The Employment Commission Needs a New Job

Yo, I am getting unemployment compensation [GASP]. Until I get my career in urban and environmental planning off the ground, I am living off of my savings and my weekly checks from the unemployment taxes my past employer had to pay. One of my friends suggested I do this once I left my job. This is like the worker's version of being in an inept welfare to work program. Every week I have to inform the Employment Commission that I am "actively seeking employment" and report the places I have applied to or have contacted to inquire about job opportunities. Now, I understand the need for accountability but if they really wanted to be helpful I could give them a few ideas.

Instead of them having to read the Unemployed's weekly updates on their website or listen to the recorded phone messages we the Unemployed leave, they should use their energy in helping us obtain employment. I could really us a "Career Counselor" or an "Employment Agent" or a "Job Broker". I need someone to help me market myself to government agencies and to plead my case before Human Resource Departments. I could really use someone on my side with a complete focus on getting a smart sista hired! I mean, really! I want to work. The issue is that my career is such a small niche and retention is really high. There isn't a lot of turnover in the urban and environmental planning field.

So, instead of the Employment Commission pushing papers all day, perhaps they (or one of them) should come with me each day as I pound the pavement with my resume and coverletter in hand. That is a much better job for them to do!