How do people survive when their unemployment compensation runs out?

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   MarleneBposted 11 years ago

   How do people survive when their unemployment compensation runs out?
   
   In the town where I live, entire business complexes are shut down. Jobs are few and opportunities are nonexistent. I often wonder what people do to eat, pay bills, and so on when their unemployment compensation runs out. Do they move in with relatives? Do they move to shelters? Do they live in the streets? How do they survive? That's really the question here.

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2. 69

   Joan Kingposted 11 years ago

   I would say all of the above. However, hopefully people are able to have a plan B for when their unemployment runs out and not wait until it does to find a solution. The other option is to look for work in other states or work that may not be exactly what one is looking for or even at a lower pay rate. It is a pity businesses are closing down and many are taking the jobs to places like China where labor is cheap. In this economy, people will need to get back to basics, plan and be creative.

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      Dubuquedogtrainerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You have to have money to move.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Ditto Dubuquedogtrainer.

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      Joan Kingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Dubuquedogtrainer I agree.Perhaps putting aside money when one is getting unemployment funds, working odd jobs, asking family for help. Plan ahead for when the unemployment runs out.

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      Dubuquedogtrainerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      True, all good ideas, but some folks have depleted resources for no fault of their own such as serious illness that precludes gainful employment, age (which negatively affects the job hunt), etc.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Both my husband and I became unemployed at the same time from six figures to zero. We had a plan B only because we were high income earners. Those whose jobs just barely pay the bills don't stand a chance. Unemployment benefits pay at poverty levels.

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   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 11 years ago

   You can get very creative when push comes to shove. People do all of the things you mentioned plus look for odd jobs. There are social service agencies and government funding to help but many people fall through the cracks for one reason or another. I think bankruptcy filings are on the rise. The economy is about to bust. We need to think ahead about how we can help each other survive with food and shelter.

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      MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are so right. I don't have the means to help with shelter, but whenever I come in contact with someone who is hungry, I always provide a meal for them. It's the least I can do.

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   noenhulkposted 11 years ago

   Don't wait to do something profitable before unemployment compensation runs out.
   Use your compensation to gain. You have all the resources by yourself. Clean streets, ask donation cleaning it, be a park boy and clean car for someone. Small service you can do can add up to your compensation.

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      Joan Kingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      For sure, the idea is to have a plan and try to make an income before the unemployment runs out. In some countries people don't even get unemployment so it should be seen as a temporary help to get you over the hump then you are on your own.

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      Dubuquedogtrainerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      All sounds good, but real life doesn't always work out that way.

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   dennis.cherenkovposted 11 years ago

   At some point one has to decide to either wait around for someone else to fix his or her life or take matters into their own hands with all the strength they have.  In my industry we have a saying "If you want to make a lot of money, find the most pressing problem for people and solve it."  Sometimes you have to make your own path, being self employed has many benefits.  Instead of waiting for other people to solve their problems, those people can become solutions themselves.
   
   Have you ever noticed that no matter what the economy is doing some people seem to be unaffected or better yet keep getting richer and richer?  Keep in mind there are plenty of opportunities, always.  Sitting around, hoping your job comes back is useless.   Acquiring new skills and learning from successful people how to be in control of your future, is always a good idea.

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