The LuLac Edition #1288, Sept. 4h, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: OUR INTERVIEW LOGO.

INTERVIEW

Labor Day weekend is upon us and I had a chance to strike up a conversation with a person who recently gained employment this summer.
Q: How long were you out of work?
A: 23 months.
Q: Nearly two years.
A: Yeah.
Q: How did you get this job?
A: I kept on pestering them. I applied about four times.
Q: What was the worst thing you found when you were looking for a job?
A: The sheer dismissive attitude employers had. No one wanted to give you a break. I had very rude people in interviews.
Q: Me too.
A: Really?
Q: Yeah, the worst was Cigna Health Care. They showed no respect at all for people looking for work.
A: I never went there but I made the rounds of the job fairs.
Q: How did that work out?
A: Okay but they felt like cattle calls. And some of the jobs were not full time and had no benefits.
Q: That’s the game they play now. Come into the area, offer jobs, pay little or no benefits and get tax breaks.
A: You are correct.
Q: So, this new job, any complaints?
A: Are you kidding, I’m putting my head down and doing what they tell me. Learning as much as I can.
Q: Do you find that more people are fearful about losing their jobs?
A: Some. There might be false bravado by some but I’m thinking you’d be crazy to try to tempt fate.
Q: How did you lose your last job?
A: Laid off.
Q: Me too.
A: Yeah, was there for 13 years.
Q: Do you think the economy is turning around?
A: Not as fast as people think but yeah, I think so.
Q: You’re a Republican, the Obama Stimulus plan, what do you think?
A: I can’t knock it because I got my Cobra health care for a reduced price and had my benefits extended. I mean at least I could live.
Q: What did you think of people who said you were taking “funemployment”?
A: Those people are ***holes. It was tough. We had a lot of hamburger helper meals at dinner.
Q: How did the kids handle it?
A: Never said much but I think they started to wonder “what’s wrong with dad”. Never said it but I’m sure they were thinking about it. Hell, I was constantly.
Q: You working Labor Day?
A: Yes.
Q: Me too. Are you complaining about it?
A: Are you? (Laughing)
Q: **** No!
A: Me too.
Q: Any goals in this new job?
A: To stay out of meetings.
Q: Right. Especially if you’re the subject matter.
A: Yes. Hey, Happy Labor Day!
Q: Back at ya.