A matter of pride and self-esteem

Pride.
Self-esteem.
The two words go hand-in-hand and are important to our well-being.
Losing a job is one of the most traumatic things we can face.
A job meant security and the ability to take care of your family.
A job is also fulfilling. It gives you a purpose to get up in the morning - or get up in the evening if you're on the graveyard shift.
There is a certain amount of pride as well as some eagerness to completing a workday.
You look forward to going home or getting together with family and friends after a good and/or bad day.
Sometimes, losing a job is an insult to your pride; a shot at your self-esteem.
In Huntsville, a lot of jobs are lost when companies lose contracts. But then, other jobs open up with the winning company.
These workers didn't lose their job because their work wasn't good enough.
But it still hurts.
Here, also, textile plants shut down years ago and, more recently, a couple of high-tech and manufacturing companies closed their doors.
Again, the employees weren't told they weren't good enough. It was just "the economics" at the time, which means "outsourcing" the jobs - a lot of times to places such as China, Mexico and Vietnam.
Other job losses came about because of technology. There aren't very many wagon wheel makers anymore.
These employees were told their "skill sets" weren't sufficient for the new era. After all, "time marches on."
Sometimes, companies let go employees because of "economics" in an effort to keep their bottom line and profit margin intact. Then, realizing they need help, the businesses hire new employees or rehire those let go at lower pay.
Then, there is the great unknown of being let go from your job.
Is my career over?
How can I take care of my family?
Can I find another job?
These questions will go through your mind again and again and they must be dealt with again and again.
There is no sure answer but you trudge on daily.
Because of pride.
And self-esteem.