Absurd Denial

Since being unemployed I've been trying to make ends meet and figure out how to start my own business. And let me tell you, it's not easy. At all. No one is willing or able to say, this is how you X. No one.

Why is it that all the systems that are set up as "insurance" to help people in need bridge the gap, don't actually bridge. If anything they put up walls around every turn. Deny, deny, deny. I'm so sick and tired of our safety nets having big ole fucking holes.

Don't even get me started on the health care system. I may go there soon, but let me start with "unemployment insurance"...

Don't we all pay into unemployment insurance so just in case we get unemployed for no fault of our own, we have something to fall back on and carry us through until we are gainfully employed or generating or own sustainable income? If so, then why have I had to jump 4-5 insane hoops just to collect my measly $360 every week?

Why when I actually CLAIM that I've made a few buck through freelance work and then the following week claim nothing do I get a letter in the mail grilling me on who I worked for the previous week and how much did I make and will I ever work for them again. Why was I asked why I stopped working for that "employer"? It was a CONTRACT for a few hours. NOT EMPLOYMENT. And I claimed it! Deduct my few earned dollars from my $360. I don't care.

Then after I do my duty and fill out the insane form, stick my stamp on it and send it back, I get a phone call saying I need to call back because my file is missing information, and after I return the call and leave my IDs and contact info I get a letter in the mail saying my claim is now DENIED because I failed to return the form which I DID return. No return phone call. No explanation. NO chance to even discuss the issue. Just DENIED.

I hate bureaucracy. I hate all things idiotic. But I play the game and do my due diligence because this is a matter of paying the bills. And I like my bills paid. And I like food on the table. And I thought I had this safety net. How wrong I was.

Unemployment insurance, much like health insurance, is no safety net. It's false assurance that we are hanging on to.

So what's the lesson? Don't buy insurance. It's a waste of money. Just try your hardest to earn what you can and provide for yourself. As a fundamental belief I haven't bought into "everyone for themselves" mentality. Until now. And still a large part of me wants to buck that mentality.

I hate hard lessons. Why is it that this lesson is one we're learning in the country that promises we have a right to pursue life, liberty and happiness? Some days it doesn't seem like the right is real.

I'm on a roll. But I'll address health "care", and how this crazy backwards country views and deals with working moms and child-rearing for another day of rant. Let me leave you with one sentiment...ARGH. Yep, argh. I wish I could shake someone and say ARGH and everything would make sense again.