You're probably wondering what I mean by "counting down to destitution." For many of us who have been unemployed for what seems like a very long time, this is our life. It's not the hard but true fact that once you reach the six month point in your unemployment that your job skills go south. It's not the hard, cold fact that you're considered unemployable after you reach the year mark of unemployment, nor is it that for most of us the only jobs we can look forward to are those jobs that no one else wants. It is the fact that money is no longer coming in. Your unemployment compensation is exhausted. Your savings are dwindling. You have no resources or none that have shown themselves to you. Some are in danger of losing their homes. Yes, I won't sugarcoat this. It is a real possibility because the programs we have come to depend on are either broke themselves or you can't apply for because you don't meet the eligibility requirements.
So what do you do? I don't know. All I do know is that there are people out there that are really struggling now to keep their homes and get food on the table. Thankfully I'm not there yet, but I can see that in my future if something doesn't happen soon. How did I get here?
It's not for lack of trying that I'm in my present state. Everyone who has been unemployed as long as I have will tell you that they worked long and hard to find something....anything to fill their days and give them the monetary security they need. I see it in their faces...weary and worn...wanting and needing this trial to end. Will they or any of us survive this? I don't know that either.
Will I quit now and accept the downward spiral? Or will I continue as I have been doing...pressing on and praying for provision and protection.
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