by Heather Pitre, WHF Events and Communications Specialist
Last night on my way out of the office, I was talking with my co-worker Jet Singh about how nice it will be to have some time off later this month. He shared with me his story of taking three years off work at one time in his life, and how long it took to decompress after working at a very stressful job. As we were in the midst of the conversation, a woman approached us and told us she was unemployed. "How did you go back to work?" she asked. "What did you do? And can you help me?"
She said she had a degree in graphic design and had been looking for work but wasn't getting anywhere. Jet asked her how she was feeling. She said she felt pretty good most days, but that today wasn't a good day. Today, she felt worthless.
I immediately felt guilty. I realized in that moment that, as tired as I am, as ready as I am for some time off, I was very lucky to have a job. I realized that the woman we spoke with was just one of thousands that are unemployed and looking for work. And I realized that even in those times when I feel down and out myself, I still have much in my life to be grateful for.
It is an especially tough time of year to be unemployed. I wish that woman luck, and I hope she will find a job soon. Jet asked her if she had a family, and a good social support network. She said she did. He told her to concentrate on all the positive things she had going in her life: to be glad about being able to walk down the street, to breathe the air. She smiled then, and so did I. I took his advice too! Jet is a Personal Health Advocate, and he did a great thing. Lending a hand by offering a few positive words can make a huge impact on someone's life. He gave the woman his card and she contacted him today.
Here at the Washington Health Foundation, we have information and people that can help, whether you're employed and exploring benefits, or looking for a job and in need of health insurance advice. Check out the services that our Personal Health Advocates provide. Call them at 1-855-WA-HEALTH. We are here to help.
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