How Many People Are Not Even Looking For Work

I thought this was an interesting article and everytime they extend unemployment I think there are alot of people who are happy just to stay at home a little longer. I know not everyone thinks like this but it seems to be a growing movement and some people are not even trying to find a job. Just thought it was an interesting subject.

For now, laid off and loving it - The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/02/23/for_now_laid_off_and_loving_it/)

Everytime I say I'm going to sit on my ass after lossing a job it doesn't happen. After the second week I'm bored out of my mind. There's plenty of time for rest in the grave.

The comments at the end of the article make this link.

first, are you related to Ann Coulter?

I have no issue with this. The article references hard working, family oriented folks who were responsible enough to accumulate savings to live off of, and are re-focusing on family and personal growth for a little while. Ask any of them, and I'm sure they'd say they would rather have solid employment right now. Nothing wrong with making the best out of a shitty situation.

I have no issue with this. The article references hard working, family oriented folks who were responsible enough to accumulate savings to live off of, and are re-focusing on family and personal growth for a little while. Ask any of them, and I'm sure they'd say they would rather have solid employment right now. Nothing wrong with making the best out of a shitty situation.

If they were just living off savings alone, that would be one thing. But they're collecting unemployment checks while they "reconnect with their hobbies." Get a fuggin job! If you want to stay home because you enjoy it, fine, but don't make me pay for it through my taxes. That's the kneejerk argument.

Now, the reality of this article is life sucks for these people who are laid off. They may smile, put on a happy face, and look on the bright side by telling you "hey, this is great, I get to stay home with my kids!" But even if they have plenty of savings, truth be told, they'd rather be working. And that's why they're looking for employment. This article paints an artificially sunny view of their situations.

It's just rather uncool to come out in an article and say "look at me, I'm having fun while I collect your tax dollars through the unemployment program!"

You're right, Schneed, no one is happy or fully content with being unemployed. That's what your retirement years are for. Well, at least that's what they used to be for. I'm sure even that has been extended by a few years the deeper we get into this recession.

But to each his own. I think, when things do recover, there will be a bottleneck, so to speak, within the job market. All the unemploy folks will then be looking for work again, but they'll be chasing a limited number of job opportunities/openings. I would rather try to land something now, if it's available, rather than compete with three or four guys/girls with an MBA but who may not be as qualified. No offense to anyone out there with an MBA, by the way.

first, are you related to Ann Coulter?
What because I found this article interesting and was surprised how people talk about how they love to stay home while collecting unemployment off our tax dollars. At least act like your looking for a job and don't do an interview to brag how your taking our tax money while sitting on your a$$. One of my best friends has lost three jobs in two years and everyday he feels its his job to get up get dressed and go out looking for a new job. I don't mind if these people want to stay home but don't expect me to pay taxes to suport you.

everyone, including you, pays taxes that go into the unemployment compensation fund. essentially, you are collecting money that you have deposited. while i agree with you about sitting on your ass, when is the last time you looked at the want ads? or applied for a job? the market is rail-thin. our want ads used to be between 10- 15 pages of jobs, from all venues. now its roughly 2 and a half pages. dominated by the medical field. times are tough. my best friend is going on 5 months without work. he looks every day. there is just not that much available

If they were just living off savings alone, that would be one thing. But they're collecting unemployment checks while they "reconnect with their hobbies." Get a fuggin job! If you want to stay home because you enjoy it, fine, but don't make me pay for it through my taxes. That's the kneejerk argument.

Now, the reality of this article is life sucks for these people who are laid off. They may smile, put on a happy face, and look on the bright side by telling you "hey, this is great, I get to stay home with my kids!" But even if they have plenty of savings, truth be told, they'd rather be working. And that's why they're looking for employment. This article paints an artificially sunny view of their situations.

It's just rather uncool to come out in an article and say "look at me, I'm having fun while I collect your tax dollars through the unemployment program!"

I get what you're saying. I guess my stance falls somewhere in between your opinion and the article.

These people didn't ask to get laid off. Our unemployment system was obviously put in place to help those who get laid off, but I don't think it should be abused. It's not like you can just keep collecting checks indefinitely. I have no issue with these people using a government program for it's intended purpose, but if they are intentionally putting off looking for work solely becuase they can ride the taxpayers' gravy train... well I have an issue with that.

Like we both said, they'd rather be working. But if they got laid off from a career they've had for years, and want to use a few weeks to take a deep breath and reset before diving back into a shitty job market... well, I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing.