I’ve been unemployed since late August of 2025 and I’ve realized that most people can’t handle even seeing the fallout of long-term unemployment & being laid off.

I’m in my mid-20’s, live alone, & have endured enough trauma to last several lifetimes. Unfortunately, being chronically unemployed after having an unstable job isn’t my 1st, 2nd, or maybe even 10th traumatic event in my life. I’m proud of my resilience, ability to think calmly under stress, perseverance, agility, & more.

That being said, I’ve realized that most people can’t handle seeing the fallout of a situation like this let alone actually endure it themselves. I’ve noticed how people in my support system have temporarily distanced themselves from me due to how long-term unemployment has affected me. I’ve had a close friend slowly distance herself since late fall after the effects started. Former coworkers/colleagues, although I’m still close with some who’ve stuck around through the worst. Extended family, former teachers, & more.

Of course, I’ve had poor mental health & a tighter budget which has limited my recreational spending(eating out, activities, etc.) I haven’t even been comfortable being in large gatherings where I have to make small talk cause I’ve felt so out of place. I’m still communicative, can hold a conversation without looking like Eeyore from Winnie-the-Pooh, show up for people at their milestone events, am still pushing forward with life–taking up part-time jobs & getting into a master’s program. I just don’t feel like I have a place in society anymore, being unemployed.

How has your support system treated you during job loss & unemployment?