Employment, Unemployment, Opportunities, Barriers
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
United States
January 26, 2009 12:15pm CST
I'm now among the ranks of the temporarily laid off,
The moment that I became laid off I saw a sign for help wanted in a job that I always admired and could one day see myself doing.
Driving tractor trailer... I have the license, to drive doubles and triples and I also have the tanker endorsement. At one time I carried the Haz-Mat endorsement but as of now I do not.
The job posting requires this Haz-Mat endorsement but my mental health history might preclude me from acquiring that endorsement.
It is lovely to see how one action can and will affect the next, the perjury of a detective has inhibited me to acquire gainful employment because I have been defamed.
The other thing is that to acquire the Haz-Mat certification I would need to pay for that myself with an out of pocket cost of around $150.00... I don't have that kind of capital available to me at this time. It is not that I don't have any retirement savings or even capital in my house as an investment but with the marital problems I can't leverage too much of either of those two assets.
I'm going to and have to be very careful of my finances and moving forward from here on out...
Add my name to be counted in among the temporarily unemployed statistics.
I hope the economy turns around real soon...
Something has to give...
When one falls we all fall...
I hate to fail.
8 people like this
18 responses
@addysmum (1225)
• Canada
26 Jan 09
When my moms cousin was going through a messy divorce he moved to Alberta with me and my husband to get work. While away his wife borrowed money against the house maxing out there equity in the home. When he asked the lawyers how she could do that they said you are still married, she owns half the house, and now he owes half the debit. She took him for everything, he ended up in debit to his eyeballs and still had to pay support to her for 3 years.
I am not saying go max your house or credit but to better your position in this job market looking at borrowing against your equity for such a small amount may be your best option.
One thing that needs to be looked at is that freight still needs to move, truck drivers are needed. My husband is a driver and we have never been without work ever. It is a fairly stable employment in this market. If you have the license even if you don't get this specific job I would hit up every trucking company you can with your resume, even relief driving is something. However having said that if you are out of work when you hit the courts with the wife, she may end up paying you support. Something to think about. Divorce is messy, and you need to play the games to get ahead in it, so play and play hard; she is.
4 people like this
@addysmum (1225)
• Canada
26 Jan 09
Amen to that. In these times things are hard and scary for a lot of people. I hope you can get on you feet before you get knocked off them totally. You are in my prayers. As for the wife, I still say hit back as hard as she is hitting you. You have rights, so fight for them and make her hurt like you are. If she is going to make it messy make sure she gets just her share of the garbage.
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Yep,
I'm listening, I think I will give legal aid a call, but I'm sure that it will be to no avail... I made too much to be poor even while collecting unemployment and too little to have enough set aside to deal with all of my legal issues.
It sure is a good thing that I can read and write, but even that has proven to be a futile effort.
I have to tune in and listen up for I'm sure that there will be direction given that will work.
Until then,
Thank You...
Both you are Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
2 people like this
@addysmum (1225)
• Canada
27 Jan 09
Gary, my heart goes out to you. This whole situation is crap. I know the feeling about making too much for help but not enough to make things easy. That is how my husband and I have lived our entire life together. Even in alberta, the money was great but the bills crazy high. Things will get better, I feel it isn't in your path to suffer this to long, I think you will be on your feet and ok sooner then you think you will. Your looking at this through the eyes of the one being hurt and can't see past it because it is all to fresh.
2 people like this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Hey Buffalo! Well, I do know exactly how you feel and it is
not pleasant! I am currently unemployed and have been for
quite some time! If I tried to find employment with my
gaps in my work history for medical reasons I will never get
employment either! So with the economy the way it is and with
healthy people in need of employment what are my chances? And
the worst part is that my temporary assistance will run out
and even if I get disability it won't pay for my living
expenses at the very minimum! I have worked hard for over
35 years, paid taxes and what is to become of me? I have no
savings, pension, or anything to fall back on since I wasn't
planning to become ill! It is really very scary to be in
any situation these days!
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Hi Opal,
No we do not plan on getting ill, and it is sad that one illness can wipe you out or devastate you in such a way... It makes me sad to think that all we are worth is some number in some book and you have to struggle when something happens that is beyond your control.
It makes you want to get rid of the whole system completely and try something really novel and new...
Good luck,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
26 Jan 09
These are difficult times. But keep your courage. Things eventually come full circle.
Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 26
"All life is a circle."
--Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE
The atom is a circle, orbits are circles, the earth, moon, and sun are circles. The seasons are circles. The cycle of life is a circle: baby, youth, adult, elder. The sun gives life to the earth who feeds life to the trees whose seeds fall to the earth to grow new trees. We need to practice seeing the cycles that the Great Spirit gave us because this will help us more in our understanding of how things operate. We need to respect these cycles and live in harmony with them.
Great Spirit, let me grow in knowledge of the circle.
Contact us:
White Bison, inc.
6145 Lehman Drive Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO
80918
E-mail us:
www.whitebison.org
info@whitebison.org
Phone : 719-548-1000
Fax : 719-548-9407
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I was thinking about this when I wrote a response to Gnosisquest below, Thank you for giving me hope and courage.
I will be in touch soon electronically.
Words of wisdom are always welcome...
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
Chinese astrology symbol = Ox
2 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Well I'm fairly secure in my employment while I'm still going to have to collect until business picks up in a few weeks or so we all hope...
I get to tighten my belt a little further.
As this will be a bit lean...
I'm working on the affects of that one lie and the others... What a cascade???
Don't be too frightened, I think a lot of this is the result of a shell game to take our attention off of the real issues.
Thanks for leaving your message,
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
2 people like this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
26 Jan 09
Hi TheGreatWhiteBuffalo,
Yes its getting worst by the day, we just heard that here in the UK the large firm Bosh is clossing down and steel firm as well so it is just as bad here as everywhere, so how long is this going to go on? I feel sorry for you and the rest of the working people that have lost their jobs, and hope that you will find one soon, be in the right place at the right time my friend.
Tamara
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Thank You my friend,
Tamara, things are bad, but there is a silver lining as we take this time to clean house and set things right we will come out of this in a lot better position as we work in a global community for the good of all.
We are now realizing just how interconnected we all are...
Let's work for each others best interest instead of being super competitive to the point of being jealous.
We all need to learn to share...
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary,
OX
1 person likes this
@pulangpluma (334)
• Philippines
27 Jan 09
Sorry to hear about your predicament. I could understand the how it feels to want something but due to some financial constraints or responsibilities you just have to set it aside for a while until things are better..
In my country, lay off has become the common headline in the news. Every day you would hear companies closing or laying off employees by hundreds. In my brother's company, they often have shut down time and everytime this happens he loses a day's pay. :(
It's sad and I hope things will be better soon. I can't wait for the time that all this are behind us and we are acting on the lessons learned from these events to prevent it from happening again.
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I hope that we learn as well,
There is much that each of us can do and when we get this snowball to melt we might be able to do some good for all of us.
There were way too many cold heartened people who lack empathy and only care about themselves jealous or greedy or both... We all need to survive.
Good Luck to you and yours,
Sincerely,
Gary
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Well, there was a time not so many months ago when all kinds of places were hiring left and right and no one ever thought they would see what they are seeing at this time. I know myself I never thought I would see it this bad and am wondering where it will go from here. Yes, we do need a pickup in the Economy and jobs here in the USA. I know it will take some time, but hopefully many will be able to financially be able to get thru this and look back and say it was worth it all, but until then we only Pray and wait and hope for the best from there.
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
In my latest discussion here;http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1889656.aspx I have given some ideas of what could be done to help turn our country around.
From a class action lawsuit to lowering the interest rates...
That would make things better for sure...
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Hmmm? That link didn't link allow me another try...
http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1889656.aspx
Let's see if that is any better?
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I dont like to fail either but if ya dont try. you have failed right from the start.
Yup I know right now $150 out of pocket would hurt
But if getting a job you have wanted . I would take the plunge as it would be something ya love to do. And payoff in the end by getting the job!
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Well she can always try, the worst that can happen is they can say that she didn't earn enough to collect...
Maybe she earned enough to collect something and anything is better than nothing.
I would like to know how she made out, that all things will be okay...
No real details just that she will be okay or she is in a bad way...
I hope she will be okay...
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
That is just it, I already have a job, the other job would be nice, but it has to be guaranteed, I need to know that I will be hired when I called they could not assure me of being hired and they didn't offer to reimburse me for my expenses. Usually serious employers reimburse their employee's for out of pocket expenses such as licensing, I'm thinking that they were not serious about hiring me and for that reason I'm not going to go out and spend that money on something that I won't be able to use.
I'll collect a few weeks and when the economy gets better all will be good again.
It is only a temporary lay-off and not a permanent one... There is a big difference between the two the latter being a kin to getting fired but in a nice way... The thing is that it really doesn't make much of a difference getting permanently laid off or fired in both cases you could still collect, you'll be guaranteed to collect unemployment compensation if you are laid off, if your fired there are provisions that could prevent you from collecting.
I just have to wait for the work schedule to pick back up so I'll be fine or so I hope...
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
27 Jan 09
Hi TheGreatWhiteBuffalo! I sure hope and pray that the global economy will turn out real soon because we are all feeling it right now here in our country too. But I do believe that "If God closes a door, He will open windows." And I am sure that there will be some more opportunities out there and are just waiting for us to discover. Just a thought!
Take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Hi Faith,
I'm working on one right now...
Lots to do...
1 person likes this
@angel_of_charm (4134)
• Philippines
29 Jan 09
i think everyone else around the world is affected by this economic crisis..here in the Philippines thousands of people in my area only got laid off because the company had closed...lots of people in the city are protesting due to lack of employment and also a lot of our overseas workers had been sent to home jobless...i am jobless as well..my company is laying of people as well and there are millions of more people out there complaining with the same thing..this sadden me and its very depressing..i hate to fail as well and all i could wish each day i wake up is hope the economy will turn good soon too..
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Yes,
We all have to work together, I hope that there are lots of friends around you that there is plenty of food and fresh water and that you can all work together for your future...
It is wonderful to see people from your part of the world so knowledgeable sharing with the rest of us...
Hang in there I'm sure the global economy will turn around for all of us...
That is unless some greedy and selfish aristocrat decides to make things worse.
Peace and Blessings,
I wish I could do more,
Sincerely,
Gary
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Hi Gary,
I am so sorry to hear of your lay off. We're like in a domino effect. I pray our new President does something for all of us fish out of water before we all dru up and die. Isn't there any way you can at least try for the job? If they are willing to overlook the past somehow, they may be willing to help you with the certificate fee. What do you have to lose? Believe me when I say I understand the male ego, but instead of waiting 6 months or more, swallow your pride and at least try. It's a tough thing to do but all they can do is say no. You've heard that my husband has been out of work for over a year and a half. He's gone through all the emotions and it's been the hardest time of his life. Go for it big guy, and if that doesn't work, then you go for the next and the next until the right job says yes. Good luck my friend. And I'm so sorry about your marital problems. Let me know if I can help.
leenie
2 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Hi Leenie,
You have been very helpful already,
I contacted the company to find out if they would over look the past, that is one issue on their part. I would understand their position of hiring someone with my history or not, why take chances? So even if I get by the back ground check for the Haz-Mat certificate that doesn't mean that I will be hired by another company. I'm in quite a quandary and I need to be careful. It would be nice to have another job to fall back on as a part time or seasonal thing since the work I do is really seasonal. I've been luck to work as many season's recently as I have. The reason for that is not left unnoticed.
Thank you for taking the time to read and offer your support...
It does mean a great deal.
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
1 person likes this
@messageme (2821)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I hardly dout you will fail. You seem to smart to allow that to happen to you. We just had to deal with lay off ourselves. My boyfriend has been layed off for the last 6 weeks and the first 4 he couldn't even claim unemployment because he owed the state money for one of their screw ups! We were hurting but luckly he went back to work this week. We still don't have much faith in his job though because he works for a factory that makes parts for chrysler, Gm and ford. The 3 major car companies in jepordy! I hear everyday tons and tons of people being layed off around the country so if it makes you feel any better, you are not alone!
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
Well I feel less alone,
I don't know about that making me feel better... 
But you gave me cause to smile... 
Thank You,
Good luck in all of your endeavors also,
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
But you gave me cause to smile...
Thank You,
Good luck in all of your endeavors also,
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX2 people like this
@tabachi (263)
• Philippines
27 Jan 09
you are not alone...many employees ahve been laid off or forced to resign..retrenchment,lay offs seem to be the in thing now bec of the worsening global financial downfall..this is a negative thing but im glad that you are one of the few who have looked at it positively..don't lose hope..fight!you will be able to get into the working groove soon....
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Mine is only a temporary issue... I just have to wait out the cold spell...
@haydeecorbilla (242)
• Philippines
27 Jan 09
Count on GOD....Leave everything to him!!trust him.. Economic crisis will not be permanent.. It is how he would make all of us strong.....
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Silly you,
I trust in GOD, but not the god that is male or female... My GOD the GOD of the Universe certainly will keep things moving, we just have to be patient and wait for a short time until all things are better.
The cure is in my hands...
@amcgowan (3)
• United States
27 Jan 09
My ex husband is a truck driver and I will tell you that you need to watch going into that field right now. Freight is not moving very much and he is about to lose everything. There are weeks that he works and yet does not get paid for them because the freight did not pay enough to cover the expenses. It really sucks that a lot of our truck drivers are out there working so hard and yet not seeing a paycheck for their work.
In addition I understand being one of the statistics who is out of work. I just graduated from college only to find myself owing student loans and yet no job openings to pay them back. I went to school hoping to land a great job only to discover the economy would crash at the same time I graduated. Go figure.
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
I wish you all the best of luck to both you and your husband, it certainly is not easy being an owner operator and for that reason I prefer to work as an employee not having to deal with the overhead costs that people tend to disregard when it comes to the cost of doing business. But if the company is well managed they will make a profit and be around for all of their customers as long as all of the employees do their best to take care of the equipment and if the equipment remains properly maintained. Good equipment equals good employment and that equals a profit for everyone.
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
We are just seeing the results of what has been coming for a long time, it has taken a long time for us to realize what we were being warned about a long time ago. I think we get it now...
Something big needs to change, either the money is there or it is gone, if it is gone how do we exchange for our services, we would be in a whole new age...
Lots to think about there...
There are lots of ways that things could and can be changed. Who is sitting in the cat birds seat right now?
Professionals, Health care workers, Teachers, Government workers, Telecommunications what about the rest of us?
I'm thinking of the immortal words of that guy that we just replaced as Elpresidento, you know if you're not one of us then you must be one of them terrorists... I think he had his thinking all wrong, and a lot of people had followed his thinking...
For that reason the problems will be taking longer to repair in order for us to make a proper turn around.
Interesting stuff huh?
Peace and Blessings to you and yours,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
27 Jan 09
I'm so very sorry about your situation. The injustice that some can heap on others is appalling to me. Just know that the Spirit is always with you. Don't get your eyes so focused on one thing that you miss an opportunity in a completely different direction.
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I have my fingers into so many things that I'm not sure which direction to turn next... I still am working on a video...
I headed back to the drawing board after struggling yesterday... But I can envision this being a good experience, and you know of my writing endeavors.
So there are lots of opportunities for when the time is right.
Thanks for dropping by and offering your kind words of support.
Peace and Blessings,
Sincerely,
Gary
OX
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I hate to fail as well but, if you are currently unemployed you may be able to contact your unemployment office and ask if there are any programs available to pay for the endorsement you need for the job. They may also be able to put you in the right direction to find the help if they are unable to.
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
31 Jan 09
I think I'll sit tight on the unemployment and wait for the work to return as the work I do is seasonal and this is only a temporary thing unless the worst would happen...
Hopefully things will turn around and get better soon, if not? I'm going to have even more competition for those odd jobs...
I have something else in the works right now...
