I wait and wonder
For those who are furloughed
Will I go back? Should I look?
How I ache for the familiar that I took for granted
Even the parts I hated.
I wait and wonder
For those whose jobs may be insecure
Am I next?
In the meantime, I feel guilty as a survivor
Even if I don’t like my job.
I wait and wonder
For those whose jobs have ended
What can I find in these turbulent times?
I’m not sure where I fit and what to do.
Even if I’m motivated.
I wait and wonder
For those who have been unhappy
How can I change now?
Maybe I better just hang on
Even if I’m beyond ready.
I wait and wonder
For those who are happily employed.
How can I process this turmoil?
I feel privileged as well as overworked
Even as I feel grateful.
I wait and wonder
For those essential workers on the front line
How long can I do this?
It is taking its toll
Even as I know it is important work.
I wait and wonder
For those who own small businesses
Will I need to close my doors?
I can’t bear to face lost dreams and lost faces
Even if I worked more than I wanted.
I wait and wonder
For those working at home with children
How can I do justice to both jobs?
I feel like I’m not doing enough
Even when I’m doing my best.
May you rise up to self-awareness and self-care.
May you rise up to learning and loving.
May you rise up to hope and help.
May you rise up to compassion and courage.
You are not alone.
©2020, Karen Litzinger, Pittsburgh, PA. May be reproduced with this entire by-line. Contact: Litzinger Career Consulting, [email protected], 412-977-4029.