Unemployment is sort of a catch 22. It's fantastic because when that money shows up in your account it's like, "Oh! Free money!". But it's also a pain in the neck. Really it's good that the government doesn't make it too easy. Plenty of people milk it, I'm sure. But seriously, it would be really, really nice if they made it at least easier to talk to a real person.
On Friday I had called up the automated unemployment line for my bi-weekly check in. This week I had to answer a few questions differently, however, because I had started school. At the end of the phone call MARVIN tells you how much your check will be for. This week he said, "A check cannot be issued at this time. You must call the inquiry line. Goodbye."
...
...
... WHAT?!
This was about a DEFCON 3 (see my entry titled A Debate, A Desire, A Dream, A Decision for more details about that). Mostly I was worried because I have tried to call the Unemployment Agency a few times in the past and each time I was on hold for about 30 minutes before the system told me to try to call again later and booted me off. Why should this time be any different? A series of thoughts ran through my mind, including how maybe this unemployment thing really just isn't worth it and I should just look for a minamum wage part time job or that Alex and I could just eat once a week to save on groceries.
But reason won and I reluctantly dialed the number for the agency, set my phone to speaker mode, and put it down on the table next to me while I surfed the internet. Alex came home while I was waiting and he told me about his day. I checked the phone and saw that I had actually made it past the 30 minute mark. A small glimmer of hope sparked to life within me. Could it possibly be that I might just get through to someone today? My friend Emily told me that the folks on the inquiry line were very nice and quite helpful to her. Did I dare to hope?
Alex and I got a snack and some drinks and sat down to talk about our budget for the month. I checked the phone again and saw that it had been about a hour. I've got the commercials they play on the hold line memorized now. Now my hope was beginning to get fiesty. I shook my finger at the phone and said, "You'd better not boot me or I'm sending you my cell phone bill!"
Alex got on the computer and I started reviewing my biology homework. Suddenly the hold music stopped and the line rang. I grabbed the phone and turned it back to regular mode, breathlessly waiting with it held to my ear. Would I hear a real human voice or that cursed "No one is available to take your call," phrase. And then it happened. The voice of an angel said, "Michigan Unemployment Agency, how may I help you?"
I literally squeeled with delighted relief and exclaimed, "AH! I am so glad to be talking to real person!" The lady on the other end laughed and I continued, "Seriously, I've been on hold for an hour! I'm so glad you answered!" She expressed her sympathy to me for having to wait so long and asked me what she could do for me. I explained the issue and she said she could help me. At one point she asked if she could put me on hold for just a minute while she checked something. I gave a nervous laugh and said, "Yes, but only if you promise me you're going to come back." Within a few minutes the problem was resolved and she told me how to avoid needing to call them again in the future.
All in all I am thankful for Unemployment, even if it's a pain. Really it's worth it. Alex and I would be struggling greatly without it. So what's the moral of the story?
Be persistant. Nice ladies will put money into your checking account.
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