Townhall.com ^ | February 16, 2014 | Bruce Bialosky
Hi, I’m Dave.
Until recently I was a full-time employee and had a very good job.In fact
most years we were so busy I worked some long hours and received some
significant bonuses from my employer.But now I have been freed from having to
spend so much time supporting my family.Because of some great new policies from
our government, I am now working part-time and spending more time with my
family.
It has been an adjustment.When I told my wife the exciting news that I would
spending more time at home, initially she wasn’t delighted.She sure seemed like
she did not want me around.She asked how we were going to put the money away for
the kids’ college educations.I was a little surprised she was not more focused
on the time we could spend together, working on our relationship.She seemed like
she thought having me at work was more beneficial for us.Then I told her about
all the neat government programs that would help the kids pay for college.Plus,
I am confident we will grow closer as we have more quality time together.I did
point out we may have less money to spend, but sharing time was what life was
all about.
The kids were really excited to hear about me being around a lot
more.Kinda.Madison asked if I really was not going to work.When I told her it
would give us more time to get to know each other, she said “Dad, get real.I’m
like really busy with school and my friends.Maybe soon.”And then she stared at
her phone and said she was having a conversation with a friend.Buddy Boy was a
lot more receptive.I told him I could now learn how to play those video games
and we could play together.He said, “Hey, don’t you think it would be geekish
for me to be playing video games with my old man?”When I told him no, he turned
and closed the door to his room.I am sure once he warms up to the idea we will
have a blast together.
I went on HealthCare.gov and found out that my income is now going to be
lower so I qualify for some really big subsidies.As long as I don’t go back to
working full-time, the government will pay for over half of my family’s health
insurance.All I have to do is just keep my work at the current reduced level and
we will have some great coverage.I can even pick up some work on the side (if
you know what I mean) and not have it affect my ability to have the government
pay for most all our health insurance.Once I figured it out, we are really
better off with me working less and staying home more.
Then with my new free time I found a speech that Mrs. Obama gave to college
students.She told them “Don’t leave money on the table.”This was regarding
getting student aid that she told them did not have to be paid back.Pondering
that I thought why not me?So I applied for Food Stamps -- thankfully now called
SNAP -- and it makes me feel so much better.I was really surprised to find out
that at my new income level that we qualify as a family.
The nice people at the SNAP office told me there are other state and federal
programs I qualify for to help underwrite my new reduced income.For example,
they will help pay for my utilities.While I was so busy working I never realized
there were so many programs to help people.I have researched it and found there
are over 100 programs to help pay for me.How stupid I feel working hard all
these years when I could have been home and the government would pay for all
these things.
As I begin my new less demanding life, I am really just beginning to explore
the universe I am now part of each day.Who knew I could work so little and still
get all this stuff from the government?President Obama, thank you for freeing me
from the burden of having to work so hard to support my family.Now I just have
to get my family used to having me around.And find something to do with my time.
I’m Dave, and I love this new America.
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