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Life on the dole

Johnny Foreigner

Life on the dole.
How is it for you?

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Ice87

I've been out of work for 4 months, I think the worst part of being unemployed is just the regular conversations you have with people.

"where are you working these days?"

"ehh I'm on the scratcher

"

It is a little bit embarrassing but it depends who you're talking to. Most people are sound and always know of somebody close that is in the same boat.

When I'm having a bad day I just try to remember I'm one of hundreds of thousand people who are in the same boat. I don't blame the government though and I never expected a job to be handed to me on a plate.

One thing I have to say is that some of the internships being handed out by different companies can really give great experience if you have none. I've seen a lot of terrible ones at the same time. Forget about money if you're young is what I would say.

Anyway after countless interviews I've a job lined up for the new year.

Keep your head up. When you least expect it something good will turn up.

Pin_Cushion

Wompa1 wrote: »

Anyway, how would people here feel about bringing in drug testing for the dole? I've read it's being proposed for social welfare in the States.

Only if signing on becomes an Olympic sport.

Legalising drugs would be a much cheaper and more efficient way of ensuring that people are only spending dole money in the taxed economy.

chrismon

Ice87 wrote: »

One thing I have to say is that some of the internships being handed out by different companies can really give great experience if you have none. I've seen a lot of terrible ones at the same time.

Where have you seen these jobs advertised?
Would definatly be interested.

Ice87

chrismon wrote: »

Where have you seen these jobs advertised?
Would definatly be interested.

The jobbridge scheme surprisingly enough.

Pin_Cushion

Ice87 wrote: »

The jobbridge scheme surprisingly enough.

That is surprising tbh.

Mrs Garth Brooks

Why are there some people very very jealous of people on the dole? Or what is their problem saying things like they are spending tax payer's money, so it concerns me what so and so spends it on.

Most people on the dole has lost their jobs, they payed tax themselves, they're only getting it back now when they need it. It really doesn't concern the tax payer what people on the dole spends their money on.

Wompa1

Pin_Cushion wrote: »

Only if signing on becomes an Olympic sport.

Legalising drugs would be a much cheaper and more efficient way of ensuring that people are only spending dole money in the taxed economy.

Some employers drug test their employees. If we're paying people to do nothing, shouldn't that come with some regulations..

I don't get the people on the dole who can save up and move abroad when on the dole. How dot they get the 1500 euro together to move to Australia plus what's needed to get set up over there. How can people afford UPC or Sky TV? How can people afford to go out every week and smoke weed? I'm not saying that's everybody because I know there's people who had incurred debts before becomming unemployed who don't have it so easy but it makes me sick knowing all but two of my housemates friends don't work and sit around all day smoking and playing video games. They are in the biggest hippy pub 2 or 3 nights a week. Somethings got to give.

Logical Fallacy

Wompa1 wrote: »

Anyway, how would people here feel about bringing in drug testing for the dole? I've read it's being proposed for social welfare in the States.

It's really just more expense tbh. Another way to ineffectually be seen to be trying to do something than panders to the stereotype.

Wompa1

Logical Fallacy wrote: »

It's really just more expense tbh. Another way to ineffectually be seen to be trying to do something than panders to the stereotype.

Yeah I can see that alright. It might be a case that the expense may not be worth it. Although having lived in Galway for the last 9 years I'd say if drug testing was brought in a huge percentage of those on the dole here would be cut off.

Pin_Cushion

Wompa1 wrote: »

Some employers drug test their employees. If we're paying people to do nothing, shouldn't that come with some regulations..

I don't get the people on the dole who can save up and move abroad when on the dole. How dot they get the 1500 euro together to move to Australia plus what's needed to get set up over there. How can people afford UPC or Sky TV? How can people afford to go out every week and smoke weed? I'm not saying that's everybody because I know there's people who had incurred debts before becomming unemployed who don't have it so easy but it makes me sick knowing all but two of my housemates friends don't work and sit around all day smoking and playing video games. They are in the biggest hippy pub 2 or 3 nights a week. Somethings got to give.

I just wonder where all these drugged-up, playstation-playing, sky-tv watching hippies are coming from. Jaysus we suddenly have 450,000 of them :eek:

Maybe a hair tax is the answer.

padd b1975

spoofilyj wrote: »

You sound like a lovely compassionate person.

Do you club baby seals when they're in season too?

I am too busy working so I can pay my way in society.

Wompa1

Pin_Cushion wrote: »

I just wonder where all these drugged-up, playstation-playing, sky-tv watching hippies are coming from. Jaysus we suddenly have 450,000 of them :eek:

Maybe a hair tax is the answer.

I didn't say it was everybody that is on the dole. I also know there are bigger problems in the country than that but that doesn't make it any less of an issue. Plus from a personal standpoint as somebody who has been paying a lot of taxes for a long time the fact that people can live in such a way thanks to a broken system does irk me.

I doubt I'm the only one who feels this way. If there's a generalization about people on the dole, why is that?...is it because of what people hear and it's baseless? Or do you think that maybe people know of people who are on the dole and do get f'kd off their heads a few nights a week and live it up? I think it's the latter. Those types of people shouldn't be receiving as generous a handout as those who actually do need it.

sunflower27

Wompa1 wrote: »

I didn't say it was everybody that is on the dole. I also know there are bigger problems in the country than that but that doesn't make it any less of an issue. Plus from a personal standpoint as somebody who has been paying a lot of taxes for a long time the fact that people can live in such a way thanks to a broken system does irk me.

I doubt I'm the only one who feels this way. If there's a generalization about people on the dole, why is that?...is it because of what people hear and it's baseless? Or do you think that maybe people know of people who are on the dole and do get f'kd off their heads a few nights a week and live it up? I think it's the latter. Those types of people shouldn't be receiving as generous a handout as those who actually do need it.

I paid my dues for 10 years in Ireland until I was made redundant.

In any society you are going to get people that will abuse a system.

I am doing my damndest to reskill so that I can work again in a new field, so that I can live and not merely exist week-to-week worrying about feeding myself, paying bills (including 2K annual maintenace fees for where I live), looking presentable... the dole is not easy to live on and do those things.

Holidays are few and far between, new clothes are very rare treat, as is eating out and going out.

A panic sets in when a bill comes in - what can I cut back on this week?

I would obviously much prefer to not be in the situation I am in. I really couldn't give a f*ck if anyone thinks I am bludging or whatever. As said, I paid my dues. I know who I am and what I am and I really don't care what anyone else thinks.

I would far prefer to work and enjoy my life than get a measly amount to live on and scrape by.

I really hope you don't find yourself in the situation I am in - it is not fun, believe me.

This is the first time in 18 years working I have claimed any social welfare and there is no stigma for me at all in accepting it.

There are a lot of people out there like me that don't prescribe to the sleeping in till 1pm, drinking all day, not bothering their arse stereotype.

Sometimes I think taxpayers make a point of not recognising those like myself just so they can moan about paying taxes generally.

It's always going to be this way so you may as well just lump it.

And hopefully, very soon, I will be living again and paying my taxes!

Wompa1

sunflower27 wrote: »

I paid my dues for 10 years in Ireland until I was made redundant.

In any society you are going to get people that will abuse a system.

I am doing my damndest to reskill so that I can work again in a new field, so that I can live and not merely exist week-to-week worrying about feeding myself, paying bills (including 2K annual maintenace fees for where I live), looking presentable... the dole is not easy to live on and do those things.

Holidays are few and far between, new clothes are very rare treat, as is eating out and going out.

A panic sets in when a bill comes in - what can I cut back on this week?

I would obviously much prefer to not be in the situation I am in. I really couldn't give a f*ck if anyone thinks I am bludging or whatever. As said, I paid my dues. I know who I am and what I am and I really don't care what anyone else thinks.

I would far prefer to work and enjoy my life than get a measly amount to live on and scrape by.

I really hope you don't find yourself in the situation I am in - it is not fun, believe me.

This is the first time in 18 years working I have claimed any social welfare and there is no stigma for me at all in accepting it.

There are a lot of people out there like me that don't prescribe to the sleeping in till 1pm, drinking all day, not bothering their arse stereotype.

Sometimes I think taxpayers make a point of not recognising those like myself just so they can moan about paying taxes generally.

It's always going to be this way so you may as well just lump it.

And hopefully, very soon, I will be living again and paying my taxes!

I didn't say that everyone did..this isn't the first time I've had to say that. People see what they want and get defensive.

All I'm saying is the one's that do take the piss shouldn't be allowed to get away with it and with due respect. You paid your dues, just like I have. But what are we paying towards? Did you think when paying taxs that it's ok, I'll pay these taxs and let some people who don't want to work sit on their ass because god forbid someday if I'm unemployed I'd want that money to fall back on? Why would we let that happen? (Because we as a country were irresponsible, we let money be thrown around but because times were good it wasn't questioned)

I'd guess you knew of people back in 2006 or earlier, who just never wanted to work and lived off the dole, I know I did. I'm still in employment and was in employment before the recession. I always thought the system was f'kd. Would I go on the dole if I lost my job? Hell yeah. Would I live off the dole comfortably the way it is now. Hell Yeah, I lived off a lot less when things were more expensive. I went out twice a year, didn't have any holidays. It wasn't fun but I was surviving.

To me your taxes should provide you with food and shelter if you lose your job and give you a decent amount such as 200 a week for a while..The length of time you paid income tax should determine how long you are eligible for the higher amount of tax, otherwise you should only get it for 6 months.

What I feel my dues I'm paying towards should be for improving infrastructure and services roads, schools, hospitals etc. But that doesn't mean it should just be provided with no regulations or care for the money being effectively distributed. Universities shouldn't be allowed to give crazy expenses to publicly funded Phd students, lecturers, presidents etc. Hospitals either need to tighten their belt or be made private, because they are a joke. The roads were largely EU funded and partly funded by us and then you have 3rd party companies running the f'kin tolls and profitting because the government couldn't get their sh!t together quick enough to take them over....

Our taxes shouldn't be used to guarantee us a handsome dole if we lose our jobs, they should be spent effectively on improving the public services. Or at least that's what I think. I don't think I'm paying a huge amount of income tax but it's ok because I'll be sorted if I ever lose my job....

Faith+1

Me from Nigeria, Free Money, House and Car. Love this Country, Love the Irish.

[Deleted User]

padd b1975 wrote: »

Saved your dole?
No offence but thats the best argument I have heard to prove that the level of dole payment is too high.

The guy probably lived off Tesco Value baked beans for two years to save up and get out of this dive. He did the right thing and his quality of life is now substantially better. Had he been given less, perhaps he would still be in Ireland and still on the dole.

Spunge

padd b1975 wrote: »

Saved your dole?
No offence but thats the best argument I have heard to prove that the level of dole payment is too high.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/original/000/004/406/u_jelly.jpg?1310788716

teaandtoast

Being on welfare would have a bad effect on anyone.
For my experiences I found that people on welfare can be in one or in a combination of these situations:

a) lack skills and qualifications for the skills required jobs available in Ireland now
b) lack self confidence
c) have undiagnosed mental health/addiction/alcohol problems
d) Are in a trap they don't know how to get out of or don't have the knowledge, resources and support available to them that they can acess, that can be necessary to enable them to towards education, training and employment
e) on welfare because it is the only way to survive based on their circumstances
f) Are temporarily on welfare while trying and planning to take the next step in their life employment or emigration
g) Are at risk of suffering depression and developing a mental illness
h) Can be afriad to get out of their comfort zone of the security of welfare because it takes a lot of emotionally and psycholgically to try to get a job and they fear they will be knock down even further when rejected so many times.

bryaner

Wompa1 wrote: »

I didn't say that everyone did..this isn't the first time I've had to say that. People see what they want and get defensive.

All I'm saying is the one's that do take the piss shouldn't be allowed to get away with it and with due respect. You paid your dues, just like I have. But what are we paying towards? Did you think when paying taxs that it's ok, I'll pay these taxs and let some people who don't want to work sit on their ass because god forbid someday if I'm unemployed I'd want that money to fall back on? Why would we let that happen? (Because we as a country were irresponsible, we let money be thrown around but because times were good it wasn't questioned)

I'd guess you knew of people back in 2006 or earlier, who just never wanted to work and lived off the dole, I know I did. I'm still in employment and was in employment before the recession. I always thought the system was f'kd. Would I go on the dole if I lost my job? Hell yeah. Would I live off the dole comfortably the way it is now. Hell Yeah, I lived off a lot less when things were more expensive. I went out twice a year, didn't have any holidays. It wasn't fun but I was surviving.

To me your taxes should provide you with food and shelter if you lose your job and give you a decent amount such as 200 a week for a while..The length of time you paid income tax should determine how long you are eligible for the higher amount of tax, otherwise you should only get it for 6 months.

What I feel my dues I'm paying towards should be for improving infrastructure and services roads, schools, hospitals etc. But that doesn't mean it should just be provided with no regulations or care for the money being effectively distributed. Universities shouldn't be allowed to give crazy expenses to publicly funded Phd students, lecturers, presidents etc. Hospitals either need to tighten their belt or be made private, because they are a joke. The roads were largely EU funded and partly funded by us and then you have 3rd party companies running the f'kin tolls and profitting because the government couldn't get their sh!t together quick enough to take them over....

Our taxes shouldn't be used to guarantee us a handsome dole if we lose our jobs, they should be spent effectively on improving the public services. Or at least that's what I think. I don't think I'm paying a huge amount of income tax but it's ok because I'll be sorted if I ever lose my job....

The majority of people don't think of paying taxes as a safety net for when you lose your job, its not until you lose your job that you have to quickly educate yourself on how claim your redundancy and unpaid wages because all of a sudden you have nothing..

sunflower27

Wompa1 wrote: »

Our taxes shouldn't be used to guarantee us a handsome dole if we lose our jobs, they should be spent effectively on improving the public services. Or at least that's what I think. I don't think I'm paying a huge amount of income tax but it's ok because I'll be sorted if I ever lose my job....

It's hardly a handsome amount. Did you read what I posted?

And no, you won't be sorted if you want to live without worry, enjoy holidays, going out and having a good time.

Trust me, my life now is very, very different to the life I had. I'd give anything to not be constantly worrying about bills, my mortgage and trying to feed myself, look presentable.

You make think it is cushy, but as someone living it, it is far from that.

Dudess

Killer Pigeon wrote: »

It can be compared with the life of a parasite.

<awaits tsunami of condemnation from parasites>

Yeah, damn those parasitic types who lost their jobs due to the economic downturn and are availing of the dole, seeing as they need an income and they paid their taxes for long enough, until they find another job.

And hurrah for those anti dole renegades who wouldn't even go on it if they lost their jobs...

Dudess

Faith+1 wrote: »

Me from Nigeria, Free Money, House and Car. Love this Country, Love the Irish.

Try to think for yourself and try not to believe people who say immigrants get free houses and cars.

Johnny Foreigner

TheZohan wrote: »

How is it for you?

Its tough.
I have had to sell my BMW and buy a Mercedes.

saa

Living on €100 euro a week on my own its the grant spread over 12 months so its the same as the dole I will get for three years after I leave college assuming I don't find work lets hope that's not the case!

Its not good I don't get to eat properly would never dream of buying new clothes and I'm sad now the college is closed it was warm and saved on the elecy. If I lived in town I'd get the food parcel just for my own wellbeing.

Don't understand this shame element, I went without a lot of things for school because my parents were too ashamed to ask for the school grant, if ya need something to buy the basics there should never be shame.

Wompa1

sunflower27 wrote: »

It's hardly a handsome amount. Did you read what I posted?

You make think it is cushy, but as someone living it, it is far from that.

But should the dole be paying for peoples holidays or paying for them to survive? It's pretty handsome in fairness...200 a week for some, that's a lot of money. A lot of people talked about human rights when the budget came out. The human rights ensure you have food and shelter, not holidays, subscription tv, mobile phones or nights out.

I lived on 89 euro a week in 2005, when in college. It sucked, I'm under no illusion that it's tough and it does get you down. I was very low at the time. There was times when I couldn't afford all my meals, particularly when I had a bill to pay, my parents couldn't give me any help because only my mother could work and they were struggling, my brother was unemployed etc.

Two of my housemates went to England for 3 weeks towards the end of our lease because they finished up early. They didn't have anything in the fridge or freezer and it was nearly May so the weather was getting better. I was by myself so I actually turned off all the power, only switching it on for an hour a night to cook...I know how tough things can be, our last bill came to 12 euro. I had a day off during that time and lay in bed awake all day thinking if I didn't do anything I might get hungry later. And that's not a sob story, it made me appreciate things more, I make a great living now and don't take a cent of it for granted.

I had some piece of sh!t in my apartment the other night who didn't work for 5 years. Suprisingly he doesn't wear tattered clothes, seemed to go out any time my housemate was out on the weekend, smoke weed constantly and frequented gig in a place in town...I don't like that, why should he have got that much money for so long?

teaandtoast

A job is more than just a wage or salary

Wompa1

teaandtoast wrote: »

A job is more than just a wage or salary

Actually you are right and not everybody has a source to skill up when unemployed. I'm lucky, I work in IT. I have a backup plan if I ever find myself out of work, I can skill up with certs rather than go back to college.

On that point, I'm actually volunteering at the moment teach elderly people basic internet skills.

I see a few jobs crop up from time to time for people with basic computer skills. Office, basic SQL, HTML etc.

Would anybody currently not from an IT background have any interest in learning basic computing skills...maybe you have a second language from school...French, German or Spanish and all you need is some basic computer skills to land a Support with language job. I could do up some knowledge sharing stuff if there's enough demand for it and post it online for free...what do people think?

UglyBolloxFace

I have a BSc (Hons) and an MSc...but I'm on the dole.

I have applied to countless jobs here in my sector, but not one company has bothered to give me an interview.

I had to look abroad and apply to companies in mainland Europe. I've recently flown over for interviews, and please be to the Flying Spaghetti Monster that I'll get something.

To those who look down on people who are on the dole and just assume that they are uneducated, lazy bastards I say this - get a ****ing grip.

teaandtoast

Wompa1 wrote: »

Actually you are right and not everybody has a source to skill up when unemployed. I'm lucky, I work in IT. I have a backup plan if I ever find myself out of work, I can skill up with certs rather than go back to college.

On that point, I'm actually volunteering at the moment teach elderly people basic internet skills.

I see a few jobs crop up from time to time for people with basic computer skills. Office, basic SQL, HTML etc.

Would anybody currently not from an IT background have any interest in learning basic computing skills...maybe you have a second language from school...French, German or Spanish and all you need is some basic computer skills to land a Support with language job. I could do up some knowledge sharing stuff if there's enough demand for it and post it online for free...what do people think?

Exactly there is always people who need to learn computer skills especially now when almost everything is online it's also a skill for life.

There are many english lanaguage teaching jobs in korea, my friend is over there , she gets 30 dollars per hour! and loves it there. English speakers are like gold dust over there.

sunflower27

Wompa1 wrote: »

But should the dole be paying for peoples holidays or paying for them to survive? It's pretty handsome in fairness...200 a week for some, that's a lot of money. A lot of people talked about human rights when the budget came out. The human rights ensure you have food and shelter, not holidays, subscription tv, mobile phones or nights out.

I lived on 89 euro a week in 2005, when in college. It sucked, I'm under no illusion that it's tough and it does get you down. I was very low at the time. There was times when I couldn't afford all my meals, particularly when I had a bill to pay, my parents couldn't give me any help because only my mother could work and they were struggling, my brother was unemployed etc.

Two of my housemates went to England for 3 weeks towards the end of our lease because they finished up early. They didn't have anything in the fridge or freezer and it was nearly May so the weather was getting better. I was by myself so I actually turned off all the power, only switching it on for an hour a night to cook...I know how tough things can be, our last bill came to 12 euro. I had a day off during that time and lay in bed awake all day thinking if I didn't do anything I might get hungry later. And that's not a sob story, it made me appreciate things more, I make a great living now and don't take a cent of it for granted.

I had some piece of sh!t in my apartment the other night who didn't work for 5 years. Suprisingly he doesn't wear tattered clothes, seemed to go out any time my housemate was out on the weekend, smoke weed constantly and frequented gig in a place in town...I don't like that, why should he have got that much money for so long?

Hey, I never said the dole should pay for holidays. I said being on the dole means I forego travelling, which is something I love. I'd much rather be working so that I could afford to do the things I love to do as often as I wanted.

I can't argue that some people are not out to abuse the system. Personally I don't know why anyone would want to live on 188e a week and live off that and not aspire to buy nice things, experience new things and travel new places - which all cost money.

I agree with you that there is no valid excuse for someone to not work in 5 years, to not educate themselves. But then, that is because that existence is totally alien to me. I can't imagine living as I am for another 4 years. It is a nightmare I don't even want to think about. Clothes can be cheap enough to buy in Penney's so the piece of sh!t you were talking about doesn't need too much to not look like a tramp.

I personally rarely even thought of what it would be like to be unemployed because I was alway in gainful employment, enjoying my life... my redundancy rocked me to my very core.

It's not just the lack of money to get my hair done, etc, it is the feeling of not being wanted, of worthlessness from not contributing, of meeting friends and not having anything much to talk about.

I took on an internship to better myself and to make me more employable in the future. I actually see myself as one of the lucky ones, believe it or not. Now when I meet friends they want to know about the exciting things I am doing - it makes a nice change, I can tell you.

I didn't lose my positivity that down the line things will improve - I think it is a trap many do fall into.

I look forward to the day I can do an honest day's work and be paid for it.

Maybe I have a different outlook because I am living this life and I can see that it is not a life I'd ever live by choice.

ETA: And yes, I too volunteer - I am on the fundraising committe of a women's refuge. There are a lot of people on the dole that are doing good things.