I was on unemployment, for much longer than I felt safe with. I went into one extension, as I recall.<p>I found a job before UI expired for me. I took it. Because life on unemployment sucks. And anyone receiving unemployment worked before they received it, so they have something to compare life on unemployment with an employed life.<p>Most people would take employed, given the choice, and UI helps people make it to the next job. UI also gives people a chance to hold out for something closer to what they're qualified for, instead of "anyjob." Once you've taken anyjob (assuming they'll take you), it's extremely difficult to look for a better quality job.<p>UI is not just keeping people afloat, it's a buffer to encourage more people to be maximally employed rather than "merely" employed.<p>I could have taken a job as a sign waver. Instead, I waited, and I'm making a great contribution (IMO) to the medical devices industry. I'm helping to save lives, rather than drawing them in to a fast food joint and shortening their lives (and mine).