I HAVE ALWAYS HATED THAT STATEMENT!  UUGH AND STILL DO!  That statement alone implies settling for less than what one desires.  It says that ‘I can have what I want so I will settle for this.’  That line of thinking is against EVERYTHING I believe.  I am always amazed, disappointed or even surprised when a phrase, idea or concept that I, at one time didn’t like or agree with becomes something that I use at some point and agree.

Recently, I have found myself saying this statement lately quite a bit.  Although this new generation has so many opportunities, so many more opportunities; their survival skills are low.  Survival is an instinct.  It’s the ability of one to sustain during the in-between times.  Trust there will always be an in-between time.  You gain jobs and lose jobs, especially recently with companies laying off and transferring business overseas, etc… There could and may be a time when one is fired from a job, it happens.  Regardless of the situation, survival instinct is designed for one when; he or she finds his or herself “in-between.” 

My job in Human Resources and Payroll allows me to come into contact with many, young and old.  I find myself discussing survival instincts with several especially after a job loss.  One of the things I share most is “Unemployment Filing.”  Everyone would prefer to work and not depend on the government for anything.  I get it.  However when your job is lost unexpectedly, it’s not just survival but wisdom to apply for that benefit.  Too often, I have heard the line, “I will just get another job.”  True he or she will and do find other jobs; however in the midst of searching, looking for a job cost!   If you have a place of your own, rent will not wait, utilities must be paid, one must eat, grooming must and should remain intact and transportation to and from interviews requires money.  Unemployment isn’t a way of life but it is a method of survival for a season until one can get on his or her feet.

I have watched sooooooooooo many, received calls of distress (after rejecting the advice) because the job market was or isn’t as lucrative as the person once believed; people on the verge of losing and many lost housing(apartments and houses), cars all because of a refusal to accept or apply for a temporary benefit.   When I suggested the benefit in the beginning to those, the complaints ranged from prideful, of not wanting a handout, to ignorance; I don’t know how much I will receive so why bother?  Most of who were living from check-to-check anyway would rather ask or place the burden on those around them instead of having their own money.   Some even stated two contradictory reasons for not obtaining the benefit; 1) it will not pay enough to cover my bills and 2) it will make me lazy?  What’s the point?  Unemployment will never be enough to make one comfortable but receiving a temporary benefit can make job transitions smoother.  Losing an income is hard enough.  When done or handled appropriately one doesn’t have to lose other things particularly his or her dignity having to ask for the simplest things.  Having survival instincts aren’t common but necessary and for those who will listen to others and utilize them, it is the difference from merely surviving to just surviving again and moving into a position to thrive.