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Sorry, I think you two are way off base here. Most people on unemployment do not want to be there and will do just about anything to get off the rolls. The problem, as I see it, is since most jobs fit a specific niche of training and since the job seeker is in a pool of people with the same skills it becomes difficult to break through to a position (supply and demand applies to humans as well as things). Retraining is part of the solution, but that is very costly and most companies will not spend money on retraining during tough economic times (come to think of it, they barely do during fat times too).

As far as taking a pay cut, although this is a reality in today's climate it is very difficult to accept based on our cultural indoctrination. The lessons learned by the Depression and WWII generation (saving for a rainy day and owing nothing to anybody) are completely lost on the current 30, 40 and 50-ish crowd. The result is a crisis of debt that demands at least the same salary as before (it also proves that Madison Avenue was very effective in delivering the message that one's things are who you are). That being said, I think that many people - hard working, followed the rules types - feel betrayed when they are laid off as a result of forces out of their control and have to accept a salary that is sometimes less than half of what they were earning. If you ever find yourself in that position you'll know what I mean.

Finally, if the folks about to get kicked off the rolls think it's bad they should try talking to their parents and grandparents about the Depression.

The problem, as I see it, is since most jobs fit a specific niche of training and since the job seeker is in a pool of people with the same skills it becomes difficult to break through to a position (supply and demand applies to humans as well as things).

Poor excuse.

Retraining is part of the solution, but that is very costly and most companies will not spend money on retraining during tough economic times (come to think of it, they barely do during fat times too).

Lame excuse.

As far as taking a pay cut, although this is a reality in today's climate it is very difficult to accept based on our cultural indoctrination.

Excuse.

The lessons learned by the Depression and WWII generation (saving for a rainy day and owing nothing to anybody) are completely lost on the current 30, 40 and 50-ish crowd.

Excuse.

The result is a crisis of debt that demands at least the same salary as before (it also proves that Madison Avenue was very effective in delivering the message that one's things are who you are).

Excuse.

That being said, I think that many people - hard working, followed the rules types - feel betrayed when they are laid off as a result of forces out of their control and have to accept a salary that is sometimes less than half of what they were earning.

Excuse.

Man, that's a lot of excuses.