The Weights

Unemployment sure creates a ton of weights.  From financial weights, to emotional weights, to physical weights.  There's so much to do.  And you'd better do it right, or you're screwed.

Yesterday I attended a mandatory "Orientation to Reemployment" class hosted by Worksource: A Division of the Employment Security Department.  To be honest I was NOT looking forward to this class.  But in the end, I feel it was worth while.  Basically it's a 101 on how to fill out your required "Log Search Logs", how not to screw up, and where to go with questions.  The teacher of the class made an interesting observation that I thought I would pass along - just so I can depress the rest of you on unemployment.  Misery loves company.  Anyway, she said being laid off is like grieving.  Man.  Heavy.  She couldn't be more right.  Denial and Isolation.  Check.  Anger.  Double Check.  Bargaining.  Check.  Depression.  Oh yeah.  Acceptance.  Working on it.

I am extremely thankful that I have my husband, family, and friends to encourage me along the way.  Without them, I'd be in a very bad place.  Like Cleveland.  Ugh.  But seriously, the only way to get through the grieving process, whether it is due to the loss of a loved one or the loss of a great job, is with support.

On another note, filing for unemployment benefits is brutal.  I'm not going to say too many horrible/awful things because I like getting my weekly check and don't want that to stop.  But the process in which you have to go through to get unemployment benefits is exhausting.  There are a bazillion questions that are completely ambiguous, a waiting period to get moolah, a Telecenter that is crazy busy, and the most incomprehensible 46 page booklet you have to decipher.  I've got a migraine just thinking about it.  I know it's all a part of the process that everyone has to go through, but man am I exhausted.  Thank god I can do everything online - I'd much rather be comfortable in my pajamas while filing out government forms.

At the end of January I have to attend another MANDATORY session with a career coach at Worksource.  Unless, of course, I am gainfully employed by then.  It's a "what do you want to be when you grow up" class.  At least it is one-on-one so I don't have to listen to questions asked by brain dead individuals.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I know...you're waiting at the edge of your seat.  Just like I am.