Unfair?

I've never written about work before. I write when I'm frustrated with the kids and it seems to help... so here goes. Thanks for listening....

As most of you may know... I was a DWS client when Ben and I met. Believe me it was not by choice, more as a desperate situation. I found myself a single parent with two babies, no job (or prospects) no drivers license, or high school education. Once my mom dragged me into apply, crying the entire way... I realized that the services that DWS offered could make me a self sufficient, respectable mom that one day my kids could look up to. The state helped me find a "path" or a "plan". I realized that I really wanted to be in the health care field, to be helping others each day.
The state paid for all of my school and gave us money each month to get by while I was in school. It took 2 years to get my GED and to become a Certified Medical Office Assistant. The school found me an internship with a clinic ran by the state. I worked there free for 8 months before finally getting my foot in the door. Since then Ive transferred around a bit. I don't think it was the field I was in... but I just didn't feel like I was "paying it forward". Ive always looked up to my case worker, Jenny, that "helped me find my way". She was always understanding and never made me feel like less of a person for needing state assistance. I wanted to be like her....

So the journey began... I got a job as an Office Tech with Department of Health. I studied policy and procedures, helped out anywhere I could, talked to my leads and supervisors about the possibility of one day becoming a case worker. I applied for every opening from Layton to Brigham.... Well I guess the 10th time was the charm :D
(after #6 or #7 I was informed that I had to have a Bachelors Degree or 4 years experience). I didn't have either... but persistence pays off. In March 2008, I finally got my dream job! Time to pay it forward! One of the coolest things is that I got to be on the same team as my former case worker.

So, I guess you could say the honeymoon is over?? It's not that I don't like "helping" people in need.... It's just that it's so far and few in between. There are so many people that are just demanding and entitled! Ben has a bumper sticker on his car... "Civilians Suck" he got that for this very reason. We are so very lucky to live in a country that has programs and services to help our less fortunate, I never have to worry "what if I lose my job... how will I feed my kids?" They will never be in pictures on TV "for only $1.50/day you can save this childs life".... Our economy is in the toilet! I have customers that made twice what I will make this year being laid off or fired. I understand believe me.... but it seems that I see many more of these situations... one example from today


53-year old man today applied for services, no family, healthy and "able". He quit his job 5-weeks ago because he got mad! He was tired of them changing his schedule...
At this job he made $6800 in 4 months. Now rent is due and fridge is empty, hes in crisis mode. I'm empathetic to most but this one really upset me... *we have a policy that is called "voluntary quit" states that if you quit your job, without just cause, within 1 month of applying for benefits you were disqualified. I explained this to him and he asked me... "do you think that is fair?" I took a deep breath... asked him "honestly?" he replied "yes" (sub-conscience screaming don't do it!) " I started by saying "Sir 5 weeks ago, you had a job that met each and every one of your needs, and you chose to quit because they made you mad?" (hearts racing brains screaming "don't swear!") "There are hundreds of people that cant find work that want to work and you just threw it away!" "So, Yes Sir! I think its perfectly FAIR!"
Turns out that he quit 40 days before applying and policy states 30 days before application. So now it doesn't apply to him and I just look like an ass!

So I guess my thought for the day should be....
Remember that if you only help 1/1,000,000 people, at least you made a difference.... and one day that 1 person may aspire to be you!

And for anyone that read this entire "rant"... Whew, bet you need a nap :D

Thanks for listening!!!!