Actually I'd rather be on benefits

[Spudulika]

... than have to work 40 hours a week in a boring minimum wage job.

Not doing either myself thankfully (working DH, I have well-paid p/t job), but thoroughly resenting the line that the conservatives are taking that the reason many people have a terrible quality of life is because they're not working, and that they'll invariably have a better quality of life if they're not on benefits, because going to work somehow always makes your life better.

I suspect that the majority of mp's have never done these sorts of jobs, and have never had to live on the minimum wage, otherwise they wouldn't be saying this.

IMO what makes people's live shit is being educationally and culturally impoverished, poor housing and poor mental and physical health, none of which are likely to be alleviated by spending 40 hours doing repetitive manual labour.

If work doesn't leave you significantly better off financially, is in itself not interesting, and results in you becoming time poor, so you have fewer hours to read, stroll in the park, meet with friends or watch interesting films on TV (all of which activities are free and accessible to the unemployed), how on earth can you be said to be better off doing it?

And then there's the option of enriching your life by doing voluntary work while unemployed, or studying.

So - if you were an MP and I was an unemployed person, how would you persuade me that I would be much happier cleaning out buses for 40 hours a week, than sitting at home reading the newspaper and listening to the radio?

Maypole couldn't think in a straight line if she tried - thick as the proverbial.

You are a proper human being. You're not a little shit, that bloody Maypole needs a rocket up her arse. She doesn't have a clue. Not everyone thinks that of you. You sound like you have a complete lack of self esteem and confidence, but hey, that's not a crime and it's something that you can be helped to regain. Your daughter thinks you're a worthwhile person, and I'd say that her opinion is far more important than any jumped up little tory.

Sometimes they are the ones who hold the power. The whole reason I ended up jobless in the first place was that I was considered 'morally repugnant' :(. Not exactly testament to me being a decent human being and not really condusive to references either.

The point is that no able bodied/able minded person should be given any money without work. Look at Spain: first you have to earn the rights to get on the dole by having had a full-time job for at least 18 months. Then the dole is for 6 months only, so it is to tide you over in an emergency while you sort yourself out, not a life-long solution. The point of work is that in a normal society that does not throw money at everyone (immigrants included) freely with two hands you die of huger without working, so you work.

Charming of them!!!! They can't give you a bad reference though, and the job you're in now will give you a good reference. You sound like you could do with a bit of counselling and maybe a bit of CBT to try and help your mindset. x

Allie - that would be all well and good if the work was out there. It's not. More and more people are being made redundant. I've been out of work for a year, and I've never, ever had a problem finding a job before. Now I'm competing with under 21s who can be paid less. Ageism, yes, but nothing that can be done as it can't be proven.

xstitch don't let someone nasty comments put you off
Right now I feel worthless as I can't work not worked in nearly 12 months but I'll get there and so will you. I take each day as it comes it's the way I cope

alliez I'd be horrified if our country adopted a Spanish approach. I am not saying people should live off benefits and make that a Lifestyle choice but benefits should be longterm IMO if people are unsuccessful at finding work. But I've said before, I also think there should be a two tier system, with a higher amount paid to those who volunteer whilst seeking work. Volunteering encourages motivation and the work shy become more keen on being paid.

I worked full time for 9 years before being chucked on the scrap heap (barring 6 months maternity. I may be an idiot but I can count enough to know that is more than 18months. I worked part time the 4 years previous to that while I was a student I worked part time. Before that, lazy bitch that I was I just concentrated on school. The reason I work part time now is that this is the only job I could get. I didn't say fuck it I can't be bothered to work full time. It was the part time job or nothing. Yet I get castigated for taking that job. Even with this job I haven't stopped job hunting. I haven't had any sucess but it is not because I haven't tried. It is because I am stupid and considered lazy and unemployable by people like some of those on this thread.

And their opinions do not matter, as they are just people on an internet forum.

Word spread though madlizzy , ldon't live in a city so literally all the business owners and managers know each other. The reason I am 'morally repugnant' btw is because my now XH left me making me a single mother.

Really? Bloody hell, you seem to live in an area full of narrow minded, nasty people. Have you ever considered moving?

Not allowed madlizzy my XH has a court order out against me. To cross the county border I would have to hand my dd over to him and agree never to see her again. Lost out on a job I worked hard to get because he shafted me.

They are very narrow minded. My family come from another area so being an 'interlouper' counts against me as well.

Have you actually seen the court order?

Yes I have :(.

It all sounds very wrong.

The whole legal system in this country is wrong. It feels like you have to be a criminal to have rights.

Worthlessness? More like grandiose ideation.

Those aren't bad for long words coming from a lazy idiot are they

The seconded coming, I bloody well worked thats how I and many others supported myself just because others would have you believe the only way to service is hand outs from the state.

The second coming when the government change the system and thank god they are I am sure you will be sending your hard earned money to the dss in a envelope marked for the employed thats if you have a job

I have worked bloody hard too maypole the only difference is the only place my hard work has got me is up a creek without a paddle. It does not give you the right to spout sanctimonious insults at me.

I bloody well worked thats how I and many others supported myself just because others would have you believe the only way to service is hand outs from the state.

Right so Maypole. Stop all benefits. There are not enough jobs for all the people on benefits. So stop the benefits and rob to feed the kids as thats what i would do. I would mug your kids, burgle your house and take your car to feed my kids if i couldnt find work. I paid into the system for 20 years as have all my family. I take it you think your personally paying my benefits.

If i work i get far more benefits than i get now.

Why not cut everyones full time hours to part time hours so everyone can get a job and have a crack at working. That would probably work. God forbid your kids/grandkids ever have a drug problem or fall ill. What would you do pay all their bills for them, house them and clothe them

What childcare can an unqualified 16 year old afford while supporting themselves? I call bullshit.