Unemployment diary: I'm a 38-year-old wellness coordinator in Pennsylvania who's lost work since the pandemic
- The Unemployed States of America takes readers deep inside the decimated American workforce.
- Kristen Smith-Page is a 38-year-old wellness coordinator from Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania.
- Her hours were dramatically reduced at the start of the pandemic, and partial unemployment only covers part of the losses.
- On top of losing her home, car, and insurance, Smith-Page says she's worried she might have to relocate for a job, which means she'll have to give up custody of her daughter.
- This is her story, as told to Business Insider.
Since my hours were reduced at work at the start of the pandemic, my life has consisted of unprecedented levels of stress. Even with partial employment benefits, it's not enough to cover everything. I've been reaching out to my home and vehicle lenders to discuss alternative payment options and/or forbearance programs.
We've been buying less food and not spending money on things like eating out, entertainment, or haircuts.
I'm at the point where I'm considering selling my personal belongings, such as clothes, purses, and jewelry.
My biggest fear is losing my house and becoming homeless because I have no friends or family to help me.
Not only am I worried about losing my home, my car, my health, and dental insurance, but I'm also worried that I might be forced to relocate, which would ultimately mean I would have to give up custody of my daughter, who I share 50/50 custody of with my ex-husband.
I'm incredibly sad, angry, and feeling hopeless at the thought of losing my daughter after just recently finalizing a nasty divorce, which took almost two years to complete. This pandemic will force me to make major life decisions, such as allowing my daughter to stay with her father full-time and giving up my custody, since it'd be really difficult for her to change school districts. This is devastating and heartbreaking for me as a mother.
I've been tirelessly searching for new employment opportunities; however, there are few opportunities in my remote area.
I've had zero job prospects despite countless applications. I'm well-educated and have several years of consistent work experience in my field, but I've not been receiving any interest from potential employers.
While I plan to keep attempting to find new employment opportunities, I have to admit I can't help but think of less conventional ways of making ends meet, ways in which I'm normally too embarrassed to mention. The thought of losing everything after years of working for what I have now has been the hardest part.