Times are tough for everyone right now, I’m sure we all know at least one person that has been laid-off or is looking for work. According to the Department of Labor we are experiencing the largest decline in private sector jobs in more than 7 years! Unemployment rates are only climbing higher in 2009 and it’s not a pretty sight. With this in mind we found an interesting conversation is happening on the Brooklynian Park Slope board all started by a member who wants to know, “How long should one be allowed to be unemployed before they are called a bum?” A poll has been started with the cap at “after 3 months they should probably kill themselves.” Ouch! Luckily there are more sympathetic souls out there. One member chimes in with her personal experience:
In a market like this, temp jobs will be scarce. I went through this in 2003. There was NOTHING out there. I was unemployed for 18 months, and it was terrifying. I am still paying off the credit card debt I racked up on just basic living expenses.
Another member jokingly remarked:
Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?
Care to share your unemployment experience? Have any tips on a job opening (seriously, let me know!) or are you a Park Slope bum? Let us know in the comments.
—E.C. Stephens
8 responses so far ↓
1 BGZ // Jan 7, 2009 at 11:34 am
I am a Park Slope unemployed citizen… Laid off from the job last month. But I know a couple Park Slope Bums… I call them my roommates.
2 Jack // Jan 7, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I love reading the comments of Brooklynian folks baffled as to what to do. There are a few real/solid pieces of advice in the discussion there, but most of the comments seem to come from helpless folks who I sense have never worked a retail or seasonal job in their life.
You know that book about the exec who lost it all and worked for Starbucks? I think anyone hemming/hawing and clueless about this should read that.
Here’s the “executive” summary: You’re not too good for any job. And if anyone judges you solely on your job, they are not your friends.
3 mag // Jan 7, 2009 at 1:23 pm
couldn’t have said it better myself, jack. as of january i am officially a “bum”, having lost my job 3 months ago. i could my blessings though: i have health benefits via my husband’s job. being jobless had made me realize that i am still lucky to have a roof over my head, unemployment and health insurance. there are alot of people out there hurting.
i read “how starbucks saved my life” when i was first laid off. highly recommend this book everyone.
remember it could happen to you….
4 khuebbe // Jan 7, 2009 at 1:28 pm
“Know of at least one person”? Who doesn’t know at least several…?
5 Dan // Jan 7, 2009 at 3:21 pm
It’s been a little less than a month for me, and I already spend much more time at O’Connor’s during the day than I should.
6 Jack // Jan 7, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Mag & Dan, hope things work out eventually. And I don’t want to sound like I’m selling, but if you’re out of work and single, joining the Park Slope Food Co-op might be a decent idea. Or at least sitting in on an orientation.
It’s a decent place and a good way to kill spare time if you have it.
7 mag // Jan 8, 2009 at 2:39 pm
thanks jack, actually i am starting to volunteer with a few agencies. i figure there are alot of folks out there that need support and assistance, not to mention good karma.
we’re all in this together…..
8 susan // Jan 12, 2009 at 11:19 pm
i’ve been unemployed since october 22.
and know what?
i love it.
LOVE it.
i’m lucky enough to be in a relationship and my girlfriend brings in enough to let me enjoy unemployment (and my unemployment benefits) for a while before going back out there.
i was laid off by an event production company. the same event production company that laid me off post-9/11.
so, this time, i’m taking a moment to figure out where i want to go next.
i realize that i’m in a fortunate position, and i’m grateful for it.
(i’m also grateful for the ability to go to trader joe’s in the middle of the day to avoid the insane lines.)
until i figure out my next step, i’ve applied to volunteer at 826NYC and have orientation at the brooklyn superhero supply co. next week.
yay layoff!