Unemployed - Day 13
Unemployed April 25th, 2008For the last three years I have not been getting my Costco Check. So about two months ago I went to their customer service desk and asked why that was happening. Today, I got a refund check. Its not my check. Its for ‘another’ Jason Liebrecht. Ernest Jason Liebrecht to be exact. He’s an actor in Texas who has done life shows, a few small movies, and a crap load of voice parts for animae movies. Today I’ll drop by Costco again, and let them know something is crossed somewhere.
Looked at healthcare options today. Ridiculous! For example: $95 a month gets you basic insurance. (Insurance equivalent to what most employers provide runs $280-$350 a month) This doesn’t cover preventive maintenance and there is a $30 copay. Basically, its keeping you from going completely bankrupt should you need a simple emergency service like stitches. Additionally, you have the read the fine print (Which I’m going to sit down in earnest and do this weekend). Suffices to say, if you’re unemployed, health care eats up anywhere from 5-10% of your unemployment check. Which, if you say have an mortgage that is more than your unemployment check things can get dicey. I’m fortunate in that I had stock options that were worth something, and I have things I can liquidate (I’ve got another run of Ebay stuff setup for Monday).
I think I have at last two prospects for work. One is a full time position (Which includes another pay reduction) and the other is a contract position (which pays more but higher risk). As it stand right now I’m leaning towards the contract position because I can earn more and get rid of some final debt. Unfortunately, I can’t sell the house until the market stabilizes and grows again. I’m assuming that won’t happen for a few years.
The market is better than it was in 2001. Or at least it appears to be. But the jobs are paying less than they were 5 years ago. With Diesel now being more expensive than gas I’m considering selling the truck and trailer. Although, worst case I can use the trailer to live in and take up the life of a roving gypsy. Sounds romantic at least! Overall, I’m healthy, I have a home, and friends. So I can’t really complain. I’m in a better position than many people I know.
Have a good weekend gang! Buy a copy of the LA Times this weekend! Catch you on the flipside!
April 25th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Nice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
April 26th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Can’t you COBRA your health insurance? Private insurance is hell, trust me, we’ve had it for almost 2 years not and it bites. They tried denying my brain surgery. Emergency aneurysm, no lie. They’ve been fighting paying it ever since too. We pay over $400/month for it too. Oh and it doesn’t pay for ambulances no matter what. Apparently no private health insurance does. And even after they covered some of the stuff we still owe thousands. Whatever you do take that into consideration when deciding on a new job. Oh and they won’t cover pre-existing conditions like your back or wrists. Or B’s asthma. INSANE. Oh and prescriptions, the deductibles!! They will screw you out of your last dime and leave you high and dry if you get sick. Bastards.