Studies have shown that unemployment is still at an all time high and with so many people unemployed or under-employed how does one that is also single navigate the already treacherous waters of dating?
The number of college-educated men unemployed for at least a year is five times higher today than after the dotcom bubble. In New York City, men in the 35-to-54 kill zone have lost jobs faster than any other group, including teenage girls, according to new data from the Fiscal Policy Institute.
I propose the question "If you are a single & employed woman would you turn down a man if he was unemployed?"
Here's my take on it. If I were single and approached by a man I'd consider dating upon first meeting and later found out on our first or second date that he was unemployed I would not automatically rule him out and here's why.
Becoming unemployed by way of lay off or other circumstances beyond your own control is just that, something you could not avoid or alter therefore making it an inevitable factor. If you are in the getting to know you stage this could be a great opportunity to see how the person handles pressure, to see if he is a go getter and also get to know him at perhaps one of his lowest points. I have been unemployed by way of lay off and in fact my fiance' was laid off the very next month after me while we were dating so I can tell you that rough times definitely show a person's character. Some say that if you can get through the tough times together without killing each other it is safe to say you are in it for the long haul. Some people can not handle pressure and break at the first sign of trouble and you most certainly will learn his character during a bout with unemployment.
Then the issue of finances and who pays for what might be lingering in your mind. Well honestly speaking, unemployment doesn't pay much so I wouldn't expect a date at Ruth's Chris but in all actuality it's the person you want to get to know right, the food is just a third party to your date so what does the fancy smancy stuff really matter?
You also might be thinking, "If you are unemployed, you shouldn't be dating!" but why not? Is that irresponsible to approach a woman he is genuinely interested in and I'm not just talking sexually, just because he is laid off?
Unemployment might also lead to more residential dating, how do you feel about that one? Besides the common concerns of safety and perhaps the religious concerns of sexual temptation while being in the home, what other drawbacks might you find there to be with residential dating on a budget?
Would you feel obligated to 'help a brother out' if he were unemployed? Speaking of, this could be a great opportunity for you to help him discover some other avenues to earn cash. Perhaps he is crafty and can do odd jobs around the home. If he has a truck he can earn money helping others haul or move their belongings. If he is good with numbers he could train to do taxes during the season. He may have an old love for art that could earn him money now that he has the time.....
Lastly, is there a double standard when it comes to this with men v. women? Would an unemployed woman be looked down upon for actively pursuing, participating or engaging in dates while unemployed?
Let's chat ladies & gents, feel free to chime in with your thoughts ;0)
