Freedom

 This week marked my final visit to the jobcentre, although not one of life’s most pleasurable events it has been, amusing, frustrating and an eye opener. Often it has been amusing and frustrating at the same time; the waiting area has numerous prohibitive signs, no smoking, no eating, no drinking and no mobile phones. All that is missing is no ball games,  no spitting and keep off the grass; although on reflection perhaps they should include “Beware Neanderthal Patrol”. I realise that security have an unenviable job apparently more often employed for their neck size rather than their tact and IQ but on several occasions they appear to provoke a negative reaction from clients by their confrontational manner, this also applies to some of the other staff. Although in fairness this is mainly a small number, the majority have been helpful and possess a great sense of humour – well you would have too. My main complaint has been that their opening gambit is often “if you don’t do this or that we will stop your job seekers allowance”. I was fortunate in that I didn’t receive any benefits so the threat didn’t mean much, there are many who need the money and are treated with apparent contempt, perhaps they should realise like all public service employees they are employed to provide a service which without the clients would see them on the other side of the interview table. The real eye opener has been that despite all my previous misconceptions and media stories not all clients are plebes, just average people placed in the unfortunate position of being unemployed and in need of assistance. Thankfully I can now look forward to peaceful retirement free from the tedium of job searching unless anything interesting comes along, any offers?