So, I’m out of work. I was employed on a contract and when it came up for renewal the boss told me business is too tight, have to let me go. It wasn’t their fault and they were pretty good about it. For the first few weeks I just looked for work but there’s not much going so I thought I better get on the dole. That’s what it’s there for.
I’ll tell you what though, anyone who reckons that its easy to get on the dole and there’s heaps of bludgers hasn’t ever tried it. Firstly you have to go along to this seminar about how to get a job. I had to wait 3 weeks before I could get into one of those seminars. Then I had to get a meeting with a case manager, take along all these forms and hopefully get on the benefit. But seems I’m not the only one in this situation. I was going to have to wait until February to get meeting at the nearest WINZ office. I managed to get a meeting at an office in another suburb instead just 3 weeks later. That was last week. All my papers were in order and I was accepted. Got my first dole payment. After tax, it’s $184. Not much left after $150 a week in rent. I’m lucky to have some savings to get by on but you’ve got to worry about others less fortunate.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re lucky to have benefits to keep us going when we fall on tough times. Just don’t go thinking that people like me are bludgers. It isn’t easy to get the dole and it sure isn’t easy to try to live on it. It’s great to have it while you need it but, like most other people on benefits, I’ll be keen to get work as soon as possible.
– Ben the wannabe worker
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