Caring

"It was the worst day of my life. They called me into the office, told me that I was no longer working there, asked for my keys and then they escorted me out. After 19 years, it was so humiliating."

"I got lucky. I am new in my workplace, but two of the four people in my department took an early retirement. I am still working, but I feel so guilty knowing that there are many people who are not."

This conversation at a lunch table recently is probably not unique. Many in our communities, in Canada and globally, are experiencing the heart ache of job loss, while others are feeling the emotional pain of surviving with a job knowing that others have lost theirs.

For each of these people the reality will be a little different depending on their age, stage in life and financial situation. But for all of these people the sun will rise in the morning and set each evening. What is important is how they will continue to live each day in their new reality.

No one can survive alone in these tough economic times. This is a great opportunity to grow in our ability to offer support and demonstrate caring for our neighbours. Though financial support is not always an option, spending time with someone in distress is free for us to give.

If you know someone who is a 'survivor' in the workplace or someone who was not, take a little time to listen to their story and offer your support by way of a friendly gesture or kind words. A little time spent caring can go a long way in healing the wounds caused by our economy.