I don’t think you, personally, are a leech and I’ve been through the same struggle of finding a job after graduation in the Obozo economy. However, strictly economically speaking, unemployment benefits do provide a disincentive to try as hard to find a job. Correct me if I’m mistaken, but all you have to do to collect your unemployment, is fill out 4 applications a week, no matter if you’re qualified or not, and no matter the quality of presentation of your application, resume, or your follow up, correct?
You are correct. It’s actually 3 work search “activities” per week. I can show you a log that documents hours of effort daily and over 1-2 job applications per day on average for six months. My unemployment check is half of what my paycheck was. I’m sure there are some who through large savings, under the table jobs or spouse’s income have no incentive to find work, but this single guy who is burning through his life’s savings just to supplement the UI check and keep the bills paid sure doesn’t see much fun in unemployment.