CNN iReport

I got laid off from my job at the end of August, and have been diligently looking for work since. In the meantime I have been collecting unemployment benefits for the first time in my life.

Then, I was a poll worker for the election.

The next week, I was called by the same employer that laid me off months ago, because the spotlight operator for a concert had backed out on them and they needed a last minute replacement so I went. A one time "gig".

I told unemployment all this of course.

Today, I got an unemployment check for $2. That's right, two dollars is all I got this time, because I worked. Even if it was only short lived.

I'm trying to look at it on the bright side though, at least I helped hundreds of people vote during a historic election, and I got a free concert., and one more of these and I can get me a venti drink at Starbucks, one of the many places I've applied that hasn't called me back.

UPDATE: Since this report, I got a job in a new career at a great company in a new city and I'm very excited and blessed to have found work in times like these.  My unemployment checks are now, thankfully, $0. And, no, Starbucks  never did call me back.