Can I just melt down for a minute?

[trixie2]

I, like many people in our state, was pushed into early retirement under Snyder's "break the union" stand. I got over it and took my pension, which I am grateful for, and then found 2 small substitute jobs. I am a sub librarian for my city, which I love and it's my profession. I was talked into trying being a sub for a local high school. I do love that too. It's different, but in a rewarding way. Both gig jobs laid me off and did all the paperwork. It's not a lot of money and I do not qualify for the bonus money. I am cool with that.

I was rolled over from the December cut off and was sent a letter telling me to log in and certify or I would lose my claim. I did. I was told I qualified for the extension. OK, great. Now I am being told I owe the extension money back and I need to resubmit my claim. Ok, .......you can't talk to anyone, anywhere. I just now, 2 minutes ago, lost my claim because I could not answer questions I had no answer to. I am literally sick to my stomach. Both places of employment are closed due to Covid spikes. I have been asked to sub in a closed building as patrons can pick up items curbside. I do claim my pay and I do enjoy getting to leave this house for a couple of hours a couple of times a month.

Here is my theory: People at the state level are all dead and computers have taken over.....Yes I do like sci fi.

Thanks for listening. So upsetting!

[Rick Rolle]

1. Unfortunately, you have to deal with a government entity.

However, when dealing with the government, never attribute to malice that which can be readily explained by governmental incompetence or apathy.

[trixie2]

3. I attribute it to this L O N G pandemic

I do believe in science and listen to my sister who is an RN. Under her care, none of us in our entire family, have gotten ill.

I still like my theory of computers rising up.

Thanks for listening.

[rwsanders]

5. Every time the computer stalls just when I need to get something done, I usually say....

"The great computer revolt has begun".
Only half joking.
If you like Sci-fi, do a little digging into DARPA. They haven't met a mechanical SF villain that didn't seem like a good idea to them.

[trixie2]

11. Yep

[OldBaldy1701E]

7. Ahh bureaucracy...

the great divider. It is how corporations and governments hide from their populations. It is how they can milk us for all kinds of money while we get bull and shrugs. It is how it used to take the phone company 2 minutes to turn off your phone but three days to turn it back on. Same with power. However, we have no one to blame but ourselves. We created this and we allowed it to take over government and corporations. We allow it to run our lives. And, our silent assent means it will always be around and always be ruining people's lives.

[The Roux Comes First]

2. I Love Me Librarians!

I will resist going off on bureaucracy and systems and all, though that seems to be the primary force involved here.

All the best to you, Trix, and kudos for speaking out.

[trixie2]

4. Shhhh, don't tell anyone

We get to sneak in and check out stuff for ourselves. We can browse!!!!

Thank you!

[OldBaldy1701E]

8. I took care of it! (n/t)

[Warpy]

6. I think we all need to get used to it

as human beings are phased out in favor of computer algorithms.

Eventually the whole thing will become both intrusive and unworkable, but it's going to be tough to get to the end point when people who can deal with unforeseen problems are once again hired.

[jimlup]

9. My wife is having nearly identical problems

She's had to contact her State Rep. several times because she can't get through to a live person at Michigan Unemployment.

[trixie2]

12. The last time I talked to a person

Was the beginning of April when they called me to log in for both jobs put me up for unemployment.

I get it. I believe a lot of workers at the state level have also been laid off.

If you like to read:

Serverance by Ling Ma (Pandemic topic, written in 2018.