Talk me out of going on the dole

cson · 12-08-2015 10:15AM

Tzardine wrote: »

I signed on twice while between jobs, each time for about 4 weeks. I could have afforded to not sign on but I thought why not. Figured I had been paying tax for almost 15 years continuous and that I was right to get some of my PRSI contributions back.

On one of the occasions I had left the job and had no problem getting the jobseekers for a few weeks.

See this I'd have no problem with - you'll find people that wouldn't claim it out of principle etc or because they don't need it. I figure if you've paid tax and the benefit is available to you then you'd be mad not to take it.

As for people who need it more - who exactly are we talking about? Career Dolers? Because they're the worst kind of individual imo; people who make a net negative contribution to society.

Annasopra · 12-08-2015 10:41AM

Tzardine wrote: »

I signed on twice while between jobs, each time for about 4 weeks. I could have afforded to not sign on but I thought why not. Figured I had been paying tax for almost 15 years continuous and that I was right to get some of my PRSI contributions back.

On one of the occasions I had left the job and had no problem getting the jobseekers for a few weeks.

That's odd. If you leave a job yourself you don't get anything for 9 weeks.

inforfun · 12-08-2015 10:46AM

Move to Holland, Nijmegen to be specific.

The left wing nuts in charge there are going to introduce a "basisinkomen" ( base income) of €1000 a month, no questions asked.
Can earn something on the side if you like but no need to apply for jobs if you dont want to.

In the mean time, people working see their pension age getting an extra month added each year they work. It is 67 and counting at the moment.

Specialun · 12-08-2015 10:54AM

I was on it for a few months. It was my first time..never ever again I hope

Initially it was fine, then its just boring I was so embarassed to collect i bought a baseball cap in the hope nobody would see me, i even figured out that most didnt go in until after 9.30 and then the place was busy until after 2..i would go to collect only when quiet...dont do it OP

osarusan · 12-08-2015 10:55AM

You might end up being forcibly sterilised.

Boring username · 12-08-2015 10:57AM

Valetta wrote: »

The dole isn't a life choice.

Leave it for someone who needs it, not wants it.

It kinda is if you want it to be though. There are plenty of people who have no intention of working a day in their life, and are quite comfortable off doing it thank you very much.

Of course, most people are genuinely out of work as a result of the recession, but lets not cod ourselves either that the system is being massively abused.

Pinch Flat · 12-08-2015 10:57AM

Don't worry op there's plenty of people like me paying 51% effective tax rate to fund your life style .

I'd say go for it. If you're stuck for a few bob, be sure to pm me and I'll sort you out.

Specialun · 12-08-2015 11:02AM

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Don't worry op there's plenty of people like me paying 51% effective tax rate to fund your life style .

I'd say go for it. If you're stuck for a few bob, be sure to pm me and I'll sort you out.

Pm sent

hytrogen · 12-08-2015 11:03AM

After college I went on it for a few months before I got my career job, worst decision ever!
It is soul destroying, you can't work unless you declare it and then they'll tax your job income to 65% even if it's a two or three week gig. (Hindsight I know now just don't tell them anything like every other mug doing nixers, even though it was a legit contract)
Worse if you want to volunteer to a charity or community event or be an intern that takes you to a different city or suburb they frown upon that, particularly if you need to transfer your doll payments to another post office for convenience.
If I were you I'd save up for the inbetween jobs periods and do the things that make your time off happier, basically model a freelance career

mickdw · 12-08-2015 11:12AM

The dole is not enough to be a life choice for a single person but for a large family paying child minding, renting their home and struggling with 2 sh1t jobs, the dole may well be an option.
People here are saying you will not be able to afford eating out or nice things. As far as I see, the people on the dole here are better off than workers in alot of cases.

Son Of A Vidic · 12-08-2015 11:20AM

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Don't worry op there's plenty of people like me paying 51% effective tax rate to fund your life style .

Since you could possibly end up on the dole someday yourself, maybe you should just think of that as a down payment.

realdanbreen · 12-08-2015 11:24AM

Melisandre121 wrote: »

I've always worked, since I was 15. However there was a period recently (about a month) where I wasn't working, and it was glorious. Now whenever I've to get up early on a cold morning or I'm not looking forward to a long day at work I think back to that time, when all I did was drink coffee and draw pictures and watch Netflix..

Anyway, more and more I've been thinking about going on the dole because I just want that free time back and I need to snap out of it. AH, can you tell me why I shouldn't go on the dole?

What sort of job have you got at present?

ComfortKid · 12-08-2015 11:24AM

Social Welfare will send you on a pointless course eventually, so you will still be getting up on the cold mornings, but getting a lot less for it

Nomis21 · 12-08-2015 11:27AM

I am 60 years old and lost my job 5 years ago. I have applied for 30 or so jobs in that time but I live in a rural area.

I have been on JA all of this time. I have varied interests and hobbies that keep me busy and am happy with my lifestyle at my age.

I have gone on a 3 month full time ECDL course, apply for jobs, and am also sent to interviews by the DSP who have interviewed me thoroughly (due in some cases I suspect to complaints from people who don't like my lifestyle.) However I am genuinely seek work. If I wasn't genuinely seeking work, I have no doubt I would have been cut off from any benefits long ago.

realdanbreen · 12-08-2015 11:31AM

Nomis21 wrote: »

I am 60 years old and lost my job 5 years ago. I have applied for 30 or so jobs in that time but I live in a rural area.

I have been on JA all of this time. I have varied interests and hobbies that keep me busy and am happy with my lifestyle at my age.

I have gone on a 3 month full time ECDL course, apply for jobs, and am also sent to interviews by the DSP who have interviewed me thoroughly (due in some cases I suspect to complaints from people who don't like my lifestyle.) However I am genuinely seek work. If I wasn't genuinely seeking work, I have no doubt I would have been cut off from any benefits long ago.

You haven't worked for 5 years? Sorry but I am not convinced that you 'genuinely seek work', there are jobs out there for anyone who is really genuine about finding them.

smash · 12-08-2015 11:33AM

Nomis21 wrote: »

I am 60 years old and lost my job 5 years ago. I have applied for 30 or so jobs in that time but I live in a rural area

30 jobs in 5 years... Yep, trying real hard!

Nomis21 · 12-08-2015 11:36AM

I don't have to satisfy anyone on this forum. I am satisfied that I am genuinely seeking work and so are the DSP inspectors who make these decisions on behalf of the public. I think that is enough.

Specialun · 12-08-2015 11:36AM

realdanbreen wrote: »

You haven't worked for 5 years? Sorry but I am not convinced that you 'genuinely seek work', there are jobs out there for anyone who is really genuine about finding them.

Whats with the hate? The guy is 60 and clearly skilled in particular area's. He has tried to upskill himself. The reality, despite that people dont believe it, is that the vast majority of employers are not interested in people in that age group..

chopperbyrne · 12-08-2015 11:37AM

Three months full time to learn the ECDL?

I'm in the wrong business.

cloud493 · 12-08-2015 11:40AM

You get bored with nothing to do.

ComfortKid · 12-08-2015 11:45AM

30 applications in 5 years is scandalous really.

I've applied for 30 in the last 4 days,all over Ireland. I live in a rural area too and I have no transport but if I get a job il find a way.

realdanbreen · 12-08-2015 11:46AM

Specialun wrote: »

Whats with the hate? The guy is 60 and clearly skilled in particular area's. He has tried to upskill himself. The reality, despite that people dont believe it, is that the vast majority of employers are not interested in people in that age group..

Hate? What are you on about?
I know plenty of 60 years old who are working away no prob. I also find it strange that fellas can come in here from abroad-all age groups- with little or no english,no contacts here, no pull, and get work, why?, because they really want to work.

Specialun · 12-08-2015 11:51AM

realdanbreen wrote: »

Hate? What are you on about?
I know plenty of 60 years old who are working away no prob. I also find it strange that fellas can come in here from abroad-all age groups- with little or no english,no contacts here, no pull, and get work, why?, because they really want to work.

Epic rant .....if you think employers are crying out for 60 yr olds than you must still leave milk out for santa on xmas morning

ectoraige · 12-08-2015 11:56AM

wally1990 wrote: »

1 if you leave your job the dole won't pay out unless contract was terminated

For what it's worth, you can get around this if you want - just start drawing and watching Netflix in work, at least you'll be paid for it until you're fired.

Misty Chaos · 12-08-2015 12:01PM

I was on it for a while before I went to Australia and after coming home recently, I did everything in my power to ensure I'd never have to sign on again!

It was great..... at first but after that it got really depressing as a lot of others have mentioned. Not to mention it was going to be a massive pain in the arse to sign on again after I came home so I got lucky and found something pretty quickly.

I will say it sounds like you need a holiday, too many people live to work. You've got to keep that balance in check, you know and there is a lot better ways of doing it than sitting on your arse on the dole!

MissFlitworth · 12-08-2015 12:04PM

The first few weeks are fun. But I've never felt anything like the grey, isolating sense of uselessness that hit when my initial savings were gone and I was actually living off €188/week and I couldn't afford to do anything or go anywhere and all my friends and family were working. Plus you don't actually want to deal with the people in social welfare unless you absolutely have to.

realdanbreen · 12-08-2015 12:11PM

Specialun wrote: »

Epic rant .....if you think employers are crying out for 60 yr olds than you must still leave milk out for santa on xmas morning

I don't know what employers think but I do know that there are jobs out there.

Specialun · 12-08-2015 12:23PM

realdanbreen wrote: »

I don't know what employers think but I do know that there are jobs out there.

I dont think you actually know what your on about. This guy is 60, he lives in rural area, his clearly at least tried to upskill himself and better himself. He has applied for jobs but yet you still feel the need to have a pop.

Yes there are jobs out there, these jobs are competitive. Its not as black or white as you think it is. At his age he is at a massive disadvantage.

Just to give you a bit of perspective: last year i was a hiring manager for a language role, a language which is tough to find. After having the role open I had 3 applicants. These comprised of 1 toolbox who looked like he hadnt come off his high since 2004, a woman who wanted 10k extra because she knew her language was tough and a guy in his mid 60's . To cut a long story short i hired the guy in his 60s. Within 3 months HR were putting pressure on me to get rid of him because he didnt fit into the image of the corporate HQ.

Son Of A Vidic · 12-08-2015 12:24PM

smash wrote: »

30 jobs in 5 years... Yep, trying real hard!

The other poster is 60 years old and tbh, I hope to be well retired by then. I also wouldn't relish applying for a job when all the other candidates are very likely to be much younger than me. So kudos to them for even trying to find work at 60. The other poster also lives in a rural area and jobs aren't falling out of the trees in those parts of the country. So I'd say applying for a job every two months is quite understandable. You also don't know anything about the other poster's personal circumstances and I'd imagine that at 60 years old, uprooting and moving to find work wouldn't really be a practical option. Then throw into the mix, the possible ageism that a 60 year old job applicant could face. Ah but I suppose you have to ignore such considerations, especially when you're itching to throw the oul stupid cheap shot.

smash · 12-08-2015 12:24PM

Nomis21 wrote: »

I don't have to satisfy anyone on this forum. I am satisfied that I am genuinely seeking work and so are the DSP inspectors who make these decisions on behalf of the public. I think that is enough.

1 job application every 2 months can not be looked at as an acceptable level of commitment from you to be seeking employment. Those inspectors need a kick up the arse!

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

The other poster is 60 years old and tbh, I hope to be well retired by then.

and he was 55 when he started 'seeking employment'

Talk me out of going on the dole

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