oy with the rants, already.

I am fortunate to have a job, I cannot stress this. It's hard enough out there for people with jobs let alone people without. I'm really not a griper but I tend to get frustrated when people out there take advantage of some of the assistance that is available to those without income. My day job is in the field of public utilities so I run into this often: customer cannot pay their bill due to lack of income, they seek state assistance, all is well. I have NOTHING against assistance, I think it is wonderful that there are organizations out there (non-profit, churches, etc.) that are willing to help those folks get back on their feet, however, I do have a problem with those that take advantage. Case in point...

Jordan: Hello (job name here), this is Jordan, how may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I just wanted to let you know that I'm seeking assistance on my bill, there is no way that I can make a payment, I have no income.
Jordan: Alright, let me make a note on your account, who is offering assistance?
Customer: (insert church leader here)...do you mind holding?
Jordan: Not at all. *makes notes*
Customer: (to gas station worker) Yes, I'd like a six-pack of Keystone and a carton of Virginia Slims. (Pause) Okay I'm back *cough, sniffle*. So I'll have my church leader call you to let you know how much they are paying on my bill.
Jordan: *picks jaw up off of the floor* Alright...have a nice day?
CLICK.

Before I go on I would like to point out I'm not the best person ever and I don't claim to be. I don't go to mass like I should, I like my wine and the f-work when it's appropriate (meaning not around kids). If I needed assistance I would be thankful that it was available. I just feel that you shouldn't be seeking assistance if you're using whatever means you have to buy something trivial like that. If I'm having a "wow there went my paycheck" week, I'm going skip the cocktail, it goes without saying. Same goes with borrowing from family. "Hey mom, I need to borrow $200 to cover power and gas, I spent my money on needles for my heroin addiction." Yep, that makes sense.

Sometimes I just need to rant, I hear conversations like this daily and it eventually weighs on me. I have always been taught that help will come if you're helping yourself and I believe that firmly. Things happen for a reason, but good things won't happen to me until I retire my crack pipe.

End. Rant.

*in case it doesn't go without saying I do not smoke crack nor do I shoot up heroin.