The job search is very much a full time job with no pay, benefits, or other security. If you are supporting this petition but not experiencing what we are going through, you are truly appreciated. 

If you're not going through it, try to spread kindness, hope, empathy and an ear. 

What comes with the Stay at Home Applicant position:

1. Rapid fall into poverty, exacerbated by inflation
2. Slowly losing everything that includes: (order varies)
3. Mental health: close to 2 years in a fight or flight state which feels like a never ending panic attack
4. Physical health deteriorates under the weight of constant stress so I’m always sick.
5. Emotional wellbeing: a day hasn’t passed where a tear hasn’t fell from my eyes. 
   self doubt: because there must be something wrong with me and my intellect … those are thoughts I have to toss aside.
6. Loss of relationships: it’s extremely isolating as unless you’ve been here, you will never understand. Considering the bizarre nature of my circumstances, family begins to assume that either I’m lazy or not doing enough even though I sit in front of my laptop applying, up skilling, networking.
7. Livelihood: lost my car, all possessions of value and every penny saved. Most prepare with 3 months. I expected I’d be fine with a years worth prepared.
8. More isolation as I all conversations turn into a talking to about how I should be ashamed of myself and how McDonalds is always hiring. They aren’t.
9. No support system outside of those I’ve chatted with in the same circumstance.
10. Wondering every single day how this or that will get paid, when I will end up homeless, as it’s inevitable, if I can afford medications, food, utilities.   

I’ve started a support group for the long term unemployed. It’s free and  offers resources, free training links, group chat and more. 
email me at smariejr1730@gmail.com for the app link. 

Stay strong!