The Jobless : a story of job and humanity ….

The american freelance writer, R. Selliti, a specialist of jobless subject explain the situation in her words. “I’m about to become a 99er. This number is the maximum of weeks of jobless benefits in States with high unemployment. A 99er is someone whose benefits are expired. It’s not a club you want to be in, nor is it a very exclusive one – in fact, the labor department can’t keep track of our numbers. Where one of this nations few growth industries. The story is not unusual, this is exactly the same kind of experience in Belgium or in Europe,  for young professionals. Bachelor degree (licence or master) in communication for instance. The employment market has gone from bleak to bleaker.

For Renata and the others, the worst part of being unemployed is getting the mail. This sad ritual of dodging a mountain of bills is even more dreaded than the other daily misery, finding creative ways to answer the question : Where do you work ?

Now that I’m entering the twilight of the government assistance. I find that I and my great fellow 99ers are the center of a raging debate among politicians, included European politicians and economics around the world. Is 99 weeks  a vital lifeline in an awfull economy ? Or is it an excessive amount of time that is artificially inflating the unemployment rate by keeping able-bodied workers on the sidelines ?

On behalf of the longterm unemployed is understanding and a touch of humanity, from the government.

This a desperate search, watching your savings evaporate while you play round after losing round of job market musical chairs is a powerfull incentive to find work. The sense of urgency and desperation we feel prevents us from clinging lazily to the one lifeline we’re given. The job market is still volatile, and the chairless one could be any one tomorrow. Don’t just take it from me. Looking for work that leads to a fulfilling career is a full time job in itself, so removing ourselves from the search for 40 hours a week is an unwise detour. 99 shouldn’t have to be a scarlet number but a number like the others.”

MP