"Well I wouldn't work either if the government kept paying me to sit at home"

If there are so many jobs available, why does Tennessee's 'new' unemployment claims keep going up? This past week there were over 13,000 new claims...the highest since January. 'Continued' unemployment claims in Tennessee also rose to just above 46,000.   On the national 'unemployment recovery' list, Tennessee ranks 45th.

The easy and often repeated answer is, "Well I wouldn't work either if the government kept paying me to sit at home."  But is that really the case?

While there may be a certain percentage who are 'working the system'...for the majority, living on unemployment is not exactly the lap of luxury.

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In Tennessee, for those in the workforce, the average 'working' wage is $1,027 per week.  Unemployment benefits, by comparison, even with additional federal help, average just $528 per week in Tennessee...about HALF the average working wage in the state. 

Of course the recent stimulus check helped many families...but even that eventually runs out.

At it's peak, during last year's Coronavirus surge, there were over 500,000 unemployed in Tennessee.  Tens of thousands of those had never filed unemployment before, and had previously never had to rely on government assistance of any kind. They had to learn the procedures, how to file, when to file, and what to expect. In the aftermath of it all, many learned how to work the system....and many more are faced with completely changing careers, learning new skill sets, striking out on their own, or reassessing what is important to them now.
 
The business world is going through paradigm shift changes like we've never seen. Employers are struggling to find workers, especially in lower hourly wage areas...but literally across the board, as potential workers are still hanging back due to concerns about COVID, childcare, family obligations, or holding out for better opportunities. A new study found that 58% employees who have been working from home say they'll look for another job if required to come to an office.
 
If, however, your family is legitimately struggling because maybe you didn't qualify for unemployment, and these stimulus checks are a drop in the bucket compared what you need to stay afloat....call us at the law office of T. Verner Smith. 

Through either financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. 

​Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.