totally died on me on the highway - on my way to an interview! And it couldn't just need a repair, it needs an entire ENGINE. So its just kaput. That's why I'm trying to find a replacement but you know the less you pay, the more likely it will just be more junk. Also, I had to go to MESC this morning to finish my paperwork for the extension, and it was PACKED, literally. Lines at every station, I thought I would never get out of there for what is usually quick and simple. | ||
Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 702 Registered: 01-2008 |
Are those federal funds earmarked for specific things? For example, a friend who has no close relatives in the state has been fighting cancer for 12 years or more. He just was notified that the cancer has spread to the nymph nodes and is spreading aggressively. He will need chemo daily for at least six weeks or more. He is on disability and can't afford the gas and neither can we. My husband and I plan to take turns staying with him to drive him and take care of other needs. One of us will stay home for my mom and one of us there for him. Maybe that is the reason in the greater scheme of things that we can't get work. We seem to be everyone's caretaker. I am not complaining but too bad this stuff doesn't pay. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 3776 Registered: 11-2007 |
Try calling 211 Sumas, as this is based on a neighborhood level. I can't find any medical care now, without incurring massive debt beyond what has already happened to me, the last two years without medical insurance. Wish I could help more. | ||
Sumas Member Username: Sumas Post Number: 708 Registered: 01-2008 |
I am sorry Bigb, not trying to burden anyone with individual problems. About 16 months ago someone posted a link to several low cost or free medical, dental and mental health services. I am an idiot and did not copy that info. I am 54 and my husband 56 years of age. We joke that because of a lack of health care, we do not need to worry about retiring and the Feds need not worry. The real joke is that the lack of health care means we will not live to that "ripe old age". Thus will never collect SS benefits. That solves the social security problem. | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 1039 Registered: 05-2006 |
"I am sorry Bigb, not trying to burden anyone with individual problems. About 16 months ago someone posted a link to several low cost or free medical, dental and mental health services. I am an idiot and did not copy that info." This was in the freep last week: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=2009902100309 BTW: I now have a job making $8/hr after 14 months being unemployed. I've been there 4 months and have been laid off a total of 4 weeks so far. I also have no health insurance. My old job paid 78K/year plus company car. Those were the good old days! Probably will be heading back to school through the No Worker Left Behind progam. Not really what I wanted to do at 49, but I don't see the automotive supplier base returning to its previous level. So, count me as under-employed. (Not complaining here. I still feel very fortunate when I hear other's dilemmas.) (Message edited by wash_man on February 16, 2009) | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 4049 Registered: 11-2007 |
I’m just putting this bureaucratic rant out here, just in case. Six months ago, I had radical abdominal emergency surgery, that saved my life, but resulted in an open wound colostomy, (A reversible procedure). This happened a week before the health insurance on my new job kicked in. As fate would have it, I lost that job while recuperating in the hospital. Now without a job or medical insurance, I have to turn to a nightmare situation for post surgery care. (Let alone the supplies needed). Now remember, the same procedure that saved my life, can take it again, without the proper medical supervision. Because of the procedure, I have suffered a prolapsed intestine, infection, and hernia. To see the staff surgeon that did it, and this is according to the hospital, I have to follow the bureaucratic trail as follows - The Doctor’s front office (Who submits to ) The Hospital’s accounts receivable (Who submits to ) The Hospital’s private financial Advocate (Who submits to) The County’s hospitalization program (Who submits to ) Dept. of Human Services (Who submits to ) Dept. of Social Security. (Which is possibly the worst). During this whole process, no medical personnel are involved that can fast track, because of a possible emergency. The only alternative, is an emergency room visit, and the subsequent personal bankruptcy that follows. (If you could afford that !) All this, during one of the worse economic meltdowns in history. I’ve tried every charitable avenue for help, and all they can do is throw up they’re hands. This is no way to treat a life long American Citizen/Vet who has worked hard all his life. I hope this new Administration and the State government can do better than that, if only to streamline the process or provide basic care. Thanks for reading, I had to put this out there. | ||
Reddog289 Member Username: Reddog289 Post Number: 951 Registered: 08-2007 |
I can relate to alot of the previous post.2 yrs ago when I bought this house, My girlfriend was working 6 days a week making like $15 an hr, her 2 girls were in High School and the future son in law was getting his 20k insurance check. Well in 2 yrs the girlfriend lost her job, found another 4days@ $8? an hr,Oldest girl don't work cause she is "mental" and the now son in law who now makes with his ins check $25+k a yr and danm spent every bit of it by last nov, He finnally got a job IT pays $7.50 an hr. I don't feel a damn bit sorry for the honeymooners living in my basement. FROM WHAT I have read and what I know. People here on Det yes would be happy to get check like that a year. The honeymooners in my basement were told they had to be outby May1/09. When that date was set theson in law did get off his ass found a job. He is employed, as for his wife my former favorite daughter, well she is one of the uncounted unemployed. I FEEL BAD that people who could make $25k a year for doing absolutly nothing could make that last for 12 months don't have that option. While the 2 idiots in my basement blow through that in 9 months.With my last pay stub I blew my top I made like $5k more then the son in law who claimes to pay his bills, and pay us rent.They say youth is wasted on the young , well it so happens in some cases money also. Sorry bout the rant.In my mind I am happy to have a job and when I was unemployed I kept busy. Sick vets and others should be taken care of.But when it comes to 22yr old able bodied men living at their in laws the buck stops there. And if come Dec they are broke and homeless that is their fault.To all of those looking for a job and those who do things constructive while unemployed Best of luck. But for those who think that they deserve a check for doing crap 24/7 well you get what you deserve. | ||
Bigb23 Member Username: Bigb23 Post Number: 4068 Registered: 11-2007 |
Reddog, this is what we have to deal with now. I'm in my mid fifty's without any family left. Take what you can get. Life can be lonely even without the irritants that you claim. I also want to add that I've been actively seeking work, although I don't think I can go back to carrying 60# of steel through the shop anymore. I've worked in an Engineering office as a designer, and that's what I'm looking for now. | ||
Reddog289 Member Username: Reddog289 Post Number: 953 Registered: 08-2007 |
Bigb23, Thanks for the advice. You know hindsight is 20/20.And having a person under your roof that makes almost as much as yourself a year and is broke 8/9 months after they got the check is kinda aggrevating.I myself come from a huge family even with me being an only child. My two Uncles are round your age.They are the counted unemployed.After working 40+ years my one Uncle has till June to get his SS.His back is and has been f'd up for 30 yrs.When I worked with him he put me to shame.When I visit him we Bitch bout utility bills. I can't figure out how 2 guys can have a $400$ power bill and they shake there heads at my water bill. THIS WILL BE MY LAST BIG POST HERE,But as Bigb23 said"This is what we have to deal with now". As a 20 sumptin I should have listened to my cousin. He said"You should hook up with the Greatful Dead". Might have been better off. |
