Yesterday I had job interviews. I’ve got my second round of interviews on Friday. I’ve also been arguing with the Department of Economic Security about unemployment. My state is strapped for cash because the housing crash really affected Arizona so there’s more hoops to jump through now than just a few years ago. With all the back and forth phone calls, running to copy and fax machines and getting people documents, sending resumes and researching companies, I’m pooped! Who knew being unemployed would leave me with so little time.
I’ve having to prove to the state of Arizona that I’m a legal resident, was gainfully employed until recently and remind the state that I dutifully paid taxes. I’ve been funding those who are out of work and those who use welfare and unemployment checks as a lifestyle. This makes me angry. Please don’t misunderstand; I’m more than happy to help those who truly cannot work because of mental or physical limitations. But when I turn on the news and see a homeless woman say she’s living in a friend’s garage with her two children and her infant, I want to shake my fists in rage. This woman has been out of work for three years. She was a housekeeper for a hotel but due to the drop in tourism here (which this state depends on to some extent) she was let go from her job. I’m sorry for her but she now has a three week old to care for. How did getting pregnant when you already can’t care for your children sound like a good idea?
When I initially signed up for unemployment and state insurance, I had to answer questions that I’ve never been asked before: do I know who my father is, can I prove it, are my parents here legally and am I really a citizen of the state of Arizona? I provided a copy of my birth certificate, my paternal lineage is a sure thing and I’ve been living and paying taxes in this state for thirteen years. I don’t like that I have to rely on the state but I’ll answer their questions. I do, however, raise an eyebrow when the unemployment office asks if I have a husband to ‘pay my way’ until I find another job. This person was disheartened when I stated I’ve never been married and I’ve been paying my own way for years.
I’m going to need state help until I’m employed again. I understand the state help has been pushed to the limit due to enormous strain from all the unemployed people. I’m not going to rail against immigrants but I’m none too pleased that its easier for illegal immigrants to receive benefits that I am having difficulty obtaining. I’m sure those families aren’t living in luxury but I’m fairly certain I pay more in taxes than they do. Do you know I was told it would be easier if I had a child? Apparently illegitimate children make it easier to receive government assistance. Like a sucker I went to college and got on birth control. I’m not sure what the American dream looks like now but I’m wondering if it’s not a dream so much as a nightmare.
Today’s lie: everything will be better in the morning.
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