In today’s current climate where “job losses” are regular words in hourly news reports, what happens to those people who are left with the realisation that tomorrow there’s no alarm call, no struggle in the rush hour traffic, and ultimately no pay packet at the end of the month? Once reality hits home how do those who have fallen on the sword of the recession fill the working week?
Step forward halfaloaf.ie, a new website launched by budding entrepreneur and defender of the unemployed, Tom O’Mahony. Halfaloaf.ie aims to provide a forum where those who are unemployed can discuss issues and offer advice to those who are new to the unemployment line. As many of the unemployed struggle to fill the working week, halfaloaf.ie offers these the chance to discuss current issues, seek things to do, obtain information on new business ideas, and barter their services.
There are several areas to visit in the site, including:
- General Forum
- Get out of the house!
- Business Network Ideas Forum (BIN )
- Sell or Swap Shop (SOS )
- Barter for Ireland Halfaloaf.ie offers a general forum for people to offer and seek advice from those in similar circumstances, including ways to reduce household bills, shops that offer the best deals, and how to deal with mortgage payments. Also on this forum there is a chance to talk and seek advice from other unemployed people relating to issues that are affecting you.
During market research, Tom discovered that the biggest problem faced by the recently or long term unemployed was social isolation and an inability to help themselves. Halfaloaf.ie aims to give the unemployed a social outlet where they can source events in their local area, whether free or for a small fee. The website contains a map of Ireland, allowing people to click on their relevant county and see what’s happening in their local area.
The site also provides a Business Network Ideas forum. For example if you are thinking about setting up business as a carpenter and you need advice on accounts, there is the possibility that a member of the site is an accountant and can give you advice on how to start. Alternatively people can post their thoughts for business ideas to get feedback from other members.
A swap shop section is also available for users of halfaloaf.ie This enables them to advertise or swap items they no longer need. The last section of the site is for bartering, a tradition that has become redundant since the boom. Halfaloaf.ie is urging people to barter their way to job completion. There are many unemployed tradesman idle and looking for ways to fill their days. The website offers to unite people for mutual benefit. An electrician can perform work in a painter’s house if the painter returns the gesture and paints his house. No money is involved, just the value of each other’s time and expertise and the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile.
There are currently several websites relating to social welfare and unemployment, but no site that offers the unemployed the chance to be proactive with their time. Rather than waiting for the week to pass people are urged to take the power back and feel like they are achieving something. Value your time, make it worthwhile - after all half a loaf is better than no loaf. Visit www.halfaloaf.ie today.
