I hear it is bad elsewhere like CA, Nevada and Florida Suncoast states. I admit to some of my friends that I am out of work, but I have been applying and looking harder. To some friends it is hard to tell them because of pride. Some recruiter also ask me how my job search is and I tell them the truth. Maybe they are trying to guage me on my potential as an employee. People here in MD who I talk to at the state employment office tell me they have not been getting any calls after applying.

I have been lucky getting the face-to-face interviews and I did the best I can answer. Yet dissapointed and discouraged in no offers. Yes some have been very technical in the questions and perhaps I did not give the correct answers. Like you said Chuck, there are more unemployed than news is dishing out. I see them here in the library. At least some people are reading, studying or applying online. Some have given up. I can't; I got to do better.

Ok, first off. I'm just trying to help from my experiences-so everything I state is a 100% attempt to help.

Yes, living through all of this has been painful. I've been out of work for 7 month's, and it's starting to get us down, as with many. I never thought I'd see myself in a situation where my University degree would be rendered almost mute and obsolete. But here we are. Then again, I never saw myself unemployed, unable to sell my house and/or "get out of Dodge" if I wanted to either? Play the hand we're dealt and wait for the next round.

My wife and I pay our bills, pay our taxes, keep the lights on, and keep a brave face in front of the kids. We as Michigander's will make it through this, that's all I know. So if it's beating you down, stay strong. We're the toughest state in the union!

Here's some things I've learned dealing/living with unemployment: (If it helps even one person, I'll be glad).

One: Let's face it. Checks and mail get delayed. Mine (check) generally shows up like clockwork. BUT sometimes, they don't. I've been left waiting a week or more a few times. It happens, no one knows why-but it does. Be patient. I have a good relationship with our mailman, he's pointed out to me that one time it was not mailed until days after it was supposed to be, and another was the fault of the post office. From Lansing to where I live it should take 24hrs (48-MAX) to receive a letter. (According to USPS). Don't get frustrated (although I know it can be hard not too) it'll show up.

Which leads me to.... As my Dad used to say-"If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it"....

Two: (A) Never, never, never, never change your payment method after you've already started receiving benefits!!! Don't! UIA, the Post Office, and you will spend days and days "looking for it". And in the end, your the one that will be out of money for bills. I was really unfortunate-it took two weeks to resolve the issue. Just turned out to be a computer error. Now, I'm not the first dumby to do it, and not the only one who's experienced this misfortune. So best to avoid the situation altogether. (B) Chase Bank is creative, and let's face it-their a bank. They have thought of almost every possible way to "ding" your unemployment funds via charges, fees and so on. I guess the billions they got from tax payers already wasn't enough? Although they're making money from the initial transaction with the deal from the state, they now take from the unemployed. (Not a political statement. Merely a statement of opinion and experience). First two transaction are free, after that-$1.50 a pop. If you get a check, stick with it. (C) Direct deposit is the best way to go overall. Actually, having a job is the best thing overall-but you get the point. This is the easiest road to travel. From what I'm told. But if you, like me, have a minimum balance on your account that's the one hiccup to it.

Three: It can be frustrating getting through to (calling) UIA. Be patient. When/if you do get through remember-these folks are human. They have good days and bad days. There are good people that work there, and not so good. So the best advice is be polite. Remember you're not the only one in the State worried, stressed out and frustrated. Trust me, you'll get further being polite than by being aggravated and short. Trust me again, they'll help you in EVERY way possible if you are courteous. They'll be in return.

Four: If/when you call MARVIN, dial the number two minutes before your time (I.E. if you have to call at 9am, dial at 8:58am). It's takes that long to go through it's ramble, and by the time you punch in your SS and ID, it's after the hour. So it will take the call. Plus 99% of people don't call until after the hour. Online is the best overall though. Do sign up for that.

That's about all I can think of. Hope some, part or all of this helps someone. And most of all, don't give up hope. See above. Good luck.

I grew up in Michigan but left in the early 80's to come to TN. I just came back from Michigan and am so upset with what is happening there. I am especially worried about my brother. He worked 7 days a week sweating his ass off for years at one of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive components. He has been laid off for 11 months. His mortgage is almost upside down as the houses in his nice middle class neighborhood go into foreclosures. He has his journeyman's card in welding and can't find anything. At one time Detroit was the biggest manufacturing city in the world - now it looks like a 3rd world country. As Chuck said the state has so many hard working, skilled workers and engineers - they should be building the future! It gets me so angry. We need to join forces and do something about this. I hope more will join you Chuck - united we can do this!