The job I lost
Computer Engineer & Technology (IT)
What it's like being unemployed
I had a nice home, had two nice cars, had a beautiful wife and two wonderful children. I went to college, graduated top of my class, and received an engineering degree. I have all of my certifications, and I'm still unable to find work.
I worked for a large company for 16 years, that finally decided to layoff all their American workers and "outsource" all the computer and engineering jobs to India and China. I was unable to find a comparable job, or even any work at all during the past 2 years. I tried to work construction because they seemed to be the only jobs available since all the computer jobs have been sent overseas. As the economy has slowed, construction has come to a stand still. I haven't had work in over 2 years now. We finally lost our home (due to foreclosure) and the financial stress of being unemployed and unable to provide for our family has led to a divorce.
She took the two children, took all our personal belongings, demanded $3,200/mo in child support (and spousal support) from the courts, and she was awarded almost $3,500/mo in child support and spousal support. Even though I have no job, and no income!
I have filed for bankruptcy, as there is no way I can pay anything. I am unemployed, I have no job, have no income, I receive no unemployment benefits, no welfare, no income from the state, nothing. There is no possible way that I can pay what the court has ordered and demanded of me in support! I had to move back in with my parents, and sleep in their basement, because I am homeless and there are no shelters for men (only women shelters).
I am 13 months behind in support payments, and now owe over $42,000 in support that I can't possibly pay and can't afford. I need work, and I need it badly. The judge has said that I have 3 months to pay, and if I can't pay I have to go to jail. I can't afford to feed myself, let alone pay the support payments that the court has ordered me to pay. I'm bankrupt and can't even afford the 18% interest the state charges me on the support payments.
I have no job, no income, and Illinois is the worst state in the United States when it comes to unfair and unequal "support" obligations, and unfair support payments that are based on what a judge "feels" a woman needs, and not based on what a man makes.
I've talked to the judge, and begged for mercy, but the judges don't seem to care about any men in Illinois. Have no car, no job, and only get to see my children less than 4 days a month now
Advice
- Don't get married (or divorced) in Illinois
- Don't become a computer engineer
- Enjoy your holidays
- Count your blessings
