What an unusual Labor Day. 8.8% unemployment. U-6 unemployment including discouraged, marginally attached and part time is 14. 2%. Middle class who normally earn enough working visiting food banks. 4 in 10 are new clients. Those who use to help others, now need help. Newly unemployed or underemployed depending on their industry. Others may be working remotely the office. Feels weird during the pandemic.
Parents are trying to figure out how to best educate their children, remotely or in class? How do you pay the utilities, rent or mortgage? Will they lose their home? Where can we live? Small family landlords providing affordable housing are worried they will lose properties, years of work and their hard earned money invested for their future. May see apartments converting to condos based on housing demand.
Stress on people is much higher this year. My suburban/rural county overdose deaths are up ~20%. If you feel lost or desperate, call for help. [800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to 741741] Those of us in faith know God still loves us. But we admit stress this year.
Unemployment is designed to help workers for ~6 months replacing only ~30% of prior income until you find work. Today’s uncertain world may mean many months to 2 years unemployment, taking jobs paying much less, or forced early retirement. Unhappy both political parties cannot come up with a way to replace 70-80% of people’s income.
People who are unemployed are still as valuable as before. Successful leaders and entrepreneurs will figure out how to take advantage of the available talent to grow their business. If you are looking for a job, you have to get creative. Find your most valuable talents and skills to transfer to another industry. Gig work may have to carry you through. Downsize your home or live with roommates to lower costs.
One college friend has been searching nationwide for opportunities in his industry. In 3 month he had 2 hiring manager interviews. He is getting more interest as safety manager than chemical process engineer manager. What experiences or skills do you have that are in demand by other industries? Research where hiring is happening and see how you can help.
Be thankful for the work you have or had. Tell stories how relatives or you survived past crisis’s. Grew up with stories how my grandparents thrived during the great depression, and how hard it was for neighbors they fed. Remember former coworkers, friends and family. Reach out and remind then “This too will pass”.
In a year or two the economy will be growing briskly. Very optimistic about where we will be in 5 years. But getting there may involve pain. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
New York Times - Minivans at the Food Pantry
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/us/food-pantries-hunger-us.html
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