I got laid off from my job just over 1 month ago now, and my #LayOffs journey has had a boat load of privilege attached to it.
I’m in a partnered relationship that is legally recognized (also known as marriage), which affords me a level of legal protection and security.
My husband is gainfully employed, and because we are married/a legally recognized couple, I can be claimed as a family member on his medical benefits. So, one less thing to worry about.
Speaking of health, I have plenty of it. Neither my body nor my mind require expensive medication in order to function meaningfully.
I still have an HSA, which allows me to continue to afford my bi-weekly therapy sessions so I can manage my mental health effectively and process all the tough, I-just-got-laid-off feelings with my amazing counselor.
We have enough in our savings account to still afford daycare, so that I can spend the workday searching for full-time jobs and completing projects for Accessible Sexual Health, LLC.
I have two master’s degrees. I have a fantastic support system of friends and family. I live in a safe neighborhood, in a safe home, and own a reliable vehicle.
Now imagine suddenly losing your job, your sole source of income, and experiencing any of the following:
- No affordable health insurance
- No affordable or reliable daycare
- A disability that requires expensive medication or therapy to meaningfully function
- Being the single or sole income earner of your household
- Lacking the education or certifications to find gainful employment
- Being 1 month away from being evicted
- Having no reliable transportation
- Being socially isolated
This isn’t a brag or flex post. This is simply the truth of the matter.
In a culture with little to no social safety net, I am amazingly blessed with an array of resources that many, many, many others simply do not have.
So, to my fellow #OpenToWork crowd, if you are experiencing any of these barriers, it is NOT your fault.
We simply need more resources to ensure that human beings can safely exist outside the context of a job. And, I believe we need better ways to support job seekers while they are in this transition.