I got laid off on Dec 16th after 25+ years at my job. I received a 2 weeks severence package so I was not able to file for unemplyment until after the first of the year. They have not yet approved my unemployment yet and said it would take 3-6 weeks. On my original application it ask about medical conditions, I mentioned that I had crohn's disease and anemia. I worked part time at my job only 3 days a week for the past 5 years. They think I was only working part time due to my illness so I had to go to a Dr to get a note saying that I am able to work full time and fill out about 50 pages of questions. Only to be told that it will take that long for them to decide. I still have to look for 3 jobs a week while they decide. The only jobs I can find are crappy full time jobs. Unemployment says I have to look for full time jobs. I have paid into this for 34 years, never used it. I can't beleive they can dictate someones life this way. It is so discouraging. I have spent hours and hours on the computer looking for jobs. Even though I had to get a note saying I can work full time, I really don't know if I can due to my crohn's since I haven't worked full time in so long. Just a rant. Sorry it's so long. Thanks for taking the time to listen/read. Has anybody had to deal with this?

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Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lifes whole

I have never filed for unemployment but I have heard it can be an absolute nightmare So I'm sorry you are having to deal with it. There definitely are not many part time jobs out there, I have looked as well (I currently am not working/am self employed) as it would be nice to have a steady pay check but the places either want to own you or want you to work for nothing. So, I feel your pain there. I hope you find something sooner than later.

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Thank you Jan & Chico!!

I'm sorry your having a bad time I'm just about to be made redundant from my job I signed on years ago last time i was unemployed and the people were so horrible at the job center I stopped signing on. Do u have any job agencies that find temporary work for people you can often get part time office work that way here

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www.teclo.co.uk

I'M A labour studies Major and I have never heard of a 2 week package that is ridiculous please tell me that came with a hefty pay out on the side.

Here they usually do at least 6 weeks or a percentage of your totally earnings. Or more often a voluntary separation [package that lets you go on getting money for 25 weeks like it was a pay check.

This is in Canada though....I'm so sorry you are going through this I wish you were in Ontario I could help you a little : (

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Kay, Just play their game by their rules. Looking for a full time job does not
prevent you from also looking for a part time job that meets your needs.
When you do get an interview for full time, there are ways to sort
of discourage them from hiring you without "turning down a job". Letting the
interviewer know that you have only worked part time for 25 years would
probably discourage a call back. I'm sorry you are in this position, but you
can make this work out for you. Stay strong. There are a ton of people in
your same situation. Sad, but true. I hope you find something part time very
soon and that you like it even better than your last job! The economy is
beginning to rebound. Trust that you will find just the right spot for you

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"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton

I've been on that road, yes. In the end, the money I received helped my family. They do have rules and the more difficult they make the rules the more people give up and don't collect the money that is available. Hang in there and just consider it a challenge.

What I did find lovely and helpful were the classes and sense of community I found at the local employment center. Their classes were free and very helpful. I took some on interviewing skills, networking to find jobs, and others like that. I met a nice person in class and we've helped each other look for local jobs.

Good luck, and take care of yourself.

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Here are pictures of Barney: Flickr: Crochet Bouquet's Photostream

Sorry you are going through this Kay. I hope you find something that will work out perfectly and without the stress you are going through now!

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"Having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way.....
but you can never say again that you did not know." William Wilberforce 1759-1833

I am heading out the door. I have A LOT to say. Pull up a chair and get your coffee/tea/whatever. I'll be back!

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photos-Jennifer Hague, fixyourimages.com