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Survivors guilt
A lot of companies are experiencing the unfortunate realities of the economic crisis we're facing and are forced to lay off employees, cut their pay, or cut hours. I can't help but feel a sense of survivors guilt that I am able to continue my job and work from home. Is anyone else feeling this way?
Jackie Ghedine
Coach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
5.76k
03/25/20 at 12:34PM UTC
I would ask for you to reframe that phrase, survivors guilt, because guilt insinuates you are committed an offense. You are not responsible for what's going on so I urge you to please protect yourself from using language that will weigh heavy on you.
What you are feeling is empathy for those who are not as fortunate as you are. THANK YOU for being human, especially in times where we need it more than ever.
You cannot control what is happening in the world and to others, but think about what you can control or help. Maybe you can introduce people who lost their jobs to those in your network. Maybe you can create a virtual group for friends to gather and talk about what they are going through. Use your high empathy to create change.
I hope this helps and again, thank you for your open heart and #humanfirst self.
Anonymous
03/26/20 at 5:26PM UTC
Such a great point—thank you for helping me shift my perspective on this! Survivors empathy :)
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
5.76k
03/26/20 at 6:44PM UTC
YES! <3 This!
Amortentsia519Leader and relationship builder in Travel.
227
03/25/20 at 3:20PM UTC
I absolutely agree with this. The lucky ones should not shoulder the burden of guilt for inequality. I'm one of those. I feel badly for those who have been affected negatively, but I fill myself with gratitude for the situation that I have worked hard to put myself in, and I'm not going to self-sabotage my mental state because of it.
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
5.76k
03/25/20 at 9:10PM UTC
Well said! The self-sabotage will take you down the wrong path which is why empathy is wonderful ... without the guilt!
Robin StoneWork with executive leadership team
601
03/31/20 at 10:47PM UTC
It's funny how life unfolds...no of us would have ever dreamed of life as it currently is. I too am blessed to be fortunate enough to be considered essential and have been working in the office...social distancing of course. :-) I try to be positive and share good light and energy with all I encounter....even if its just a call or text.
Stay well ladies.
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
03/25/20 at 12:10AM UTC (Edited)
Remember Aesop- the ant and the grasshopper? Do not feel guilty at all keep working the way the ant did. Be charitable when you and yours can be. If you dont feel comfortable being charitable to individuals (they may act irrational in panic and waste a gift or turn to rely on u) there is always a community outreach. I know my son and I discussed this and next week on our grocery shopping we will leave a box of granola bars in the free box exchange box. Its not alot but hopefully kids will grab one or hey the whole box and share w a book! We also raided our house and will send my grandparents his great grandparents a care package
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
03/24/20 at 8:31PM UTC
My company hasn't had to let anyone go, but I remember the experience from previous jobs. There's a good article at The Balance Careers: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-cope-when-coworkers-lose-their-jobs-1918595
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