View Full Version : When life dumps lemons on you then you can make lemonade
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 10:35
Thats so cliche but at 50 with 20 years of software experience I find myself on unemployment and the realization that my chosen profession has no coherence. After a couple of months of brooding here I went for a walk to clear my head. Staying with friends in Palmerton PA my walk quickly took me to the mountain and a portion of the Appalachian trail where I rediscovered the true beauty and peace of nature. Yesterday I realized how truely blessed I am. After several years of sedentary lifestyle sitting in cubicles, vainly excercising my brain I discovered that I could easily hike several miles through the woods, up and down steep rocky inclines, crossing streams with just my cowboy boots.
Being on unemployment I get $625 every two weeks after taxes. Every check I have received so far has lasted less than three days. In the bliss of nature I realized that I have a rare opportunity. I dont own any real estate, I have no credit cards, I dont own a vehicle, I'm not married and after having paid approximately $130,000 in child support I am no longer financially OBLIGATED to my two daughters.
Saturday May 17 I will get another unemployment check. Instead of quickly wasting it on trying to maintain a rather dull existence for another two weeks I am going to spend it on lightweight camping gear and an excellent pair of hiking boots and I am walking to Tennessee. How many people have an opportunity like that? My trip will not be destination oriented but rather a journey back to the fundamentals of life and nature.
In the software profession I always maintained one rule and that rule was that no matter what concept you ventured off with you must always maintain the ability to return back to an established and stable state from which your ideas originated.
My enthusiasm and expectations are high. Maybe I will see you on the trail in a world far away from the problems that plague us. Our intelligence can damage us, wisdom is what I seek.
Jay Mosier
Appalachian Tater
05-14-2008, 10:37
Okay, maybe you can explain why whenever I ask someone at work for help they help me unless they are in IT and then they ask me to "fill out a ticket". That is something I didn't learn in school and the one time I asked, I was called a jackass.
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 10:42
Most likely they were from india where they were at the top in their "CAST System"
vonfrick
05-14-2008, 10:43
Thats so cliche but at 50 with 20 years of software experience I find myself on unemployment and the realization that my chosen profession has no coherence. After a couple of months of brooding here I went for a walk to clear my head. Staying with friends in Palmerton PA my walk quickly took me to the mountain and a portion of the Appalachian trail where I rediscovered the true beauty and peace of nature. Yesterday I realized how truely blessed I am. After several years of sedentary lifestyle sitting in cubicles, vainly excercising my brain I discovered that I could easily hike several miles through the woods, up and down steep rocky inclines, crossing streams with just my cowboy boots.
Being on unemployment I get $625 every two weeks after taxes. Every check I have received so far has lasted less than three days. In the bliss of nature I realized that I have a rare opportunity. I dont own any real estate, I have no credit cards, I dont own a vehicle, I'm not married and after having paid approximately $130,000 in child support I am no longer financially OBLIGATED to my two daughters.
Saturday May 17 I will get another unemployment check. Instead of quickly wasting it on trying to maintain a rather dull existence for another two weeks I am going to spend it on lightweight camping gear and an excellent pair of hiking boots and I am walking to Tennessee. How many people have an opportunity like that? My trip will not be destination oriented but rather a journey back to the fundamentals of life and nature.
In the software profession I always maintained one rule and that rule was that no matter what concept you ventured off with you must always maintain the ability to return back to an established and stable state from which your ideas originated.
My enthusiasm and expectations are high. Maybe I will see you on the trail in a world far away from the problems that plague us. Our intelligence can damage us, wisdom is what I seek.
Jay Mosier
good for you...have a great hike :sun
deeddawg
05-14-2008, 10:57
Okay, maybe you can explain why whenever I ask someone at work for help they help me unless they are in IT and then they ask me to "fill out a ticket". That is something I didn't learn in school and the one time I asked, I was called a jackass.
Blame the management not the grunts.
In many organizations the IT people are 100% billed out to the organization -- and because of this they have to log all their time against projects or tickets. If they don't they get in trouble.
Wow, what an opportunity. I would love to be able to do that. Good luck and have a great hike. You will be different at the end, where ever it may take you.
Dances with Mice
05-14-2008, 11:03
When life dumps lemons on you....
take your lemons over to the "Booze on the Trail" thread and have a party!
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-14-2008, 11:04
Sorry about the job loss, but my own life has been a series of one door slamming shut in my face forcing me to explore other doors and finding fantastic opportunities behind the new door. I pray life works this way for you. I'm in TN and hope to meet you when you arrive in our state.
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 11:20
This post was NOT intended to incite any discussions regarding IT imho IT=idiot turds
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 11:22
Thanks FD, I truely appreciate the comments. Hope to maintain some type of communications device from which I may contact you in the Great State of Tennessee
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-14-2008, 11:40
You will be going into towns and likely visiting hostels with computer access. Use this thread to keep us updated on your progress.
Plus you can get your Dilbert fix.
sofaking
05-14-2008, 11:57
When life dumps lemons on you....
take your lemons over to the "Booze on the Trail" thread and have a party!
what's that ron white joke? that guy cracks me up...
OwlsRevenge
05-14-2008, 12:20
I'm in the same situation....after 12 years in the housing industry. No job, no prospects...just days and days of job hunting and resume sending with little to show for it. Unfortunatly, I'm married and I can't take 3-6 months off and head to the woods. Obligations to my wife outweigh whatever dreams I have of hiking the AT or going to Yellowstone. but it's ok for me, I chose to be obligated to her. ;)
Good luck on your adventure. May it clear your head and help you rediscover who you really are and what life is all about. I wish I was going with you. :) LOL
owl
bigmac_in
05-14-2008, 12:31
I would recommend you stretch your dollars on gear by reading some of the articles in the article section of the forums. You can get by "on the cheap".
Footslogger
05-14-2008, 12:37
My enthusiasm and expectations are high. Maybe I will see you on the trail in a world far away from the problems that plague us. Our intelligence can damage us, wisdom is what I seek.
Jay Mosier
===================================
My mother, now 91, used to tell me that when all my plans turned to dust ...VACUUM !! Maybe that's age/vintage talking but you get the idea.
Whether it's a hike or some other long postponed adventure it is very healthy way to deal with a situation like the one you find yourself in at the moment. One door closes ...another one opens !!
Enjoy your hike !!
'Slogger
I apologize ahead of time if this comes across as blunt or uncaring or whatever, but your unemployment check is supposed to help you get by until you can find another job, not so you can consciously not work and use the money to hike instead... unless you are hiking from interview to interview, what you are doing seems somewhat irresponsible to me.
envirodiver
05-14-2008, 13:28
Thats so cliche but at 50 with 20 years of software experience I find myself on unemployment and the realization that my chosen profession has no coherence. After a couple of months of brooding here I went for a walk to clear my head. Staying with friends in Palmerton PA my walk quickly took me to the mountain and a portion of the Appalachian trail where I rediscovered the true beauty and peace of nature. Yesterday I realized how truely blessed I am. After several years of sedentary lifestyle sitting in cubicles, vainly excercising my brain I discovered that I could easily hike several miles through the woods, up and down steep rocky inclines, crossing streams with just my cowboy boots.
Being on unemployment I get $625 every two weeks after taxes. Every check I have received so far has lasted less than three days. In the bliss of nature I realized that I have a rare opportunity. I dont own any real estate, I have no credit cards, I dont own a vehicle, I'm not married and after having paid approximately $130,000 in child support I am no longer financially OBLIGATED to my two daughters.
Saturday May 17 I will get another unemployment check. Instead of quickly wasting it on trying to maintain a rather dull existence for another two weeks I am going to spend it on lightweight camping gear and an excellent pair of hiking boots and I am walking to Tennessee. How many people have an opportunity like that? My trip will not be destination oriented but rather a journey back to the fundamentals of life and nature.
In the software profession I always maintained one rule and that rule was that no matter what concept you ventured off with you must always maintain the ability to return back to an established and stable state from which your ideas originated.
My enthusiasm and expectations are high. Maybe I will see you on the trail in a world far away from the problems that plague us. Our intelligence can damage us, wisdom is what I seek.
Jay Mosier
Maybe this is something that will turn into a good experience for you. It seems that when I need to clear my head, develop new priorities/direction, I head to the woods. When walking my head seems clearest and my thoughts most coherent. Backpacking and the opportunity to become at one with nature gets me to the base of what I am.
Good luck, enjoy your journey.
glacier48
05-14-2008, 13:44
I understand the moral dilemma of collecting unemployment for AT hiking but I am afraid to say that I would do the same. I feel that the positive outcome of this adventure way out weights staying home and looking for a job. Jay, I think that you will be alot more employable when you come back. Some people spend their unemployment on partying or drugs. The AT is the best drug I know.
Perhaps you could think of school in the fall even. The world will be yours when you come back as well as a better attitude and being grounded in life.
Hike baby! And enjoy the ride!
Glacier
sofaking
05-14-2008, 14:04
hey, we can re-post this under the 'escapism' thread...
take-a-knee
05-14-2008, 14:13
I apologize ahead of time if this comes across as blunt or uncaring or whatever, but your unemployment check is supposed to help you get by until you can find another job, not so you can consciously not work and use the money to hike instead... unless you are hiking from interview to interview, what you are doing seems somewhat irresponsible to me.
I disagree, 5.5% of his paycheck has been going to unemployment insurance for his entire working life, it is his money, enjoy it. If it were your money or my money, we'd have a say in the matter, we don't.
glacier48
05-14-2008, 15:19
Amen to that. Amen to free choice.
I disagree, 5.5% of his paycheck has been going to unemployment insurance for his entire working life, it is his money, enjoy it. If it were your money or my money, we'd have a say in the matter, we don't.
As a small business owner with employees, I can tell you for certain this is not true. Employers pay a payroll tax (not the employees) that goes into the government's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund which unemployment benefits are paid from. How much your employer paid into that fund is irrelevant when determining your "benefits". Whenever an employee collects unemployment benefits, the employers rate is raised the following year. The trust fund is subsidized by the state.
I think you are getting this confused with Social Security taxes, which are 7.5%, and unrelated to unemployment benefits.
envirodiver
05-14-2008, 15:30
The trust fund is subsidized by the state.
Where does this State Money come from?
sofaking
05-14-2008, 15:32
Where does this State Money come from?
community chest, chance or passing go...
Where does this State Money come from?
It comes from the state tax payers of course.
envirodiver
05-14-2008, 15:33
community chest, chance or passing go...
You just land on my Boardwalk hotel and I won't need unemployement, I'll be able to retire.
envirodiver
05-14-2008, 15:34
It comes from the state tax payers of course.
So the unemployed person has paid a portion of that money that they are collecting then?
dessertrat
05-14-2008, 15:38
I apologize ahead of time if this comes across as blunt or uncaring or whatever, but your unemployment check is supposed to help you get by until you can find another job, not so you can consciously not work and use the money to hike instead... unless you are hiking from interview to interview, what you are doing seems somewhat irresponsible to me.
I have to agree. If you are ready to take a job, and looking for a job regularly, hiking every week isn't a problem. But if you are not available for work, you shouldn't be collecting an unemployment check.
So the unemployed person has paid a portion of that money that they are collecting then?
Yes, along with my money and your money. If you are not trying to find a job, you should be collecting unemployment, that is abuse of the system. Maybe I am out of touch, but I was raised with a good work ethic and taught to take pride in myself.
leeki pole
05-14-2008, 15:51
Yes, along with my money and your money. If you are not trying to find a job, you should be collecting unemployment, that is abuse of the system. Maybe I am out of touch, but I was raised with a good work ethic and taught to take pride in myself.
Yeah, you're out of touch. Pride goeth before a fall.
Enjoy the hike, Jay.
envirodiver
05-14-2008, 15:59
Yes, along with my money and your money. If you are not trying to find a job, you should be collecting unemployment, that is abuse of the system. Maybe I am out of touch, but I was raised with a good work ethic and taught to take pride in myself.
Nah, if he's been working and paying taxes for 20 years I'd say that he is taking his own money out and leaving ours. Also, I believe unemployment is to prepare someone for the next job as well as tide them over while looking for that job. Sounds like he is mentally in need of getting his head refreshed. Which would make it easier to be employed and likely a better employee.
Maybe the mental improvement from the hike will give him more pride in himself and self-esteem after working for 20 years and then not having a job. Of course we are both speculating.
Nah, if he's been working and paying taxes for 20 years I'd say that he is taking his own money out and leaving ours. Also, I believe unemployment is to prepare someone for the next job as well as tide them over while looking for that job. Sounds like he is mentally in need of getting his head refreshed. Which would make it easier to be employed and likely a better employee.
Maybe the mental improvement from the hike will give him more pride in himself and self-esteem after working for 20 years and then not having a job. Of course we are both speculating.
I can live with that I guess. :)
envirodiver
05-14-2008, 16:09
I can live with that I guess. :)
Maybe just a different perspective. :)
To me the only test of legitimacy for collecting unemployment is whether he was laid off or not. If he quit, or was fired, and then tried to collect, I'd have a problem with it. (I handle that sort of thing for my company and I am constantly astonished at employees who quit--especially during our busiest season--then file for unemployment.)
If he was let go because the firm lacked work and was cutting headcount, then I don't see that it's an ethical imperative for him to try to save his former employer money on their unemployment rates next year.
gravityman
05-14-2008, 16:11
I apologize ahead of time if this comes across as blunt or uncaring or whatever, but your unemployment check is supposed to help you get by until you can find another job, not so you can consciously not work and use the money to hike instead... unless you are hiking from interview to interview, what you are doing seems somewhat irresponsible to me.
Don't kid yourself. Unemployment is so the the unemployed don't stop spending. If they did, 2/3 of the economy would come to a halt.
So, spend away!
Gravity
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 17:05
Regarding unemployment. Guess what, on my last job it was staffed approximately 75% by foreigners primarily from India. Guess who got the boot? I was the third of 4 software engineers that were white middle aged United States citizens.
I have no qualms with enjoying my unplanned paid vacation
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 17:12
I contemplated a wrongful termination suit but that would just simply be adding more aggravation to my life
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 17:15
and to Locotus... lets set the record straight. I will gladly show you my paycheck stub where UI was a regular deduction. It was small but money I paid non the less
sofaking
05-14-2008, 17:15
always avoid lawyers at all costs. go hike and enjoy yourself.
and to Locotus... lets set the record straight. I will gladly show you my paycheck stub where UI was a regular deduction. It was small but money I paid non the less
Go hike and enjoy yourself. You don't need to explain anything. The clowns in DC who wrecked our economy and gave away American jobs are the ones who should be explaining their actions.
Be careful about continuing to collect benefits while hiking and lying about looking for work.
!!WARNING!!
Under the Pennsylvania UC Law, if you hide facts or do not tell the truth in order to obtain or increase benefit payments, you may be subject to:
REPAYMENT OF MONEY RECEIVED
LOSS OF FUTURE BENEFITS
FINE
IMPRISONMENT
glacier48
05-14-2008, 18:52
Hey Jay,
We all have opinions on everything. I do realize that you weren't really asking our opinions just wishing us a good hike if we go and to let us share your joy. Enjoy yourself on your hike, the world lays before you. I hope to run into you and if so perhaps we can share a beer courtesy of unemployment
Glacier
OregonHiker
05-14-2008, 18:53
Be careful about continuing to collect benefits while hiking and lying about looking for work.
!!WARNING!!
Under the Pennsylvania UC Law, if you hide facts or do not tell the truth in order to obtain or increase benefit payments, you may be subject to:
REPAYMENT OF MONEY RECEIVED
LOSS OF FUTURE BENEFITS
FINE
IMPRISONMENT
Plus it appears you are using your real name. Lot's of bitter kooks (not on WB though :)) out there who would rat you out in an instance
Thru Hiker Wife
05-14-2008, 18:58
Considering the many towns and such with computer access, technically he can hike and still look for a job.
River Runner
05-14-2008, 19:14
Enjoy the hike. Stop in a trail town or two and look for work. Problem solved.
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:16
I'm not doing anything wrong.
I'm posting this info for anyone who has lost their job thru no fault of their own which is THE deciding factor as to whether you can collect your benefits.
I certify with the following questions every two weeks to which I reply truthfully
QUESTION #1: "ARE YOU BACK TO WORK FULL TIME?"
QUESTION #2: "ARE YOU CLAIMING BOTH WEEKS ENDING SATURDAY, MM/DD/YYYY AND SATURDAY, MM/DD/YYYY?"
QUESTION #3: "WERE YOU ABLE TO WORK FULL-TIME AND AVAILABLE FOR FULL-TIME WORK?"
QUESTION #4: "WERE YOU SEEKING WORK?" I can hike and seek work at the same time, no law against that
QUESTION #5: "DID YOU QUIT ANY WORK, FAIL TO ACCEPT ANY JOB OFFER, OR GET FIRED FROM A JOB?"
QUESTION #6: "DID YOU BEGIN SCHOOL OR TRAINING OR BEGIN RECEIVING A PENSION?"
QUESTION #7A: "DID YOU DO ANY TYPE OF WORK DURING WEEK ENDING SATURDAY MM/DD/YYYY? (WEEK 1)."
QUESTION #7B: "DID YOU DO ANY TYPE OF WORK DURING WEEK ENDING SATURDAY MM/DD/YYYY? (WEEK 2)."
QUESTION #8: "DID YOU DO ANYTYPE OF WORK DURING WEEK ENDING SATURDAY MM/DD/YY?(WEEK 2)."
QUESTION #9: "DID YOU HAVE EARNINGS, VACATION PAY, HOLIDAY PAY, SEVERANCE PAY, BONUS PAY OR OTHER WAGE CONTINUATION PAY? DO NOT REPORT SUB PAYMENTS PAID BY YOUR EMPLOYER."
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:19
Now as to question 4... if i were to hike up mount everest then that might disqualify me
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:20
but then again maybe not.
Thru Hiker Wife
05-14-2008, 19:26
[quote=JayMosier;623168]QUESTION #4: "WERE YOU SEEKING WORK?" I can hike and seek work at the same time, no law against that
I think that's everyone's point which is why I mentioned that you could do both.
I really hope you enjoy your hike!:sun
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:27
My point is unemployment compensation is not charity and its not welfare and it is for the recipient whatever the recipient chooses to do with it
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:31
anyways i believe this discussion board is all about fun and advice, personally the term employment is about the farthest thing from my mind now
River Runner
05-14-2008, 19:39
My point is unemployment compensation is not charity and its not welfare and it is for the recipient whatever the recipient chooses to do with it
As long as you are looking for work in some manner, you are absolutely right. It's insurance, just the same as if your (paid for) vehicle is damaged, you can choose to spend the money repairing the vehicle, or use it for whatever else you want.
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:44
Now heres the kicker for locotus and peeps in his camp. Here in PA I am qualified to get 162$ a month in food stamps and medical assistance since I am unemployed. The food stamp card works in most other states too.
JayMosier
05-14-2008, 19:45
Thanks for the trail mix and the vicodins locotus!!!
River Runner
05-14-2008, 19:50
Now heres the kicker for locotus and peeps in his camp. Here in PA I am qualified to get 162$ a month in food stamps and medical assistance since I am unemployed. The food stamp card works in most other states too.
Get what you are entitled to. We all pay enough taxes that decent working people should apply for whatever they qualify for. You will soon enough be paying for the benefits of the welfare class that have no intentions of working. Enjoy the temporary help you deserve while you recharge and get ready to move on to something new.
JayMosier
05-15-2008, 07:29
Hay RiverRunner and everyone else... its true about qualifying for food stamps and medical assistance but while I have applied I not going to go thru with the interview as I dont really need the additional aid... save it for somebody that really needs it. I just wanted to put another burr under locustas ass haha
JayMosier
05-15-2008, 07:37
Its my country and I intend to take it bakc
Its my country and I intend to take it bakc
Good luck with that.
gravityman
05-15-2008, 13:05
and to Locotus... lets set the record straight. I will gladly show you my paycheck stub where UI was a regular deduction. It was small but money I paid non the less
Unemployement Insurance is handled different in each state.
Gravity
Bulldawg
05-15-2008, 13:10
Even if the employer only paid the taxes, the employer more than likely considers that money he/she has to pay to be part of your "benefits package". So your salary, your time off, your insurance, your retirement, and paying taxes related to having you work for them is all part of the overall package the employer uses to determine the worth of having you as an employee.