by Rebecca Escott
Penn State
Extension Home Economist
For Lehigh County
The Family Side
of Downsizing
There are some days when I
really wish that I didn’t have to get
up and go to work. But for people
who have felt the brunt of factory
or business downsizing, the wish
may be just the opposite.
Downsizing and layoff deci
sions don’t just affect a com
pany’s bottom line. These deci
sions also affect families both
the families whose members were
cut and those whose members are
now doing two people’s jobs
(because they weren’t cut). The
stress can be very hurtful to a per
son’s physical health but also may
impact relationships.
According to Joan LeFebvre,
University of Wisconsin-
Extension, “Losing a job is one of
the most stressful events a person
can experience. Unemployment
can be personally devastating and
can trigger the same reactions you
might feel during other serious
crisis, such as divorce or the death
of someone you love.” People
often base their worth and identity
on their employment. We’re often
more comfortable saying, “I’m a
grain farmer.” “I’m an accoun
tant”, “I’m a child care provider.”
“I’m an EMT,” than we are saying
“I’m a caring husband.” “I’m a
thinker” or “I’m a concerned
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When that source of identity is
taken away, a person may begin to
doubt his or her self-worth.
Losing a job forces a person,
against his or her wishes, to make
rapid changes in life plans. It can
disrupt habits and normal rou
tines. It may actually provide a
person with too much free time.
LeFebvre explains that a person
experiencing a job loss may feel
tense or angry. They may suffer
from dramatic mood swings and
lash out at others even those
not responsible for the layoff.
Recently unemployed workers
may encounter increased numbers
of arguments at home. They may
feel depressed. These reactions
are normal, but they aren’t won
derful to live through.
If you are unemployed, don’t
expect to just “snap out of it.” It
takes time. Try to talk through
your ambivalent, even negative
feelings about your situation.
Remember, you have a lost a sig
nificant part of your life with this
change. Allow yourself to grieve
that loss. On the bright side,
because of the layoff you may
have more time to spend with your
family. You may be able to work
on some long-delayed household
project or do some reading or
training in a new, exciting area.
4 PIECE
TO
Unemployment is a family
issue, Research shows that during
times of unemployment, when
parents support each other, the
entire family fairs better. If your
family is suffering because of
company downsizing, try some of
these suggestions: Go outside.
Make a “To Do” list (break your
job search, housework into small
tasks.); Write down your frustra
tion. Stretch; roll your shoulders
slowly; massage your neck. Cry;
laugh. Make a list of two to three
things you do well. Post it on your
mirror or refrigerator.
These are just a few things that
people can do to help lower the
stress of unemployment. Anyone
who is on the other side of the pic
ture, being asked to pick up addi
tional assignments because of
staffing changes, can also benefit
from these techniques. And all
famil members need to remember
that a layoff doesn’t just affect the
one person who was the employ
ee. Everyone is influenced by the
change, and all will suffer the loss
in some way. Allow time to
grieve. Also seek outside help
when needed. This is especially
important if people in the home:
f/ begin to hit or shove during
arguments
✓ think of suicide
✓ feel overwhelmed with bills
✓ consider separating from
spouse because of problems
1/ constantly put down them
selves or others
✓ take a drink in the morning or
hide alcohol to disguise the
amount of drinking
✓ notice that children start acting
“crazy” and begin getting in trou
ble with the law or other
authorities
✓ start lying about what has hap
pened or what they are doing.
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Societies ij
Lancaster Society 16
Lancaster Society Farm
Women #2O met on April 10 at the
Memorial United Methodist
Church, Quarryville, when they
entertained Societies #25, 15 and
the county officers to a covered
dish luncheon. The committee
consisted of Lillian Winters,
Marion Hastings, Emily Galli
more, Thelma Miller, and Vivian
Trout. Following the meal Lillian
read* the 126th Psalm and the
poem “All it takes is one hello”.
The Lord’s Prayer was prayed in
unison followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance- to the Flag. The presi
dent, Nancy Axe, presided at the
business meeting when among
other items the society yard sale
Lebanon Society 20
use d for expenses for Leb. Co. Jr.
D srs ea " ,ewa! f-
Shuey had devotion,. abfc ,
irs r s i p^ , ' ti ” wh r iswaik ’
raiS’Sd’i. sd' P h y<!d several MemberswlU^emSSal
B£ T StSJj Sh °? meet^ g ' •he BeUgrove Fire Hall April 19
1 S C H on 18 9 CL by Group 19. The next meeting is
& .TsarabVs
was announced for the 4th of June
at Nancy’s home. The Sunshine
committee reported 6 cards sent
since the last meeting.
The program was very interest
ing when Ellen Baber spoke and
showed slides of her and her hus
band’s visit to St. Petersburg, Rus
sia through a poultry exchange,
and they were privileged to stay
with the mayor of the town.
For the roll call, each one men
tioned their favorite vacation spot
and the guests were introduced.
The meeting closed by singing
“Brighten the Comer” and in May
members will be going to Living
Waters and then have lunch at
Schoney’s.