Being Unemployed

The first time I was unemployed, I was heavily in debt and worked really really hard at looking for another job. In fact, I almost ran out of benefits before I actually found a job.

It was a humbling experience. Even though I had worked since I was 18 years old, every time I met with the people at the unemployment office, they made me feel like I was taking money from their pockets. They interviewed people at their own pace and treated you like you were scum.

The second time, I had a little notice before the axe fell. I had been mailing out resumes, talking to recruiters and had several interviews lined up by the time I was let go. I found a job within a few months and moved out of my home state of Maryland to North Carolina.

I am unemployed again in a job market high on people but low on jobs. Even in my chosen field, I may not find a job easily, let alone find one in another field. It is a totally different time to be unemployed. People are going through savings, 401k funds, employment benefits; even with extensions. This is most distressing. Am I looking for work, I have to at least try just to keep my unemployment benefits coming in. There are jobs, but they require skills I do not have or more education then I have. The fast food places aren't even hiring because they have an abundance of people waiting for even their jobs.

Being unemployed is not fun, it is not pleasant. It is stressful, humbling and scary.

Health Care

The trouble with health care is that no body cares. The insurance company doesn't care because they are in the business to make money. The doctors don't care because they want to make money and avoid being sued. No one connected with the health care system really cares about the patient any more.

I remember when doctors would come to your house, if you were too sick to come to the office. I remember when you had an appointment, that was the time you saw the doctor, not when they put you in the little exam room to wait to see the doctor. I also remember when appointments weren't necessary. You showed up during office hours and waited your turn. I also remember that the visit lasted as long as it took to determine what was wrong with you, not 10 minutes. You could also discuss everything that you had a problem with, not have to allow an extra 10 minutes for each topic.

I also remember when the doctor actually gave you the medicine you needed to take. You went home, took the medicine and it worked. If not you called the doctor, at his home,if necessary, and you could get something else or he would give you another dose.

The problem with health care, is that there is no longer any care. It is a business and everyone wants to make money and avoid being sued.

Also I remember when each doctor was his own practice. Now try to find an independent doctor. Here they are either affiliated with Forsyth Medical (Novant) or Wake Forest Baptist. This maybe good for the doctors and good for the medical group they belong to but it is crap for the patients.

Unfortunately you can't legislate caring.