Reply #19: Sorry you are having such difficulty.

[Peace Patriot]

My first thought was: Try the U.S. Census. Are they hiring in your area? There is a preliminary survey being done this year, and they are hiring in California, for work in the spring. You have to go take a test--but it's not hard. You can get a sample test on-line. Simple application. Find out the testing schedule/locations in your area.

Second thought: Your anger is certainly justified--at the general situation, and at being denied benefits for a paper work error--and the time frame for appeal. But don't let your anger consume your energy or your creativity. Don't go negative on yourself. It's easy to do when you're unemployed. I know. Remember there are zillions of people in your spot--you are not alone. It's nothing to do with your worth as a person. And, heck, a lot of them don't have parents they can live with. They're out of hearth and home--their circumstances are even worse; they may have kids; they may be sick. Love and appreciate what you have. It'll revive your spirit and help turn your fortunes around. Maybe find a Food Bank where you can supplement your parents' cupboard with some staple food supplies.

Third thought: Don't neglect that appeal process! Do it. Bureaucracies are often designed to make you give up. Don't give up. Make them pay you the unemployment insurance that is due to you. Do the paper work. Fax it. Whatever. Don't think about it. Just do it.

Fourth thought: Network! Talk to people. You don't know what jobs are out there unless you ask--for instance, temporary jobs. Maybe there are people in your neighborhood or nearby areas who need a fix-it man--someone handy with a hammer or a screwdriver. Elderly people, professional people--who don't have the skills or the time to fix things around the house. Line up odd jobs. Get some income coming in. Get to know your neighbors.

Fifth thought: On the trucker job--why not?

Again, my sympathies! What you're going through is the shits. The worst part of it is psychological--it eats at your normal self-confidence. Work on building that back up. Let yourself be angry--don't deny it--but leave room for creative thoughts and for positive directions to open up.