16 Year High and Maybe Hope

I am not alone! Nationally, unemployment has hit a 16-year high! I know at least 65 people who have lost their jobs in this recession and it looks like more coming down the line. And it sucks. But CNN is reporting that W may do at least one good thing before leaving office. It appears he is vying to extend unemployment benefits an additional 13 weeks. For those who have never been in the unemployment line, its a bit much to handle. When all is said and done, you are left with 6 months of moderate assistance to find yourself a job. Sounds easy right? It shouldn't take that long to land your bum in a new seat, right? Ideally, yes. But as more and more jobs drop like flies and the holidays make their way through town, hiring is extremely unlikely for the next three months. Traditionally employers do not hire between Thanksgiving and MLK Day in January. By giving an extra 13 weeks of pay, you may have some serious slackers enjoying an extended vacation. But you may also be providing just enough to get people through the hard times with hope that the markets will turn around before their money runs out. I can't say I like the guy, he certainly didn't get my vote. But if it passes, I may just appreciate him for a few weeks.