U.S. Unemployment Cycle

For those who are unemployed, life can be difficult enough. Now, it’s about to get a lot harder.

There’s been a lot of focus on fixing the high rate of unemployment, but the methods have failed to push the issue in the proper direction. Federal budget cuts are quickly becoming more and more apparent for those who receive unemployment checks.

According to CNNMoney, 3.8 million people are likely to experience dramatic budget cuts that will be more than apparent this year. Cuts in benefits could be up to 10.7% of each recipient’s benefit, which could equal out to losses of up to $450 per person.

The difference in unemployment payments comes down to a state level, and this has already shifted in various states. In some states, for example, the shifts began to occur after the beginning of sequestration in March, while other states have had trouble catching up.

States such as Maryland, for example, are taking their time when it comes to sequestration cuts, meaning those who live in such areas are still waiting for the hit to come. As time goes on, things are only getting more difficult for those being affected.

In early June, cuts of 17% or more are being seen, while analysts believe that July could see cuts of 22% or more. Percentages have been increasing as each week goes by, and uniform reductions have been seen in 33 states, while only 12 states are offering any sort of grandfathering.

A Difficult Scenario

It’s been a difficult situation for those who are unemployed and trying to breach their way out. Unemployment has truly become a vicious cycle in the U.S., trapping those who are involved in ways that makes it difficult for them to get out.

It could be assumed at this point that being thrown into the ditches of unemployment means dealing with trials and tribulations that could take weeks—if not months—to resolve.

As unemployment checks are decreasing, so too is the notion of using unemployment as a way to actually survive. It appears as if the days of coasting on unemployment pay are coming to an end, as payments are decreasing and the future of unemployment in America isn’t exactly looking good.

Given the fact that this is coming at a tumultuous time, it’s difficult to find positive things to say about America’s unemployment rate.

And the rate of unemployment in this country is really what’s difficult to ignore. Unemployment is remains, even considering all of the issues that are popping up in terms of cuts. It’s creating a struggle for a sector of people who are largely being ignored, and it is making it even more difficult to get by in America as the global economy experiences a great deal of financial instability.

Surviving Unemployment

The unemployed may be having a rough go at it, but this isn’t to say there aren’t plenty of things that can be done to remedy the situation. At the moment, the best thing for the unemployed to do would be to focus on improving their skills.

In an age where employers are looking for the best employees possible, one simply cannot put too much stock in improving what he or she is already working with, especially if skills are dated.

Learning new skills that are valuable in the current job market is also important. Building a cohesive resume can make a great deal of difference in a market that practically demands one hold an advanced degree. 

Going back to school, for example, is perhaps more important now than ever for those looking to break out of unemployment and build a new career. As time goes on, the importance of advanced degrees is only going to increase, especially if competition remains so strong.

Unemployment is certainly no small issue in this country, and the latest news should come as no surprise to those who have been paying attention. Difficult or not, unemployment shouldn’t be seen as a death sentence for the unemployed, regardless of the strain that it provides.

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