I’ve Done Anything I Could; Help US Out!
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I am a single 46 year old white male living in Wisconsin. At one time I was engaged to be married and working for General Motors. When my Fiance’ passed I took a chance at changing careers. I froze what little retirement was there and used the last couple of thousand I had saved leftover from future wedding turned funeral expenses to get a certification. The online company I paid was a sham and I’ve been struggling against the lack of education in the computer field I need in order to gain employment ever since.
Despite that setback, I started my own PC Repair business and dialup internet service, but saw a chance and gave that up to take a job with a major telecommunications company. I was hired on experience alone, and was even contracted by an even more major corporation during my time there. I had an exemplary record, with letters of commendation from higher up who noticed my abilities. However, it was quite a commute, and at a time of downsizing, I found myself having to go on unemplyment.
Since that time, the recession went full swing. Where once I would get several calls when posting my resume, I now get NOTHING. I get NO calls or interest on a resume that begines with “Award Winning, Highly Motivated…” and I can only surmise it is due to my lack of education and certification. I feel if I can only get an interview, I’ll get hired. So when I heard I would finally get a break, and have help to go to school, I applied. I made 97% on my tests for school, paid the fees, have applied for the Federal Aid, and then find that those funds no longer exist. Now I am in a dilemma.
I DESPERATELY NEED this extension just to simply prepare for a year of striving to keep my head above water while trying to go to school so I can GET a job. In the meantime, for example today, I collected scrap metal, aluminum, and took that in for gas money and food for my cats, the only ‘family’ I have, and who rely on me to survive as well, besides cutting firewood to keep warm.
A friend sent me a $20 bill in the mail, knowing I was on hard times. Although touched, I am ashamed, being a capable man able to work and willing to do whatever it takes to make a living. However, in these times, it gets more and more strained, and unless I can get a break from SOMEONE who will give me a chance and offer me a job, these extensions are the only thing that keep me from being HOMELESS.
I’ve swallowed my pride, worked hard, slept in my truck in the winter for my job(s), I’ve done anything I could, and I hope that my government would do the same to help me out somehow. Help US out. And YES the UTILITY COMPANIES so NEED to be forced to be more lenient with people who are trying so hard to survive. Winter comes, I have no fuel in the drafty cottage, and I’ve been trying to save enough wood to make it through the season, because it’s the only way I may be able to stay warm should we not get some assistance in a GREAT time of DIRE need. NOW after we’ve taxed ourselves trying to get a job that isn’t there. NOW when we’re losing our dignity, our utilities, our homes.
Thomas France
Indianford, WI
UPDATE: We have had an amazing response to this issue! If you would like to write an article to those in Washington as to why YOU are thankful that unemployment benefits have been extended please email them to jwojdylo@subprimeblogger.com. If your article is free of profanity and any direct insults we will be more than happy to post it here on Unemployed and Trying so you can send the link to anyone you choose.
Author: Jesse Wojdylo
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One Response to “I’ve Done Anything I Could; Help US Out!”
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Hello, Im a single mother of 3 children and have been out of work for about 2 years now. Im not lazy I even decided to clean houses to make ends meet. I have put out more applications from the mall down to Mickey D’s its strange to me that I have NEVER had a problem finding a job. My benefits ran out in Aug of 09 and its has been a true struggle but I have faith in God and I have not been put out of my home and my ultilties are holding on as well. I could really use the extension as I continue to look for work. Its the little things we take for granted like toiletries and such that we run out so often. I just want to take of my children thats all. Im not out buying the latest and the greatest, my concern is winter boots for my children and decent warm coats as well. I pray that the extension happens REAL quick so myself and others can just take care of the important things like not being homeless or sitting in the dark or freezing to death in out homes and eating. Please lets do this fast. Thank you.