Getting Fired: Misconceptions people who have never lost a job have about those on unemployment.

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 If you've never been fired or laid off you may have some preconceived ideas about people who are out of work?  Going through the experience can be an eye-opener that changes your previous mindset and gives you a comradery with people who have walked the walk.  Here are some things that people who have gone through it would want you to understand.

Misconception Number 1:  Folks on unemployment take it easy and have free money.

Most people on unemployment for non-seasonal reasons would give anything to be working a job.   They are making less than they did working and they still have households to take care of each month.  Most people in America make it month to month and that triples for an unemployed person.  Far from soaking in the sun or watching soap operas all day they are concerned about making their monthly bills.  Businesses are required to carry unemployment Insurance and those people who lose their jobs and qualify need not feel ashamed of using what is a mandatory benefit and protection for all workers in our country.  It is not a cake walk to be in a situation where you do not know your future.  Participants are required to meet weekly requirements within their job search and most go beyond those guidelines.

Misconception Number 2: Folks on unemployment must have done something to cause them to be let go.

There are two sides to every story.  Most advice to those who have lost a job is not to get stuck in laying blame but to move forward and find another job.  That is advisable in the grand scheme of things because in order to get back in the game you must have your focus on the prize.  Nonetheless, it is important for those who have not experienced unemployment to understand that everyone no matter how loyal and hardworking could one day find themselves without a job due to unfortunate circumstances.  It is easy to imagine that it could never happen to you, but many throughout the country in recent years have found out that what they thought could not happen became reality in their lives.  As I search the net I still see the prideful boast of those without a clue, but I've also seen in real life the humility of those who now understand it can happen to anyone and there are always two sides to a story.

Misconception Number 3: Folks on unemployment could get a job in a few days if they would just hustle and not be picky

Many assume that there are jobs at every turn and if people would just go out and get them they'd be fine.  Our society values education and you'd surprised the number of people with degrees working at entry level jobs because that is all they could find.  Many job seekers who have been willing to try anything have found that even entry-level jobs are in high demand leaving them with a tough market.   Don't assume people haven't applied to burger joints or the ever popular Walmart type jobs at some time in their job quest. 


To those who have never lost a job it is my fondest hope that you never have to experience the loss of a job and your means of support, but I also hope you will put yourself in someone else's shoe's and try to understand the situation many in our nation have gone through in recent years.