Murmer Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I had a mom that was on a similar program and she would come help in my classroom (where her daughter was). But I didn't always need her in the room for the 20 hours she needed so I would send stuff home with her like cutting and pasting/coloring stuff (welcome to teaching 1st grade). Perhaps you could find a situation like that you could volunteer for but do the work mostly at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Going on from what Murmer said, is it possible to find a work OR volunteer position which will let you work from home? Perhaps stuffing envelopes for a charity or something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mynyel Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Reschedule your interviews a few times. :D :iagree::D Now what about being "self-employed"? Can you find something to do from home only working 10 hours a week but you can log 30. Being self employed you can manipulate the hours because you are your own boss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I am a little surprised (but maybe I shouldn't be) that companies are not required to hire people out of the training program before they hire someone new. Isn't there a time limit on this program? What are you all going to do when it runs out? Are there programs to make your dh more desirable to hire? Could you all get a grant for him to do some community college classes? Just trying to think long-term. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingiguana Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) I suspect this is an interpretation issue -- either it's your caseworker's problem, or the office in your area. If it's the caseworker, then a supervisor might help (along with that dr's letter, if you can get it). If it's the office, you might have to move. Do you know anyone in another area of the state who could kind of "sponsor" you -- give you a place to live for a bit of time while your husband tries to find a job? You might be a lot better off in an area with more jobs. My guess is that the caseworkers have been told to move people off the rolls in your area, because they're getting desperate about all the long term cases who can't get jobs. If they can bump people off, so much the better, they're probably thinking. It's possible the caseworkers have incentives for moving people off. There might be more jobs in larger towns and cities. You might want to consider moving, if it's financially possible. A larger city might also not be so "interpretation" happy (they probably have so many people on MFIP, what's one more?). Also, there might be more services for people in your situation. Do you know any one in nearby cities who might be able to research that for you? Can you volunteer for the Epilepsy Foundation? They might be more accommodating. Is this sort of site any help? http://minnesotajobs.com/jobfind.php?action=search&auth_sess=7mbuh69hpnls0vpgnp0r4rp025&ref=316961da0ee7cfe2e06df563c&jids[]=00&lids[]=000&tids[]=1&kwd=&cmdSearch=Search It looks like you can search by area. Edited June 4, 2011 by flyingiguana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingiguana Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Any advice? Is it legal for a government program to force people to work without pay? I have no problem working more hours for pay, but this seems something like indentured servitude. Work for free, or your husband loses his job. I'm going to see if my doctor will write a medical excuse for me, but if that fails, I'm stumped. From what I've heard from others in this situation, yes, I think it is legal. Unfortunately. Actually, I think your husband is lucky that he's getting any pay at all, from anecdotal evidence that I've heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I want to teach at hippie school it sounds incredible and I bet the food would not be plastic crap filled with preservatives. Mr Rogers wearing a hemp suit. We like it. :lol: I was thinking Waldorf. Mergath- I have heard a lot of horror stories about MN "welfare". Honey, move down here to IL and I'll help you out. Our programs are much better. (((Hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishboneDawn Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 We aren't "taking," though (aside from our now tiny food assistance, which I'd gladly do without to fix this mess). My husband is doing work, the same work as the other employees at the company, and he's being paid half the going rate for it. Sounds like a sweet deal for the company.:glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldjoy Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I just want to say....I am sorry. I am so sorry for you and your little family. I wish I could something to help or have some good advice. I just don't know the rules enough about where you live. But, I would also like to thank you for sharing your story. I hope that at the very least, your story can help others see and understand a real life situation of a family needing help, and how hard it is to get it. Too often people think these programs are easy and set up for others to "make a living" on them. I do hope it will be resolved soon. Many, many blessings to you. e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 But the company has no incentive to hire him, as they are now getting his labor for free. Again, perhaps the company doesn't need to hire someone. Gov't work programs are created by the gov't to create jobs when those jobs are not needed by companies. That's why they are paid out of collected money instead of by the company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Again, perhaps the company doesn't need to hire someone. Gov't work programs are created by the gov't to create jobs when those jobs are not needed by companies. That's why they are paid out of collected money instead of by the company. I think she said other people had been hired in the meantime. I will read back through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Mergath, {{hugs}}. I am totally lost and unfamiliar with the program. I'm sorry to hear of your healthissues. I do know, from personal experience, how hard it is to transcend the system and become autonomous because the system works against you to do so. In my case, our food stamps were reduced proportionally larger than the increased income, and we had a net loss for working more. :confused: Thinking productive, sane thoughts for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Okay, let me get this straight. You get no cash assistance from them (other than the "job" itself for your husband), and to continue having this job which pays half what other workers make, YOU must work 30 hours either paid (which would force your husband to lose HIS job in the program), or unpaid. So basically, if you are providing free labor too, all to maintain his job, you are putting in doubletime hours for his paycheck, so his rate is no longer half what the others are making, it is more like 25 percent. (if we count your free work for no other reason than to keep his job) That quickly puts it into the "not worth it" category. I hope you are able to find a workaround for this. Praying for a loophole for you! I'm sure others are coming up with some ideas but your situation sounds plain crazy nuts! So sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookfiend Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I don't have anything to add on the work side of the equation; however, I'm wondering about the forced schooling side. What is the mandatory intorductory school age? In NC it is 7. Can they force you to make a school choice at 5 in MN? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 But I don't think HSLDA can defend someone who is not yet homeschooling, but has a young child and plans to in the future. Would they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Dawn, here is the quote: There's a chance. They keep telling him they'll try to hire him on eventually, but whenever there's an opening they hire someone else, because they're getting dh's labor for free, I'm guessing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 First :grouphug: Second, my husband and I say that this is BULLCARP! Honestly, have him keep looking for a job. I know this is going to be a PITA question, but has he tried temp services? They sometimes pay minimum and sometimes more. Sometimes OT is available. It beats the heck out of dealing with the system. I would also appeal higher up if you stay in the program (but the program itself seems more apt to keep you down given your circumstances). Many prayers and blessings for you, hon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 The co is not getting the trainee labor for free. They are getting funds to pay the negotiated training wage rate, but they are also paying - from their profit - people to administer, supervise, manage, and train as well as account. They may also have additional expenses such as clothing, supplies, and protective gear. The incentive to hire a trainee who has successfully completed training is the cost of not needing to train in company practices and safety (since it was done while person was a trainee) plus the personal qualities the trainee brings to the job. The hiring manager is going to weigh the complete package of a trainee vs a non-trainee. It is in the trainee's best interest to work closely on improving the soft skills in order to be competitive, once the hard skills for the job have been mastered. Yes, but they would have the same overhead costs for a company-paid employee. So when you compare a company-paid employee to a government-paid one, the government-paid employee's labor is free to the company, perhaps minus a wee bit of administrative cost. The incentive to hire an already-trained employee makes sense in theory, but only if the job requires enough training to make up the difference in cost to the company of the salary for trained vs. untrained employees. Since the cost of the government-paid employee is significantly smaller than the cost of the company-paid one, it would only make sense for the company to hire the gov't-paid one if the training investment was significant. Unfortunately, the OP said "they aren't actually training him to do anything other than stack boxes". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RanchGirl Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Compulsory schooling age in mn is 7. OP, if your husband has been in this training program for awhile, and others are being hired on ahead of him, I would have him schedule a meeting with his supervisor to ask what he needs to learn/do/show in order to be considered for the next opening. And a timeframe. If this is a deadend job, he should look elsewhere. If there is a possibility of getting promoted to a higher wage, then you'll know how to plan and he can work his tail off on the to do list to be ready for the next opening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin's Song Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 The system is designed to keep you between a rock and a hard place. Can you move somewhere with better job opportunities? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Compulsory schooling age in mn is 7. OP, if your husband has been in this training program for awhile, and others are being hired on ahead of him, I would have him schedule a meeting with his supervisor to ask what he needs to learn/do/show in order to be considered for the next opening. And a timeframe. If this is a deadend job, he should look elsewhere. If there is a possibility of getting promoted to a higher wage, then you'll know how to plan and he can work his tail off on the to do list to be ready for the next opening. Doesn't matter what the compulsory age is. In PA it's 8yrs. However, if you are on food stamps, you don't have to look for a job or go to school, etc until your child is 6yrs. There's a 2yr gap and homeschooling doesn't matter. The agency simply sees that there is a public school and your child is now old enough to attend and free you up to get a job or go to school. Doesn't matter how bad the school is, family values, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I have no advice, just that this whole situation seems to be wrong, in so many ways. and its sad that so many peple see that its wrong, but there is no way around it, because its "legal".Grr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Yes, but they would have the same overhead costs for a company-paid employee. So when you compare a company-paid employee to a government-paid one, the government-paid employee's labor is free to the company, perhaps minus a wee bit of administrative cost. I don't think it is truely less in the long run for the employer, or the employees. If the government is paying for this program that is welfare-ish, then the money for it is coming from tax revenues. At some point taxes will have to increase in order to pay for this program. The employeer can either pay now, or pay later. And in my opinion, later will be more expensive for the employer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 The system is designed to keep you between a rock and a hard place. Can you move somewhere with better job opportunities? :iagree: I believe the system is just another institutionalized form of slavery. Or socialism. Or communism. Think Russia, East Germany, China... Everything is so cheap coming from China because the government controls pretty much every aspect of the life of the employee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carpe Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 The only idea I can come up with is if your current job has the ability to add 20 hours to your week, couldn't your DH do what you do? And if they don't have them, then you aren't really losing anything by pretending to try to get those hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatmansWife Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) :grouphug: Wow...this is insane! I am so sorry you are in this situation. We are on government assistance too, we live next door to you (not literally, but the state next to you. :001_smile: ). Thank goodness we don't have any crazy hoops to go through to get our assitance. They have never once given me troubles about homeschooling. Gvernment assistance programs are difficult, because if you try to better yourself....take on more hours, or get a better job, then your assistance is cut. I remember being a kid and hearing people complain that people on welfare or assistance programs never get off of them. Now I'm living it and I can see exactly why. When I had my part time job we figured that half of my time spent working was to pay for the cut in our food stamps. It's often not even worth it! Now I see (from your situation) that not only is it hard to get off of certain assistance programs, it's also very hard to stay on some of these programs....like yours. Have you looked at the website that was linked (for your program) to see if it really says anything about not being allowed to homeschool? This just does not seem right. I mean...what if you decided to get a job at night and homeschool during the day (I'm not suggesting this, because I know it's not possible), but why is homeschooling not allowed??There are people that work and homeschool. Do you have the internet at home (I ask because you said you were leaving and woudn't be back her for a few days. I was wondering if you access the internet from the library). If you had the internet at home, can you be "self-employed"...like selling on eBay. Can you keep track of your hours and have that count?? I guess I don't have too much advice...but tons of sympathy and :grouphug:. It's not training, though, because they aren't actually training him to do anything other than stack boxes. I can't do enough paid work for us to live on, and I don't consider someone forced to do a job which is normally paid for free to be a "volunteer." He's been doing this training thing for quite awhile, now. They don't care how long he's on it, as long as we aren't getting cash assistance, besides. :iagree: I wouldn't call it volunteer work either. It's more like slavery. I'm sorry. At the beginning of the thread it sounded like the thing preventing you from working 30 hours per week was the increased income and thus being kicked out of the program. It didn't sound like the program was all that hot to begin with that's why I was confused. It makes much more sense to know that the thing preventing you from working 30 hours per week is a medical condition. So you really need this program for dh because that is the only way income is going to come in. YIKES!! You really are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I hope your doctor can write you a note and exempt you from the requirements. I also still urge you to find someone who can advocate on your behalf. :iagree: But, I bet the the program won't care. They'll just say..."oh, well I guess you can't meet the requirements then....so you're off the program." I would find it unlikely that they'd keep the OP's family on this program if she has a note from her doctor that says she can't work. It just stinks it what it does! Ridiculous! I think I'd have to find some other alternative to a program that had NO consideration for having a parent in the home with a young child. It seems like welfare and food stamps would be a better option until a job was found. :iagree: Compulsory schooling age in mn is 7. OP, if your husband has been in this training program for awhile, and others are being hired on ahead of him, I would have him schedule a meeting with his supervisor to ask what he needs to learn/do/show in order to be considered for the next opening. And a timeframe. If this is a deadend job, he should look elsewhere. If there is a possibility of getting promoted to a higher wage, then you'll know how to plan and he can work his tail off on the to do list to be ready for the next opening. :iagree: Doesn't matter what the compulsory age is. In PA it's 8yrs. However, if you are on food stamps, you don't have to look for a job or go to school, etc until your child is 6yrs. There's a 2yr gap and homeschooling doesn't matter. The agency simply sees that there is a public school and your child is now old enough to attend and free you up to get a job or go to school. Doesn't matter how bad the school is, family values, etc. Wow...in our state I don't think there is any such requirement. I'm definitely counting my blessings on this!! Edited June 4, 2011 by ~AprilMay~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :grouphug: Mergath, Wow, I can't believe this. First, why can't they give your dh more hours? Did I miss something in your thread? Also, this sounds very big brother-like. Sorry. Whether it is or not, I don't know, but it "sounds" like it. Look at the contract. Can they actually force YOU to work? Why you and NOT increase your dh's pay? In America, NO ONE is forced to work. That sounds so odd to me. Same applies to h'school. WHERE in the contract does it say you can NOT hs. My dh's employer can not dictate to us HOW we school. They can expect 40 hours from him and being "on call" from time to time. That's contractual. This all sounds suspicious to me. Mergath, I'd research all of this if I were you. Your dh may have to expand his perimeter in searching for work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 What is keeping you in the area? What is your dh trained (besides this job) to do? What about moving to a new area - someplace less expensive to live. Has your dh ever looked into apprenticeships? There is a very big need for electricians, plumbers, mechanics and other blue collar jobs. Training can eventually lead to owning one's own business. Is your dh handy? In the right area a handyman often has to turn work down because he is so busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Would they allow you to go to school instead of work as long as they are not paying for it? I worked for a girl who went to college in MS with their version of this program http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/People_with_Disabilities/paying her way and for a helper. Colleges often have very flexible class hours so you could go to school full time and not have to put your children in school/daycare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :grouphug: Mergath, Wow, I can't believe this. First, why can't they give your dh more hours? Did I miss something in your thread? Also, this sounds very big brother-like. Sorry. Whether it is or not, I don't know, but it "sounds" like it. Look at the contract. Can they actually force YOU to work? Why you and NOT increase your dh's pay? In America, NO ONE is forced to work. That sounds so odd to me. Same applies to h'school. WHERE in the contract does it say you can NOT hs. My dh's employer can not dictate to us HOW we school. They can expect 40 hours from him and being "on call" from time to time. That's contractual. This all sounds suspicious to me. Mergath, I'd research all of this if I were you. Your dh may have to expand his perimeter in searching for work. I doubt it says that she CAN'T homeschool, simply that homeschooling is not taken into consideration. If she was able to take a night job AND homeschool, that would be allowed...the point would be that she would be working. BUT THAT is neither here nor there...it's the fact that she has health issues that have PREVENTED her from being able to work for any length of time that would be safe or acceptable to an employer (from what I'm reading...I wish she was able to get on sooner and clear any of this up) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineW Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Talk to the epilepsy society and get a medical waiver. It is really the only way out of this mess. I want to be absolutely clear here---It is ILLEGAL for your employer to allow you to work more hours and not pay you. It is FRAUD and the government could come after you for the benefits received and fine the company. If the nursing home increases your hours, it will pay you for these hours because they won't be willing to risk their license or medicaid funds. You aren't facing indentured servitude, but getting kicked out of the program no matter what you do. Unfortunately, it seems like the caseworker has decided that your family isn't eligible for benefits. She sees you as an able-bodied worker who could be working full-time to provide for her family and she wants to make room in the program for a single parent or family where 1 member is already working Ft but can't make ends meet. That isn't your reality, but that's why there are waivers. Find a way to get one. Call your doctor, call the Epilepsy foundation, call legal aid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Talk to the epilepsy society and get a medical waiver. It is really the only way out of this mess. I want to be absolutely clear here---It is ILLEGAL for your employer to allow you to work more hours and not pay you. It is FRAUD and the government could come after you for the benefits received and fine the company. If the nursing home increases your hours, it will pay you for these hours because they won't be willing to risk their license or medicaid funds. You aren't facing indentured servitude, but getting kicked out of the program no matter what you do. Unfortunately, it seems like the caseworker has decided that your family isn't eligible for benefits. She sees you as an able-bodied worker who could be working full-time to provide for her family and she wants to make room in the program for a single parent or family where 1 member is already working Ft but can't make ends meet. That isn't your reality, but that's why there are waivers. Find a way to get one. Call your doctor, call the Epilepsy foundation, call legal aid. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I doubt it says that she CAN'T homeschool, simply that homeschooling is not taken into consideration. If she was able to take a night job AND homeschool, that would be allowed...the point would be that she would be working. BUT THAT is neither here nor there...it's the fact that she has health issues that have PREVENTED her from being able to work for any length of time that would be safe or acceptable to an employer (from what I'm reading...I wish she was able to get on sooner and clear any of this up) Taken from OP: Also, she told me that people on this program are not allowed to homeschool, and that if I homeschool when dd turns five, we'll be kicked off the program. I wish I was kidding. I've never heard of a program like this. Mergath, perhaps I've forgotten your medical need. My dd has controlled epilepsy and this s.n. issue is just that...yes, talk to your doctor. I can't imagine anyone can force anyone to work...s.n. or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) Taken from OP:Also, she told me that people on this program are not allowed to homeschool, and that if I homeschool when dd turns five, we'll be kicked off the program. I wish I was kidding. I've never heard of a program like this. Mergath, perhaps I've forgotten your medical need. My dd has controlled epilepsy and this s.n. issue is just that...yes, talk to your doctor. I can't imagine anyone can force anyone to work...s.n. or not. I don't believe this though. Personally, I think the case worker is on an power trip and is hoping that others don't know the rules or their rights. I'll go look at the page, but I doubt homeschooling is mentioned anywhere in it. The case worker may have a grudge against SAHM and homeschool. I'd call her on it, personally, or demand another case worker (which you can do). The case worker has no control on whether the child is private, public, or home educated (there is even virtual school, which IS public school ;) ). Yep, looked. The worker is full of carp on the homeschooling issue. Edited June 4, 2011 by mommaduck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatmansWife Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) I don't believe this though. Personally, I think the case worker is on an power trip and is hoping that others don't know the rules or their rights. I'll go look at the page, but I doubt homeschooling is mentioned anywhere in it. The case worker may have a grudge against SAHM and homeschool. I'd call her on it, personally, or demand another case worker (which you can do). The case worker has no control on whether the child is private, public, or home educated (there is even virtual school, which IS public school ;) ). :iagree: Yes!!! Keep this in mind. Don't put your dd into public school if you don't want to; they have no right to threaten for you to do that or kick you off. Look into MN virtual schools, like Connections Academy. Do it soon because in some states you need to sign up months before school starts to be able to qualify (an an example...in my state, you have 3 weeks in February to sign up for the following fall. If you miss this deadline by even 1 second you are out and can't be in any virtual school in the state. The rules are really ridiculous). You obviously are facing financial hardships, as are we...so the other benefit to the virtual schools is that they are completely paid for. My kids will be doing virtual from here on out because we simply can't afford curriculum anymore. And...don't let anyone tell you there's something wrong with choosing a virtual school. ETA: I just looked at your original post and see that your dd is only 3. So....ok..you have a little time yet. But, start investigating the virtual school options in your state so you know when you'd need to sign up (if you are even interested in this idea, that is). When the time comes, if this case worker asks if your dd is in public school you can say yes...because virtual schools are considere public schools and not homeschool. Edited June 4, 2011 by ~AprilMay~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Personally, I think the case worker is on an power trip and is hoping that others don't know the rules or their rights. Also, if the caseworker has kids, they're probably in school/daycare while she works. So ya gotta tread carefully there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Also, if the caseworker has kids, they're probably in school/daycare while she works. So ya gotta tread carefully there. Exactly...a case of either "I'm doing this, why can't you?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) Dawn, here is the quote: Thanks, Mrs. Mungo, for pointing that out. I admit I was a little confused reading the original post. One cannot guess that the reason they never hire him is because they're getting him for free. It could be that it's because he is not as qualified, and since qualified people are applying, they see no need to spend money training someone when they don't have to. I'm not familiar with the sort of work program they have set up in that state, so I cannot say for certain what's going on. I do know that people aren't spending as much, and that affects everything. A company cannot create jobs when the need is not there. My husband has seen the largest number of clients cancel lawn service this year. These are all very wealthy people who live in neighborhoods and homes four to five times nicer than ours. They are obviously experiencing some trickle-down effect. I also admit that I see things very often from a hiring side since we own a business. When my husband advertised for a lawn maintenance worker, we had no lack in responses. (many of you may remember my post about the quality of applicants). One of them served time for grand larceny (I did a public search into our criminal cases since much of his info seemed fishy) and doesn't even have his own phone. The one we ended up hiring has needed lots of time off for a knifing incident we clearly didn't know about before hiring. Had we known how many court dates he needed, we would have reconsidered. It's always been something with hiring. We hire people who don't have a driver's license or transportation, and they arrive late for work repeatedly. Who we hire affects whether our customers want to keep us as their company. They have plenty to choose from. Lawn maintenance may sound simple, but you would be surprised how many people cannot get the hang of trimming nicely and how many people scalp customers' lawns with 72" mowers. Training a person could easily take two to three weeks of my husband's time, and the person still may do it horribly. Then he would have to start from scratch. It is far easier to find someone trained in these sorts of things. Some people just are not conscientious. Like, they blow grass into people's doorways, or they don't pick up sticks and pine cones, or they cut corners. The customer notices these things. Also, nearly all labor workers (from our experience) smoke. My husband does not want his truck smelling like smoke, and he doesn't want his employees smoking on customer property. This alone cuts down on who he can hire since most smokers cannot go four hours without a cigarette. My point: there is no shortage of applicants, I'm assuming, for most jobs. While I am sorry that the OP is in this situation, I always see these threads turn into blaming the employer. It is not a company's fault that everyone doesn't have a job. Companies are not out to keep people from working. Edited June 4, 2011 by nestof3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 All citizens would be paying into a program like this, not just employers. Yes, but they would have the same overhead costs for a company-paid employee. So when you compare a company-paid employee to a government-paid one, the government-paid employee's labor is free to the company, perhaps minus a wee bit of administrative cost. I don't think it is truely less in the long run for the employer, or the employees. If the government is paying for this program that is welfare-ish, then the money for it is coming from tax revenues. At some point taxes will have to increase in order to pay for this program. The employeer can either pay now, or pay later. And in my opinion, later will be more expensive for the employer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm genuinely confused. The job your dh has is classed as 'training'. Therefore, not pd for by the employer, but by the government. The government, it seems, doesn't intend for this to be a perm situation, so are demanding that you either find pd work or volunteer, so that he's no longer in the training program. You don't want to do paid work b/c he would lose his spot in the training program. So the only option left is volunteer work. Check out the rules, absolutely...but I'm honestly confused as to how what they're asking is unreasonable. I know. You can volunteer as a daycare worker. And since you'll be working, your dd will need someone to look after her. Oh this could work! So you stay home and take care of her, and to make better use of your time, you teach her as well. :D I'm so frustrated for you. :confused: The whole set up seems so anti-family to me. I've never heard of a program like this where there isn't some exemption for moms who have pre-school children, at the least. How anyone could think that it would make better sense for you to work outside the home - for no pay - than to be at home caring for your dd, is mind boggling! I agree with joining HSLDA as a good first step. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Dawn, I see this situation differently because this is not really his employer. The state is paying him. It may be that he is unqualified for other positions, it may be that they won't hire him because then they would have to pay him. It is true that we don't know, but why not give him the benefit on the doubt for now? Chucki (I think) mentioned training programs, again, my local cc offers training for welding and such at very reasonable rates. You may be able to get a grant to help pay for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Also, nearly all labor workers (from our experience) smoke. You would be amazed at how regional this is. I will never forget moving from California to Virginia, moving from Hawaii back to North Carolina has been equally surprising, even though we lived here before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Dawn, I see this situation differently because this is not really his employer. The state is paying him. It may be that he is unqualified for other positions, it may be that they won't hire him because then they would have to pay him. It is true that we don't know, but why not give him the benefit on the doubt for now? Chucki (I think) mentioned training programs, again, my local cc offers training for welding and such at very reasonable rates. You may be able to get a grant to help pay for it. Oh yeah. Qualified welders make great money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 That's what I'm thinking. But it would be weird, because if any potential employers actually called, I'd have to tell them, "I'm sorry, I can't actually work for you, but could I come in for an interview anyway so I can fill up a couple hours for this week?" And if one of them offers me a job, and I turn it down, and our worker finds out, I get in trouble. Aaargh. It shouldn't be an issue. You know they won't offer you a job since you're always late to interviews, present yourself sloppily and give terrible interview answers, don't you? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 It shouldn't be an issue. You know they won't offer you a job since you're always late to interviews, present yourself sloppily and give terrible interview answers, don't you? ;) And if that's not going far enough, you could always pick your nose and inspect the contents in an interested manner, then look up and say 'Oh, I'm sorry, what?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 And if that's not going far enough, you could always pick your nose and inspect the contents in an interested manner, then look up and say 'Oh, I'm sorry, what?' Why not take it a step further and flick the contents in the interviewer's general direction. :lol: Now, can the caseworker call potential employers and ask why Mergath failed the interview? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyhappypeople Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 It shouldn't be an issue. You know they won't offer you a job since you're always late to interviews, present yourself sloppily and give terrible interview answers, don't you? ;) Or just bring your DD with you :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragons in the flower bed Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Talk to the epilepsy society and get a medical waiver. It is really the only way out of this mess. :iagree: Also, :grouphug:. I am in NY where things are somewhat saner. (Although they do take your child support check so you can get on cash assistance... and cash assistance for my family size is $120/mo, while the child support check my kids get is $254.) I was shocked when my social worker told me all I had to was have a personal statement notarized. No doctors. Just my own sworn signature saying I can't work in most situations. Check and see with the doctor and legal aid and local advocacy groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cara Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 What I'm wondering and no one has mentioned, who is paying for day care (not cheap or free) while the OP works 20 extra hours a week unpaid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarreymere Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hmm.....you can get certified as a home daycare provider. I think in my state you can watch up to six including your own, with some regulation of how many of what ages. If your business takes off and your husband loses his job because you make too much, you can hire him to work for you and take in even more kids. :D Seriously, daycare providers get good money in my area and this isn't exactly a prosperous area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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