My parents love me. This was a blessing and a curse: A place to live, free food + Internet. Under/unemployed for three years. Humiliating. Couldn’t afford health care, couldn’t qualify for welfare unless I moved into a homeless shelter. When I was laid off, after the company was sold for $17 million over its original price, I couldn’t get unemployment because contracted employees get zero benefits and protection. Couldn’t get a job at retail stores or fast food because my masters degree made me overqualified. Illinois schools laid off 2,000+ teachers so no work there. Other places only wanted people currently employed. I want to work because it is humiliating and degrading to be dependent on others.
Finally just said screw it. Took out student loans and moved to Australia with help from my parents. Aussie friends cannot comprehend me when I say getting cancer in the USA is a choice: Bankruptcy or death. I’m lucky: My parents love me. I now have health insurance ($80/month for what would be $1,000/month in the USA) and real job prospects, but it took moving of the USA to make it happen.
I am the 99%
Lola's Curmudgeonly Musings 