Here’s the situation, which is similar to job searches for unemployment but different.
I have been looking for work for a long time now. So I am not on unemployment and am getting by on odd jobs and what’s left of my savings.
The State of Illinois had a program, where they paid minimum wage to attend a 4 day (6 hour/day) program.
I thought, “OK, I am not working I’m doing something wrong and attending training can only help.”
Well I didn’t read it well and it turned out to be a program for ex-felons. LOL
When I went in she asked me what my conviction was for and I said, “I’ve never been in trouble with the law.” Then she explained it was for ex-felons. I apologized and prepared to leave and she said “Wait, you know, we never get a full class, just stay in.” I said that I didn’t want to take a slot from someone who needed it more.
She took my name and said, “If it’s not fulled up, I’ll call you. Besides history show only a few people ever complete it.”
So she called me and I figured, “I’ll go,” after all, I could use any help with interviewing 'cause if I was doing it right, I’d have a job. Besides it paid money. And I’m willing to work minimum wage.
So I went last week to the program and I finished. Indeed 18 people started and only 4 finished it. So most dropped out by the second day.
What I didn’t realize is, she called me in and said the state will pay me minimum wage up to 25 hours a month to search for job leads.
I thought, “OK,” it ain’t much but at least the money will help pay for the cost of a bus pass and such while I’m looking.
Now I did tell the lady running it I felt a little guilty using it but she said, “Well the money’s there and the other’s dropped out, so you might as well use it they aren’t.”
Here’s the thing, that I want feedback on.
She gave me a list of leads and I’m having a meeting on Tuesday. I told her I have a job interview on Monday, which I got on my own.
She said “That’s great, you just put that job interview, the time in and out and the name of the company and it’ll count toward your 25 hours of job search.”
I said “Even though I got it myself not you.” She said, “It all counts.”
Now I was thinking, are they gonna call, do you think?
I know when you’re on unemployment, they spot check the job log and will check to make sure you’re not making up jobs.
Now frankly I’m more than a little uncomfortable with the fact some lady from a state office may call and check, especially when they’re with a program for EX-FELONS.
I mean I have no convictions and a background check reveals that. But still if I was a company, and someone let it slip, I would think that would be pretty bad.
So I think it best in the future just to keep any leads I get to myself off that time sheet. I’m hoping they give me enough leads to fill that out for the hours.
Thanks for any ideas