Life on the dole

Micky Dolenz

Captain McDuck wrote: »

I think all people, regardless of circumstance, who are on the dole are scrounging scumbags who should be taken out in front of their loved ones, raped and then shot in the face.

Banned.

books4sale

One word for the poster 4 posts up ^^^^^^^^^^

....POXBOTTLE! :cool:

ronan45

Ah it can be boring, Normally do a bit of taxi work at the weekend to keep myself from getting cabin fever, so that helps.:cool:
Heath wise, libido is down , but i can get 4 viagra on my medical card every month so thats a plus. (keeps the OH happy;)
Then the childrens allowance, that is gonna come in handy this month as have a **** load of parties to attend. Aghhhh Xmas time is lunacy i tell ya !

sean1141

some people on this really need to be knocked off their perch..

melekalikimaka

bryaner wrote: »

Work clothes? I think you'll find that most on minimum wage have them supplied i.e a uniform of some description, travel expenses none as I'd cycle anywhere within a 30 kilometer radius, and benefits I get none..

are you on the dole?

bryaner

melekalikimaka wrote: »

are you on the dole?

Yes

bryaner

ronan45 wrote: »

Ah it can be boring, Normally do a bit of taxi work at the weekend to keep myself from getting cabin fever, so that helps.:cool:
Heath wise, libido is down , but i can get 4 viagra on my medical card every month so thats a plus. (keeps the OH happy;)
Then the childrens allowance, that is gonna come in handy this month as have a **** load of parties to attend. Aghhhh Xmas time is lunacy i tell ya !

Sorry for your penile erectile troubles..

bryaner

melekalikimaka wrote: »

are you on the dole?

Sorry I was referring to benefits as in medical card rent allowance etc..

padraig91

i think every year someone is on the dole it should get cut a bit its completely retarded that will get the scumbags who go on it as soon as they finish school to try find a job

Logical Fallacy

Captain McDuck wrote: »

I think all people, regardless of circumstance, who are on the dole are scrounging scumbags who should be taken out in front of their loved ones, raped and then shot in the face.

Jeremy?

harry Bailey esq

life is sweet.

The Scientician

Well I may soon find out, I just lost my job.

Ainekav

The Scientician wrote: »

Well I may soon find out, I just lost my job.

Sorry to hear that Scientician...

I was on the dole for 3 months during the summer. I've a fine art degree and a postgrad in community education. I managed to get paid work one day a week which I (somewhat foolishly) declared and asked to go onto part time dole.

So when I moved in with my boyfriend in September I was rejected by SW because of the one day of work but moreso because apparently he earns enough to support both himself and me. Even though we are both entirely independent of each other and he barely supports himself with next-to-no luxuries like clothes, holidays etc.

So as long as I'm living with him, the dole is not an option for me. I have a Christmas job now, It's gone the first of Jan - they don't pay us til mid jan, so I'm borrowing my rent off my Dad. I have a one day a week job in a CE Drug program (that's in serious danger of closure due to the cuts) so in Jan that'll be my only income and god knows where Februarys (and March) rent is gonna come from at this stage. I have been looking for jobs since the Summer, also applying for funding and projects etc (I'm an artist) and rejection and let-downs at every turn.

the bulk paycheck from the Xmas job will repay my overdraft and my Dad, so that'll all be gone in one fell swoop. Until I get something permanent emigration isn't an option. nor is saving. It's v disheartening and all I want to do is go, but sure what can ya do? Struggle on, like everyone else.

I'm glad I was rejected from SW - I despised dealing with them, and on one occasion I was forced to go to the HSE to ask for money because of dole delays, and I was treated like the lowest of the low. I had to go to a meeting with some person that was assigned to me, as i was put on the National Employment Action Plan (?!) and when I told her I had one normal Cv and one Artists CV she laughed in my face and thought this was ludicrous... Fool! I am extremely lucky that my parents will help me out if I am in dire straits, but all I want is to be able to afford the normal stuff without the struggle, and the fear when the bills come in. I hate the worry of rent from one month to the next, it's so consuming and draining. I have a lot to offer in jobs and I try to remind myself of that even when the rejections are flooding in, or more often, the non-replies. There's a small chance that the Xmas job might keep some of us on - but I can't rely on that and I won't know for a good while.

I adore the CE scheme job, and when I'm not working full-time (as I am this month)I am kept really busy with lots of art-based projects, and I feel v fortunate to have that outlet. Hopefully Jan 2012 will provide some opportunities - a permanent job in Dunnes or the likes would just be brilliant so I could get saving and keep looking for career jobs.

Ps. I know this is a dole thread - but I was on it for a time, and It's the same when you are doing odd jobs and living from one 50 euro paycheck to the next one in 10 days time!!

retroactive

So we have to people: person a. on part time social- that wont take anymore hours in work for fear of losing their precious handouts

and person b. on full dole and other benefits accuring. The ''dole'' does start and stop with 200€ a week. It's full of wonderful perks such as rent allowance, children's allowance, Back To Education, Dental, Optical and Hearing Benefits, Free Travel, Fuel Allowance, Supplementary Welfare Allowance etc etc

So, to those who wont take the hours in work: Thank you, as a student, I love the extra christmas hours. They're needed given the latest budget.

To those who are siphoning off Irish funds on a full time basis: you are the reason I am emigrating. "They 're nah jobs joe" - http://www.jobs.ie/ Well actually there is. Also, (and I cant find the link) there is a recent IBEC report that says benefits have compounded to such an extent that it would take a salary of more that 35k to entice.. entice.. someone from the ''dole'' into the work force. (taking into account accuruing benefits)

You made wrong decisions. There is no reset. You are at home living on tax paid by people better than you. People who do not want to support you.

Millicent

retroactive wrote: »

To those who are siphoning off Irish funds on a full time basis: you are the reason I am emigrating. "They 're nah jobs joe" - http://www.jobs.ie/ Well actually there is.

So you're leaving because there are jobs in the country? Well, that's new...

deisedave

I have spent my time studying holdem theory, I always loved poker but now I make a good side income

I have also applied for any job going and for college next year

retroactive

Millicent wrote: »

So you're leaving because there are jobs in the country? Well, that's new...

While jobs do exist in this country, I'm training to work in a sector where positions don't (or where openings exist, are very competitive). Rather than put my hand out, I will emigrate - seek employment elsewhere.

Millicent

But what does this post:

retroactive wrote: »

While jobs do exist in this country, I'm training to work in a sector where positions don't (or where openings exist, are very competitive). Rather than put my hand out, I will emigrate - seek employment elsewhere.

have to do with this post? :

retroactive wrote: »

So we have to people: person a. on part time social- that wont take anymore hours in work for fear of losing their precious handouts

and person b. on full dole and other benefits accuring. The ''dole'' does start and stop with 200€ a week. It's full of wonderful perks such as rent allowance, children's allowance, Back To Education, Dental, Optical and Hearing Benefits, Free Travel, Fuel Allowance, Supplementary Welfare Allowance etc etc

So, to those who wont take the hours in work: Thank you, as a student, I love the extra christmas hours. They're needed given the latest budget.

To those who are siphoning off Irish funds on a full time basis: you are the reason I am emigrating. "They 're nah jobs joe" - http://www.jobs.ie/ Well actually there is. Also, (and I cant find the link) there is a recent IBEC report that says benefits have compounded to such an extent that it would take a salary of more that 35k to entice.. entice.. someone from the ''dole'' into the work force. (taking into account accuruing benefits)

You made wrong decisions. There is no reset. You are at home living on tax paid by people better than you. People who do not want to support you.

What's with all the condescending bullshit too? Want condescension? Then here you go:

Wait until you're a few years into a job that you trained for in college and have a bit more life experience under your belt and then imagine, because someone mismanaged a company or because the economy's in the toilet, *poof*, there goes that job you worked so hard for. And then someone "better than you", "who do not want to support you" will be funding the PRSI that keeps the social welfare going that you require to stay alive.

retroactive

First off; They bot come from they both come from the same poster.

Second:; while the future is a wonderful argument, I was talking about now. Although if you're employing the ''future'' argument (I like to call it ''the bury your head in the sand and keep your hands free for hand-outs argument.) I'm sure someone more qualitfied than me will appear- then they will emigrate- although that may take, what, 7 seven years? after which the euro qerfuffle will have died down and of course the educated will have emigrated as Ireland becomes a land of plasters and carpeters.

Simple we have a legal and finance sector dying. A sector that is second only in the hatred competition against the politicians. Fine, kiddo, take the welfare, **** the economy - just have the decency to realise that you are part of the problem and are not the soution

You made wrong decisions. There is no reset. You are at home living on tax paid by people better than you. People who do not want to support you.

Sonics2k

It sucks.

I've worked since I was 16 years old, never gone more than 2-3 months without some form of employment. I lost my last job about 2 years ago, and was completely unable to find work in my area, so was basically forced to move back into my family home after my relationship with my fiancé broke down.

I'm currently out of work, and planning on going to University next year to do the Computing course, and possibly move from there into teaching.
Unfortunately, in order to get Back to Education, I need to be unemployed for a year or some nonsense, now I sit around twiddling my thumbs for stupid amounts of hours per day.

I have to save up quite a bit of money to get a cheap flight to the U.K. to see my partner.

No, the dole is not the easy life. Please don't assume that because there are some scroungers that we all are all like that.

retroactive

Sonics2k wrote: »

It sucks.

I've worked since I was 16 years old, never gone more than 2-3 months without some form of employment. I lost my last job about 2 years ago, and was completely unable to find work in my area, so was basically forced to move back into my family home after my relationship with my fiancé broke down.

I'm currently out of work, and planning on going to University next year to do the Computing course, and possibly move from there into teaching.
Unfortunately, in order to get Back to Education, I need to be unemployed for a year or some nonsense, now I sit around twiddling my thumbs for stupid amounts of hours per day.

I have to save up quite a bit of money to get a cheap flight to the U.K. to see my partner.

No, the dole is not the easy life. Please don't assume that because there are some scroungers that we all are all like that.

Would it have been easier if you went from the leaving cert to further education? You lost your job 2 years ago. 2 years. I can image - that was hard. How hard was it was your fiancé to find someone else? how do you feel as a person? how do you think he would feel in comparison to your previous partners?

I to want to do a computer course.. preferably in a shopping trolley (it's extra) and then emigrate and safe my family.

Family?.. now that's sad well it's only "save up quite a bit of money to get a cheap flight to the U.K. to see my partner." ... i'm so glad i'm funding your lifestyle.

CyberJuice

retroactive wrote: »

Would it have been easier if you went from the leaving cert to further education? You lost your job 2 years ago. 2 years. I can image - that was hard. How hard was it was your fiancé to find someone else? how do you feel as a person? how do you think he would feel in comparison to your previous partners?

I to want to do a computer course.. preferably in a shopping trolley (it's extra) and then emigrate and safe my family.

Family?.. now that's sad well it's only "save up quite a bit of money to get a cheap flight to the U.K. to see my partner." ... i'm so glad i'm funding your lifestyle.

for someone who claims to be so much better than the rest of us your grasp on english grammar sure is pretty poor.

your only an arsehole

retroactive

*you're

ToddyDoody

11 months straight in 2008/2009. Read a lot. Pointless and a waste of time. Do the internships these days, went back to college to get off the dole back then.

Ainekav

retroactive wrote: »

Would it have been easier if you went from the leaving cert to further education? You lost your job 2 years ago. 2 years. I can image - that was hard. How hard was it was your fiancé to find someone else? how do you feel as a person? how do you think he would feel in comparison to your previous partners?

I to want to do a computer course.. preferably in a shopping trolley (it's extra) and then emigrate and safe my family.

Family?.. now that's sad well it's only "save up quite a bit of money to get a cheap flight to the U.K. to see my partner." ... i'm so glad i'm funding your lifestyle.

I hope to God you're a troll because otherwise you are an absolute bollokcs.

How dare you judge someone who can't get a job for saving up their SW to go see their fiance?? Funding her lifestyle? What lifestyle???? A fcuking flight to the UK to see someone they will marry?

The sooner you emigrate the better - however badly off we are, we're better off WITHOUT YOU

Off you go to Australia and complain about how there's no jobs, while lambasting others on here, saying there ARE jobs. Hypocrite of the highest order. And spelling and grammar is crap aswell for someone apparently so well-educated.

FOOL

Ainekav

retroactive wrote: »

So we have to people: person a. on part time social- that wont take anymore hours in work for fear of losing their precious handouts

Where are you pulling this sh1t from??

Seriously?????

did you even read mine and others posts?

Logical Fallacy

retroactive wrote: »

i'm so glad i'm funding your lifestyle.

You're not.

So don't worry about it.

Gareth2011

Ainekav wrote: »

I hope to God you're a troll because otherwise you are an absolute bollokcs.

How dare you judge someone who can't get a job for saving up their SW to go see their fiance?? Funding her lifestyle? What lifestyle???? A fcuking flight to the UK to see someone they will marry?

The sooner you emigrate the better - however badly off we are, we're better off WITHOUT YOU

Off you go to Australia and complain about how there's no jobs, while lambasting others on here, saying there ARE jobs. Hypocrite of the highest order. And spelling and grammar is crap aswell for someone apparently so well-educated.

FOOL

As BA says "I pity the fool"

padd b1975

Ainekav wrote: »

Where are you pulling this sh1t from??

Seriously?????

did you even read mine and others posts?

Actually that part is true and more widespread than you would think.
I know lots of single parents that work part time in major retailers ensuring that they only do a set amount of hours per week.

Full entitlements unaffected.

Gareth2011

There is someone that works with the wife that is doing that too but she will only work the weekends because Sunday isn't counted at the mo so she only gets one day taken from her. Same thing if she was work 4 days out of 6 she said it wouldn't be worth working and loosing her entitlements.

She be fairly fecked when they bring in the 7 days instead of 6 and you can only claim for 5 days working.

mossyc123

retroactive wrote: »

i'm so glad i'm funding your lifestyle.

Just out of college paying a pissy little amount of PRSI...

You're funding FCUK ALL mate!!!

fat__tony

padd b1975 wrote: »

Says the guy still posting on a largely Irish internet forum.

Just can't cut yourself off totally??

This is the internet which is worldwide I thought. The forums servers are actually based in the US so your argument is nonsense.

padd b1975

fat__tony wrote: »

This is the internet which is worldwide I thought. The forums servers are actually based in the US so your argument is nonsense.

They are always in the last place you look.

Logical Fallacy

mossyc123 wrote: »

Just out of college paying a pissy little amount of PRSI...

You're funding FCUK ALL mate!!!

And not a thought for the people who funded his education.

Gareth2011

Logical Fallacy wrote: »

And not a thought for the people who funded his education.

Im planning on going to college next year if I can can and please god the state will be paying my tutition fee's and BTEA. But il be 31 years of age and I have paid my way in this country since I was 18. except now im on social . But I wouldnt have any objection to paying back the state when I had a job for the cost of my education. Thats how it should be done. Then the state gets it's money back and the person gets their education.

KIERAN1

Its crappy, and really boring socially been on the dole. I can not move out of my family home either cant afford the rent. I wish i could just get a job and fend for myself! I've been unemployed for 2 year plus, and its not because i haven't tried. I've sent out countless CV's to industries here were i am living. But never seem to get an interview call (have received letters though confirming they've got my CV and that they'll will keep it in on file? I am wondering now though is it because of my age (34) that i don't get interviews calls, like i once did before this recession kicked in? Or is just there is no job matching my skilled set, and employers, are being truthful and genuine with their responses back to me?

I'm not overly educated, but do have a leaving cert and have done one college courses to get ahead in the past. I also have lot of experience in factory floor work, years, but for whatever reason can't even get in the front door anymore for an interview. Really Demoralising, like i am hard working, good with people, and brilliant with time keeping, so there's no real reason why i should be getting dole!!

Digitalism

Ainekav wrote: »

Off you go to Australia and complain about how there's no jobs, while lambasting others on here, saying there ARE jobs. Hypocrite of the highest order. And spelling and grammar is crap aswell for someone apparently so well-educated.

FOOL

To be fair, theres plenty of jobs in Australia, compared to here anyway. The jobs wont come to you though.

Gareth2011

KIERAN1 wrote: »

Its crappy, and really boring socially been on the dole. I can not move out of my family home either cant afford the rent. I wish i could just get a job and fend for myself! I've been unemployed for 2 year plus, and its not because i haven't tried. I've sent out countless CV's to industries here were i am living. But never seem to get an interview call (have received letters though confirming they've got my CV and that they'll will keep it in on file? I am wondering now though is it because of my age (34) that i don't get interviews calls, like i once did before this recession kicked in? Or is just there is no job matching my skilled set, and employers, are being truthful and genuine with their responses back to me?

I'm not overly educated, but do have a leaving cert and have done one college courses to get ahead in the past. I also have lot of experience in factory floor work, years, but for whatever reason can't even get in the front door anymore for an interview. Really Demoralising, like i am hard working, good with people, and brilliant with time keeping, so there's no real reason why i should be getting dole!!

You are like me Kieran, I have 10 years experience in manufacturing (microelectronics, hp, phone cable suppliers, pharmacuetical) and It doesnt matter how many CV'S you send off to these people there is always someone better and will work for less (even though they dont know what you will work for) you know who im talking about. If you have the college side of it there is no reason why you shouldnt be applying jobs overseas. Best thing you can do is leave this country. First chance myself and the wife get were gone. No point staying somewhere is isn't going to get better for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnggggg time.

KIERAN1

Gareth2011 wrote: »

You are like me Kieran, I have 10 years experience in manufacturing (microelectronics, hp, phone cable suppliers, pharmacuetical) and It doesnt matter how many CV'S you send off to these people there is always someone better and will work for less (even though they dont know what you will work for) you know who im talking about. If you have the college side of it there is no reason why you shouldnt be applying jobs overseas. Best thing you can do is leave this country. First chance myself and the wife get were gone. No point staying somewhere is isn't going to get better for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnggggg time.

Hi Gareth. I will not be anymore today after this, to respond back to you.

I just hope employers are not been wasteful as to who they've picked for their jobs? At 34 i am still young, and still am able to learn new skills to enable me to do the job. I have know fear of new opportunities, to be honest! I've got real experience, so that should in reality be counted as a bonus? I can however understand employers frustration though Gareth, employers receive countless CV's for Jobs everyday, and they know next to nothing about the candidate, then what's written on their CV... In saying all that however, employers can by know fault of their own, have discriminated, against the better people, who'd be more suitable for the Job offered, and their industry.

Personality, commonsense, and honesty are no were to be found on a CV application, these things are extremely important and often employers will hire people, who lack one, if not all three of these characteristics!

I can't emigrate, as this time, as i have a young daughter. We are pretty close. She lives with her mother though as we are no longer together. I will check out my options next year. I will try look for work then, and maybe consider university in Limerick were i live, but at my age would i be employable still, even with a degree to my name?

Hopefully Gareth you'll get something nothing worse then having to uproot your family and head off. Having 10 years of experience you should be hirable. Its sad the way the country is gone downhill for some of us!!

Gareth2011

Well if you are still on the Social come middle of next year and you haven't found employment UL might be your best best. You should qualify for the Back to Education allowance then as you only need to been on the social for 9 months if you're doing a Undergraduate third level course. Next year im hoping to study to be a "wind energy technician" so working on wind turbines, maintenance mainly and with that course and experience its a job that they are screaming out for people to take up world wide. Maybe it would be an idea for you do look at something that deals with energy? Im saying this because thats where the work will be in years to come and with more and more countries going green it could open up a whole world so to speak

Johnny Foreigner

KIERAN1 wrote: »

Its crappy, and really boring socially been on the dole. I can not move out of my family home either cant afford the rent. I wish i could just get a job and fend for myself! I've been unemployed for 2 year plus, and its not because i haven't tried. I've sent out countless CV's to industries here were i am living. But never seem to get an interview call (have received letters though confirming they've got my CV and that they'll will keep it in on file? I am wondering now though is it because of my age (34) that i don't get interviews calls, like i once did before this recession kicked in? Or is just there is no job matching my skilled set, and employers, are being truthful and genuine with their responses back to me?

I'm not overly educated, but do have a leaving cert and have done one college courses to get ahead in the past. I also have lot of experience in factory floor work, years, but for whatever reason can't even get in the front door anymore for an interview. Really Demoralising, like i am hard working, good with people, and brilliant with time keeping, so there's no real reason why i should be getting dole!!

I am in a similar situation myself. I am 34 years of age and have been applying for jobs for the last 2 years. If its any consolation, I have a 1.1 BA (Hons) degree, and a MA Masters degree; with 10 years industry experience and I can't get a job! I have managed to get interviews, even get called back to second interviews; but never get offered the job. My confidence has taken a knock after 2 years of receiving rejection letters. Often I am over qualified and experienced for minimum wage, and junior management jobs, but under qualified for senior management jobs. To be honest with you, having a Masters degree is more of a hindrance than a help. I can remember 10 years ago being able to pick and choose where I wanted to work. Its a sign of the times that people like us who want to work, can't get a job. I find it demoralising. The hardest thing is when you meet a new girl and she asks; what do you do for a living? I'm unemployed. It's a real conversation killer.

teaandtoast

KIERAN1 wrote: »

Its crappy, and really boring socially been on the dole. I can not move out of my family home either cant afford the rent. I wish i could just get a job and fend for myself! I've been unemployed for 2 year plus, and its not because i haven't tried. I've sent out countless CV's to industries here were i am living. But never seem to get an interview call (have received letters though confirming they've got my CV and that they'll will keep it in on file? I am wondering now though is it because of my age (34) that i don't get interviews calls, like i once did before this recession kicked in? Or is just there is no job matching my skilled set, and employers, are being truthful and genuine with their responses back to me?

I'm not overly educated, but do have a leaving cert and have done one college courses to get ahead in the past. I also have lot of experience in factory floor work, years, but for whatever reason can't even get in the front door anymore for an interview. Really Demoralising, like i am hard working, good with people, and brilliant with time keeping, so there's no real reason why i should be getting dole!!

Well it's good to have experience because I never really had a proper job even in the boom times it was hard for me to get work! There was no reason why I was on the dole long term but no one ever gave me a chance or gave me the benefit of the doubt. It must be very hard for the long term unempolyed who don't have skills and qualfications because here you have over qualficed people working min wage jobs, those jobs should be for people who are no skills/qualifications to get them back on track because they are the only people who can do those jobs justice. I remember I went for a few CE scheme with 3 people interviewing me it's a part-time job where no experience is required! that pays €200. How do they want to help people to get back to employment, it's frightening that there is people working in managment at FAS and in the CE schemes that don't have basic intelligence, they know how to use their heads! Their interview procedure is like a job for a brain surgeon. No wonder this country is a mess and mental health is issue, it's a struggle for the people who are marginalised in this society that are taking the steps improve their lifes/better themselves

I would say try to do more courses, education is the way to go. I would like to think they are employers out there who employ people for who they are aswell as what they can do. I would definitely try looking for voluntary work too even if it's not in your line of work the thing is people always need volunteers and it is enjoyable. You just have to keep believing in yourself

Eroticfishcake

Johnny Foreigner wrote: »

I am in a similar situation myself. I am 34 years of age and have been applying for jobs for the last 2 years. If its any consolation, I have a 1.1 BA (Hons) degree, and a MA Masters degree; with 10 years industry experience and I can't get a job! I have managed to get interviews, even get called back to second interviews; but never get offered the job. My confidence has taken a knock after 2 years of receiving rejection letters. Often I am over qualified and experienced for minimum wage, and junior management jobs, but under qualified for senior management jobs. To be honest with you, having a Masters degree is more of a hindrance than a help. I can remember 10 years ago being able to pick and choose where I wanted to work. Its a sign of the times that people like us who want to work, can't get a job. I find it demoralising. The hardest thing is when you meet a new girl and she asks; what do you do for a living? I'm unemployed. It's a real conversation killer.

Tough break, hope things turn around for you in the new year. As for the conversation killer with the ladies, she isn't worth your words if she's judging you on this. It takes confidence and balls to pick yourself up and keep looking for work opportunities.

Ainekav

Digitalism wrote: »

To be fair, theres plenty of jobs in Australia, compared to here anyway. The jobs wont come to you though.

I meant 'complain about how there's no jobs in Ireland'...

mandrake04

Digitalism wrote: »

To be fair, theres plenty of jobs in Australia, compared to here anyway. The jobs wont come to you though.

There are plenty of jobs in Australia but they

a) Require some sort of skill that most people on here wont have.
b) Require you to have a visa that most people on here wont qualify for unless you are prepared to pick apples for $4 an hour.

Faith+1

mandrake04 wrote: »

There are plenty of jobs in Australia but they

a) Require some sort of skill that most people on here wont have.
b) Require you to have a visa that most people on here wont qualify for unless you are prepared to pick apples for $4 an hour.

Assumption is the mother of all F*ck ups.

mandrake04

Faith+1 wrote: »

Assumption is the mother of all F*ck ups.

Yeah you shouldn't assume that just anyone can get a job in Australia.

I did say most and not all, and lets face it's for that very reason is why only 3000 Irish people qualify to migrate to Australia per year.

mosi

I hate being on the dole.
I graduated from uni this year with a 1.1 BA, and have been looking for work, internships etc.
I had hoped to do a Masters next year but with the grant now abolished that will be impossible unless I get a job...which seems impossible to get.
I was applying for internships to get experience in my field, but I really need a job at this stage if I am to go back to uni. It is so demoralising to apply for all these different positions...writing good cover letters, tailoring the cv etc...only to hear nothing, not even an acknowledgement back from any of them. It's even worse when the position is unpaid.
I try to keep busy day to day, and hope to get involved in a few more activities in the New Year, if only to keep my sanity.
What really gets me as well is that some people I had thought to be friends, have made snide comments around me about people on the dole.
Hopefully something will come up soon, as I am absolutely frustrated with it all.

gsxr1

Horrible life,
Depression high, self worth low. Worst 2 years of my life.

Thank God my fortune changed for the better.



Best of luck in getting work in the new year.

Acacia

Awful... but I've just heard yesterday that I've got a job and I'm delighted!:D


I wouldn't wish depending on social wefare on anybody. I know there are scammers and sponges and whatnot on the dole, and there always has been. But that doesn't change the fact that there are many, many genuine people struggling to get by on it, and being lumped in with people who've never worked a day in their lives does nothing but add frustration and anger to an already horrible experience.

I'll never forget what it felt like to have sign on every month and collect money from the post office every week. You feel like everyone is watching you, they can see how much many you get, and assume you're just another sponger out to rob from the tax-payers. You're desperate to find work, you don't want to be living on hand-outs, but you don't have a choice. It's hard to understand unless you've been there yourself. To be fair, some of the dole office employees were okay, but the vast majority made you feel like sh1t on their shoes for having the audacity to be out of work and be giving them a job! It was at times humiliating and I hope I never have to experience it again.

To everyone out there struggling at the moment, keep holding on, and hopefully 2012 will be your year!

Also, I found this blog helpful to read, very touching and relatable, for those who are out of work, particularly this entry!

http://www.surviveunemployment.com/unemployment_depression