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04/25/2003 Archived Entry: "ei benefits"

TODAY, I'VE BEEN STRIPPED OF MY MANHOOD: I shouldn't be writing this post because I think Jeremy Lott is already concerned about me given a recent email exchange we had, but I've been going through some up and down cycles since losing my job a couple of weeks ago. Everytime I hand out resumes or sell an article I go up, every day nothing happens I go down.

A couple of minutes ago something happened. I recieved my first unemployment insurance check.

I have to admit I almost cried and not out of happiness. I've been working since I was 11 years old -- a paperboy job -- I worked graveyard shifts during university to help pay for my classes (it's fun to work until 5:00am and then go to class at 8:00am), I was in the army reserves, I've held desk jobs, construction jobs, outdoor jobs, indoor jobs...jobs all of them. I got paid for working. I was proud of that fact. Other people slacked off but I just kept working. To do anything less was dishonourable as a man. You work. That's our lot in life.

I applied for the unemployment insurance benefits a couple of weeks ago and the first direct deposted check went in early this morning. I have money that I didn't work for. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel at this moment. Relief, I suppose, because I can pay my bills for another week. But sadness too. I'm 31 and unemployed and receiving money for something I didn't do.

I won't be in a good mood when I wake up tomorrow. Why did I post this?

Replies: 4 comments

Think of it this way. You are receiving money for something you did - you worked and paid into the EI coffers.

Posted by Angua @ 04/25/2003 10:38 PM EST

Dear Steve,
Yes, Angua is right, you have
paid into the unemployment account
and it has gone to many people who
needed it, now it is your turn, and
people know how it feels, if they are a family that WORKS for its
pay. However, this can be carried too far, you deserve the chance to
find a job, the right job is out
there and you will find it!
You are talented and caring and
the right position is being worked
out as we write.
Getting the message? The right job
is out there, give it more time to
get ready for you!
Carole

Posted by Carole @ 04/26/2003 11:13 PM EST

Thank you Carole. I hope you're right!

Posted by Steve Martinovich @ 04/27/2003 04:55 AM EST

The others beat me to it. You are getting back all the money you've paid in since age 16 or 18 or whenever UI kicks in.

I found myself in a similar position back in 1992. Having worked since I was 16, and been raised by working class women for whom the word 'welfare' was a swear word, I was forced onto disability (CCP) because of a lupus flare up. I simply couldn't get out of bed, and was in constant pain. While I am still angry at myself for getting sick (!) I try/tried to remind myself that I was getting back much of the money my family had had extorted from their paycheques for decades.

This too shall pass! Your attitude is a credit to you, and indicates that this whole situation is merely temporary.

Posted by Kathy @ 04/28/2003 10:25 AM EST