After I was laid off from the Census Bureau, I signed up for unemployment benefits and qualified. BUT….because I worked 8 hours on the weekend, my money was delayed. I first certified for unemployment on September 5. I should have received five weeks of benefits, but I have received nothing.
Last week, I worked one day (14.5 hours) on a TV set. Because I worked 22.5 hours last week, I was kicked out of unemployment. I’m not sure if I will ever get my money for the five weeks that I was qualified for unemployment benefits.
This week, I have started working temporarily for Vanderbilt University. I’ve been trying to get on with Vanderbilt for two years, since I lost my regular job. I’m a research data collector in the sociology department. The professor, whose project employs me, apologized to those of us he hired because he cannot pay us more. He told us that we are all overqualified for the position (and we are). He realizes that we are there because of the economy.
Professor, I’m just glad to be there. It’s something. Unemployment benefits have let me down. I did not get what I deserved from the state of Tennessee. I’d rather be working, even temporarily.
America, do not be deceived by the “unemployment” rate. There are just as many of us working part-time or at temporary jobs to survive. Unemployment benefits are being withheld from many who deserve it.
Life in ObamaNation 