Today, in 2018, the United States economy is good; it’s very good and better than it’s been for many years. So, it can be difficult to understand why unemployment is such a critical topic when the economy is currently notable and unemployment very low. The truth is that for most of the people living in this country, things are better as a result of the economy overall – but not for everyone.
Even in this good economy, over 20 million people will lose their job this year to a layoff, discharge or job elimination. You may be one of them or know of someone who has lost their job.
Since the economy is good, your first thought is there are plenty of job openings and so you expect your search will be short. Yes, today, there are more job openings than people looking for work, yet if those job openings don’t match your skills, it’s not so easy. Then, if you want to stay in the community where you live, there might be less opportunities. For these individuals, the search is much longer. I’m one of them, maybe you are too.
Think about it for a moment: You might have a special skill set in your job and then your organization merges with another organization. Suddenly there might now be two of you who do the same thing and usually one of the two will lose their job.
Sometimes jobs change because of technology. Today, those changes happen faster than they did years ago. In 1879, Thomas Edison created the light bulb, which impacted how people had light in their homes and businesses. The light bulb ultimately put people out of work who were involved in making candles and kerosene lamps. It wasn’t easy for those workers as their jobs went away, it’s not easy today.
If you, or someone you know has been out of work for a while, please know there is nothing wrong with you. t’s important to take a step back and remember two things:
- First, remember that God doesn’t give us a job, he gives each of us skills and talents to use in our work on this earth. Each of us is gifted differently and we aren’t limited to one place to use those gifts.
- Secondly, accept that just as with some fruits and flowers, it takes longer for some to bloom.
But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:18.)
