Down, Not Out: Unemployed In Ohio

The Huffington Post caught up with Marvin Bohn sitting on his porch in Yellow Springs, Ohio after a day of thunderstorms. He'd just come back from the movies. We'd heard he was out of a job.

I went through 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. Now I'm on the 13-week extension. I've been looking for work but not finding any. I ran the dining services for Antioch College in Ohio. Antioch closed June of last year. Good jobs in food service are hard to find.

At this moment I've already dropped COBRA. It was costing $597 a month. I just couldn't afford it. I take 11 medications, which I've gotten my doctor to put what he could on generics. But I'm still taking Plavix and Byetta.

In Springfield I worked as an executive chef, 80 hours a week. You could pretty much figure that from the Monday prior to Thanksgiving to New Year's Day I'd have no day off. So many banquets.

Do you live with family?

I'm a single person. I had taken care of my mother for 23 years. She passed away two years ago. She'd gotten to the point it was probably better.

I need to hopefully get a job that has benefits. When I've talked to insurance companies, what they want to charge you is phenomenal -- anywhere from $600 to a $1,000 a month. Some of them won't even quote me. I'm a type II diabetic. I've had two heart attacks, open-heart surgery, congestive heart failure. I've got a defibrillator in my chest. The same device that Dick Cheney has. It's the only thing he and I have in common.

How old are you?

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There are nice people out there who say I don't look 57. I look in the mirror. I look 57.

Looking for work?

I did talk to a person last week with a local fast food chain. A local franchise. The job was $25,000 a year, on the clock 45 hours a week. He asked what I was making on unemployment. I told him $365. He just looked at me and said, "That's ridiculous that you make so much."

What fast food chain?

Burger King. They didn't offer me the job. They'd set up 11 interviews, the largest number they'd had for an assistant manager position.

What's your day like, usually?

Most days I get up in the morning, get on the computer, and look for want ads. Craigslist, Monster, Yahoo. I read the Dayton daily news, I check the Cincinnati paper, the Columbus paper. Trying to find if there's anything out there. If there is, I send in a resume. I basically stopped going out and knocking on doors.

Usually that's how I spend my morning. I will take a walk in the afternoon - today because of the thunderstorms I decided to go see a movie. I saw "Up." I love animation. It was just excellent. Every time I see an animated movie it's so much better than last time.

How did your heart problems develop?

My grandfather had a series of strokes. My father died of a heart attack at age 57, my brother died of heart attack at age 50. My mother had a heart attack, open heart surgery. My older sister died of liver cancer. It spread from her colon. I'm sure it's genetics. My cholesterol is under control, but the doctors will tell you, eating the wrong things, not getting exercise. But I was working 80 hours a week.

When I had my initial heart attack, I was living in Springfield and they were supposed to take me to the community hospital. My insurance company would not OK surgery at that hospital.

I had an IV in me, a pump to strengthen my heart, and an external pacemaker. They came up and told me the insurance company said I would have to pay the deductible. It was over $6,000, I think. Since they would not provide transportation and I would have to wait for the doctors to release me so I could go home, then eventually check into the other hospital, we just simply chose to go ahead and pay the extra amount of money. Four more weeks or five more weeks off work. How much money does that cost?

I always get a little t'd off when they talk about how government is going to tell you what doctors you're going to see. Insurance companies are doing that now.

HuffPost readers: Are you one of the record number of people experiencing long-term unemployment? Tell us about it -- email [e-mail].

Comments

[JMac79]

I've been out of work going on 10 months now, but I have the benefit of being an AEF/AIF veteran, so my medical is completely covered by the VA; I couldn't imagine doling out every month for COBRA what many are. I'm living with family right now, and going to school for the second time (went to the state university 8 years ago, now I'm in a tech. school), but even with the expanded G.I. Bill, I'm going to be carrying a ton of debt for the majority of the foreseeable future.

My Dad is out of work as well, and as an experienced salesperson, he can't find any work; he and his wife bought a house about 3 years ago, and they can't afford to move to a new locale in the hopes of finding better job opportunities, because they'd lose so much money selling it now. His wife's company is trying to find reasons to push her out the door as well, so they may end up selling anyway, and taking a huge loss.

When a nation's economic health is determined by the success of wealthy, this is the kind of stuff you get... this recession has been going on for 2 years now for the middle class, but only in the past 9 months has it been officially recognized - when the wealthy started losing considerable money.

[Bobotheclown]

It's always been next to impossible for middle aged people (50-65) to be rehired, that is why so many jobs had contracts and understandings to prevent it. Most people can remember fathers who retired with company pensions after working for one company for 30 or more years. Unheard of today. Unions, senority, tenure, whatever you call it, it was part of an implicit social contract about how work had to be structured for our society to endure. But since the 1970's this contract has been abrogated and more and more work itself has been limited to more junior people in all fields. Ultimately it is a return to a kind of feudalistic slave labor system that has no sympathy for the middle class, democracy, or fairness. That this situation could have happen in broad daylight, and been enacted by a Democratically elected government against its own citizens will be studied for years.

[kesmarn]

Eloquently spoken.

[drumz]

The lies of the GOP is what have gotten us here. Too many people are fooled by their trickle down BS and their voice (limpboss) tells them how bad government is so they vote against their best interests.

[patrickhenrypress]

Bravo! Excellent analysis!

(I had a comment here on the 70's, but had to cut 18 words to fit).

Later, the brilliant thinkers who brought us the economic debacle that was the 70's went on to demand "free trade," the right to hire more foreign workers and the right to completely off-shore labor. Meanwhile, instead of improving the education system, the right-wing decided to dismantle it instead (perhaps to rid themselves of the relatively well-educated middle class and all of their annoying facts).

Now we are in rapid decline. Instead of finding ways to improve wages and working conditions world-wide, our leaders chose to drive us into the gutter. As a programmer for 30 years, I have no pension, no savings (thanks in no small part to being out of work for well over a year now) and no health insurance. We weren't unionized; and should some programmer be stupid enough to try to unionize, they'd never be hired again. The companies I've worked for, Apple, Compaq, GE, Lockheed and others, have made millions of dollars in profits from my work. I'm left with nothing in a shattered economy - and I'm obviously not the only one. Thanks, guys! It's been swell!

"America, the land of opportunity" seems to only apply if you are the head of a huge multinational corporation deemed "too big to fail." Otherwise, it's a great place to live, if you like cleaning the toilets of the wealthy for a living.

[kesmarn]

It's obvious you are a very smart, lucid thinker. In a world where fairness prevailed, guys like you and Bobo would be on the receiving end of dozens of lucrative offers. As it is, the people who will have lots of security in their old age will be the "non-achiever" group, which includes Dubya and Cheney

[roshni]

there is no longer any loyalty to the wellbeing of employees. Yet corporations expect loyalty from them. Luckily, in my first job, I saw how third generation employees were suddenly laid off for the bottom line and I learned not to count on any loyalty.

[roger54]

Take back the trillions of $$$ given to the banks, who just sit on it and make it totally ineffective then start government incentive to create realistic industries that give employment and generate real productive income, some of which would hopefully be from exports.

Every other country, especially China and most of Europe have goverment incentives to protect it's industries. No matter what you call it it's a form of protectionism and its inevitable. We should stop being naive and take care of our own house. The only ones who win if we don't are the multinational corporations who don't care where they get their hand out.

good articles for a slow news day: http://www.bit.ly/12NCJR/12NCJR>Econ & Finance Articles Updated Daily
mmm

[roger54]

Take back the trillions of $$$ given to the banks, who just sit on it and make it totally ineffective then start government incentive to create realistic industries that give employment and generate real productive income, some of which would hopefully be from exports.

Every other country, especially China and most of Europe have goverment incentives to protect it's industries. No matter what you call it it's a form of protectionism and its inevitable. We should stop being naive and take care of our own house. The only ones who win if we don't are the multinational corporations who don't care where they get their hand out.

good articles for a slow news day: http://www.bit.ly/12NCJR/12NCJR>Econ & Finance Articles Updated Daily

[Indra]

Many people are being marginalized and it is a matter of bad government, corporate corruption. It is sad to see all of this happening but the American people do not seem to want to get it right. That is too bad. Hopefully Obama can help to change all this. Unfortunately our congress is quite corrupt and the corporate lobbyists are in charge of our country. It is interesting how few people can take lessons from the history of the fall of Greece, Rome. No country on this earth has survived and of course neither will the USA if it does not get it's act together and work out the flaws in the system. It is just a matter time.

[roger54]

I went back to law school in '03 because (I thought) the economy was bad back then. HA! I was laid off from my law firm job on the same day I was admitted to the bar, that was14 months ago. Have used up one full year of unemployment plus an emergency extension since, now beginning my second claim. It's ridiculous to have a law degree and be unable to find a job above minimum wage - thankfully I don't have health costs like this unfortunate fella, but I do have tons of student loans with expired deferments. Basically gave up trying for a real job several months ago - still spend part of my day looking, but have accepted the new reality that I'm not unemployed, I'm just self-employed, working out of my house with no benefits and no support. Ahh, the freedom! The new American Dream!


good articles for a slow news day: http://www.bit.ly/12NCJR/12NCJR>Econ & Finance Articles Updated Daily

[Nyla785]

Don't tell me media has finally locked on to the actual stories of Americans. About time. For a long time, the media looked completely out of touch with how the recession is touching actual Americans' lives, as if they were tied to their desks without any idea of what was going on out there. Completely insulated by their health insurance packages and 401K's and vacation time.
Start showing what's REEALLY going on with Americans. The changes will come pronto.

[chicagurl]

I've been out of work for a year as well, altho I'm in a little bit better position. My husband is still working, so we do have income and insurance (for now, anyway). One of the major misconceptions out there is "go back to school." As someone else already pointed out, there's no jobs. I've run into many, many unemployed folks who have a degree, or two degrees, master's, etc., etc. - and they can't find anything. I read in the paper where there was an opening for a meter reader, and they had 1,400 resumes/applications come in for the one open position. The only consolation I have is that we've been careful with our finances all our lives. We never bought the trailer, the camper, the second home, the new car, etc. Our big night is watching the tube, taking a walk around the block, big whoop - but you cope as best you can. That's all you can do.

[HerCabinBoy]

The purpose of going back to school is so you have something new for yourself when jobs do bounce back. This is the information age, and what everybody's going to learn is that more work and creativity is going to be required to get and stay ahead. As long as the middle class shrinks, the ones who make it as employees are going to have to never stop shooting for the stars. The other option is to start your own business(es).

[kesmarn]

But with no safety nets in place, you can work like a dog and be as creative as Einstein and still be in serious jeopardy. You can only work longer-harder-smarter to a point, and then a sort of economic Darwinism sets in, where the person who's most ruthless gets and keeps the job. The person who's willing to sacrifice friends, family, health, morals--you name it--will have that edge. We need to start looking out for each other and acting more cooperatively, rather than constantly being in survival-of-the-meanest mode.

[chicagurl]

Oh, sorry, I certainly wasn't advocating not going back to school. You're absolutely correct, and I firmly believe it's far better to have more education than not. My point was that every time I hear politicians speak, they always say, "Go back to school, get retrained in another field." I never hear them offer any other solutions, it's always a "one size fits all." My point was that it's not always the answer. Older folks, single parents with children who can't afford sitters, those who are tending for their parents, etc., all might have a difficult time going back to school. Each individual has to deal with unemployment in their own way.

[dcmsideshow]

I've been out of work for a year too. I can't afford health insurance, can't afford rent, can't afford food. Luckily I'm not mired in health care debt, but I am mired in student loan debt. As a 27 year old male, I'm more or less unhireable.

[pakaal]

Sorry to hear that - I know exactly where you're coming from. Except I'm 47, not 27. Pack your bags and go teach English in Korea for a couple years, build up a little cash, and come back when the economy is better. Just a thought, good luck to you in any case.

[KarateKid]

I was out of work at that age, for 19 months. I have a college degree, am a Vietnam Vet, and have been in high management. But, age discrimination is rampant. When you turn 40, as my lawyer says, you are entering the danger zone. At 50, it gets ridiculous. At 55, forget about it, you will have to go into another, much less lucrative, line of work. I'm one of the lucky ones.

My advice for young people is to not go the corporate route, and try to start your own business. That is fraught with risks, but at least you control your own destiny. As an employee, you are at the whim of your superiors, and it doesn't get better, it gets worse, as you climb the ladder.

This chap is not going to find anything worthwhile. It's sad, but a fact of life in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Once you reach a certain age and skill level, you get discarded. The only comfort I get is that these soul-less young hyenas will be that age, and sooner than they think.

Save money. That's the other advice I give to younger people. Don't overextend and go the materialistic route; it's not worth it in the long run.

[HerCabinBoy]

I totally agree. Everyone who wants to avoid age discrimination can also focus on fields that aren't plagued by it, like the academy. To be a professor and author is what I've chosen to do, personally.

[bison4me]

Wow, I didn't know how many of my fellow country men and woman are going through this. I have a degree in what I thought was a promising field, IT. I was laid off earlier this year and I'm still without work. Although as of late, I've been asked in for interviews, so maybe things are changing for the better. This morning I applied for unemployment, the first time I dialed, the lady asked me for my name, I broke down and quickly hung up the phone. I got it together though and called back. I'm young, I love to work, but companies feel its cheaper to get I.T. work by off-shoring. I'm willing to work for what they pay them, I'll even work cheaper. As a man, I just want to be able to look people in the eye again.

[KarateKid]

I did the same thing until someone told me that unemployment is something I've paid into. I think the old standard no longer applies, not with working women and so much off shore jobs. I had no trouble looking people in the eye when I was unemployed; I didn't do anything wrong, neither did you.

[Sam1234567]

Many companies are going away from IT off-shoring. Only customer service style jobs. My advice, get some certifications. Many can be as cheap $125 dollars. Retrain in other on shore styled jobs.

[hellostats]

"When I've talked to insurance companies, what they want to charge you is phenomenal -- anywhere from $600 to a $1,000 a month. Some of them won't even quote me."

SINGLE PAYER NOW!!

[SinglePayerFan]

We have single payer here in the Netherlands. True freedom to move from job to job........love it .

and its much better health care than in the USA where i lived for 30 years.

Cost??

100 Euros a month ....for each individual. no prescreens no limit .

Would never move back to the USA.

[colariz]

I went back to law school in '03 because (I thought) the economy was bad back then. HA! I was laid off from my law firm job on the same day I was admitted to the bar, that was14 months ago. Have used up one full year of unemployment plus an emergency extension since, now beginning my second claim. It's ridiculous to have a law degree and be unable to find a job above minimum wage - thankfully I don't have health costs like this unfortunate fella, but I do have tons of student loans with expired deferments. Basically gave up trying for a real job several months ago - still spend part of my day looking, but have accepted the new reality that I'm not unemployed, I'm just self-employed, working out of my house with no benefits and no support. Ahh, the freedom! The new American Dream!

[Ishmael1]

Welcome to MY world. I'm a 28-year Telecom guy who's won awards and has numerous certifications under my belt. I've been out of work for 3 years. I've worked on everything from the residential service lines leaving the house to the fiber, radio and satellite links heading out of town. At 55, I've sent out over 2,000 resumes got about 30 callbacks, 4 interviews and no jobs. This in a field that's still relatively in demand. In the meantime, my wife had a series of small strokes and is legally blind. I exhausted my 48 weeks of unemployment 2 years ago and have scraped by on a small inheritance and my wife's $475/mo in disability. I can't decide if it's just because I'm 55(age discrimination), I'm too overqualified or because I've been telling the truth about the warrantless wiretap system that currently monitors EVERYBODY'S communications and the telecoms' complicity in it's construction and operation.

So the Depression started with me.

[linfull68]

We live in northern MI (the epicenter of this whole jobless fiasco) and my husband just turned 46 last week. He worked in tool and die since he was 16, same company (with a break to go in the AF and then one other time a different company, but all in all over 20 years with them). He got laid off in Jan. There are no and I mean NO JOBS in MI that are not home health aids being offered $8.00/hr. The State paid for him to be "retrained" in heavy equipment...there are NO JOBS! Used up our first unemployment claim and are moving onto the next. Fortunately I am working, but only part to 3/4 time with no benefits. Govt. helped to subsized our COBRA. That is down to $300/month, but that will end in September. We can feel your pain...scary times...