The Lucky Ones...

Hello to my fellow LinkedIn family.

I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe out there. My heart goes out to everyone who has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in any way. We will, get through this together.

I was recently having a routine bi-weekly conversation with some co-workers that seemed to go really well. We took the time to get a gauge about how everyone was feeling. Our organization is really big on support and building long-lasting relationships. The call lasted about 20 min and upon it ending the team lead made a comment that struck me to my core. This comment really made do some thinking over the next few days. It was a very simple statement:

"Well, consider yourselves the lucky ones"

The definition of Luck, success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through ones own actions.

We were having a discussion about how the pandemic has affected our State and specifically all of the layoffs, furloughs, and cuts that are being made. I can only imagine the decisions that senior leaders across the world have been faced with.

From March 15th - April 4th the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency successfully processed 817,185 benefit claims. This number at the time was second only to the State of California. That number is equivalent to a staggering 17% of Michigan's total workforce and it is estimated that this number could reach up to 1.4 million claims. Although much appreciated, the original stimulus package announcement didn't come close to covering the financial burden that most are facing.

Growing up I had never been called lucky but I didn't imagine the first time being considered lucky would feel like this...

After just over three and a half short years I made a decision to leave my first career as a retail store manager in May of 2019 to pivot into recruiting. It was one that I thought long and hard about. Mainly, because I was entering an industry that before the interview process I had no knowledge of. The staffing industry like others comes with an extreme amount of competition and produces billions in revenue on an annual basis. Now that I've been a active member of it for almost a year I've discovered my why.

The determining factor in joining TEKsystems was the ability to build great relationships and to be a resource for those in need of new employment. In spite of what some may think, as recruiters we take great pride in being able to help those in need. It is this passion and position to help people that drives me every single day. Sure, commission is one thing, competition is another. However, knowing that you assisted someone in landing a more ideal role, helped them keep food on the table, and gained a true friend all at the same time in is worth much more than money. Because recruiting is not just a job to me I was really impacted when hearing the unemployment stats.

One morning I found myself extremely emotional as my heart was heavy for all of the people being let go from jobs at such an alarming rate. Instead of feeling lucky I felt overwhelmed, torn between two thoughts. Do I mourn for others or do I count my blessings?

Are you feeling lucky?

Despite my circumstance I am not but my desire is that during these times we focus on being a beacon of hope for each other. I hope that those who are considered "lucky" spread goodness to others; that those who are not feeling so lucky remain positive knowing that there are better days ahead. As a nation we've weathered storms and this will not stop us. Regardless of your feelings lets all discover ways to spread hope.

What are some of the ways you are helping spread hope during these times?

Please share your comments and suggestions below.