Unemployment and Financial Crisis

Current unemployment rates are proving there are a lot of people barely surviving financially. The Ohio Labor Market Information says that Ohio was at 10.8% rate, with the national average being 9.4%. That's like every 11 people out of 100. Just in my immediate family, myself, my father and my brother have been laid off in the past year. Mine is temporary but my brother and father's are permanent. My brother moved in with my parents, because his unemployment only pays his non-household bills, like car payment, insurance, etc and child support. My father's unemployment pays for the groceries. My mom is the only one still employed, but her paychecks are for all the household bills, such as utilities, phone, etc. My parents and my brother struggle together with all three incomes, while as for me I struggle with one.

In my household I have three children ages 4, 6, and 7. My husband has been the stay at home father since our first daughter was born, and has not held a job, and since he has no work experience, he can't find a job. There are more qualified, laid off workers right now, that those who are hiring can have the pick of the litter. I am the educated one, and have had continuous employment for many years. We have lived off of $1700 per month from my employment, enough to pay the rent, car, and utilities, buy about $100 or less worth of groceries a week and gas for the car, however much we could afford.

Since I was laid off on June 5th from my job, as a GM and Chrysler Supplier, my unemployment will only be $1028 a month. Fine, my house will be paid and my car will be paid; necessities for our family. That leaves us about $156 for the month to try and divide up between the rest of our expenses. I haven't received my first unemployment check, and it is now the third week of the month. What does this mean to me? Time to find a job. Yes it would be nice to sit at home and still collect a paycheck, but not for me. Even if I get a new job, and then I am called back to work, I will continue to work both jobs. I never want to have to struggle like this again. Not only does it affect me financially, but it also affects me mentally. This lay off was to be temporary, but even one month is too long for me to sit back and wait.

Food Pantries, food stamps, family handouts, and selling my stuff is not something I am looking forward to, but will have to turn to until I either get a new job, or go back to work. Struggling like this makes me wonder how people manage without jobs, and/or only receive a monthly check and benefits. I can't imagine doing this permanently.

Unemployment is a nice gesture, thank you state government, but I can not live off of your generousity. I must try and find a new job, or maybe two, so that me and my family can survive.

Sources:

http://lmi.state.oh.us/, Ohio Labor Market Information