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Michael Pesapane is a steward in the machinists' union that is legally challenging Pratt & Whitney's decision to close its engine repair and overhaul operations in Cheshire and East Hartford. If the machinists' union loses its court battle to block layoffs this winter, the Pesapane's could be without a job within a year.
"There are about 25 to 50 couples like us," Estella Pesapane said. "I'm 52 years old and we're too old to hire and too young to retire. It's very depressing. You think of it from the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed."
Unlike some other couples, Estella Pesapane saw the writing on the wall in 1994, she said. That was the year Pratt & Whitney opened its plant in Singapore and began its training operation. She enrolled in college in the mid-1980s, has two master's degrees and is finishing a doctorate in organization and management with a focus on leadership.
But after 30 years of punching a clock, Pratt & Whitney isn't considering her for a salaried position, she said, and the recession has forced other companies to freeze hiring.
So, the couple waits and worries about tomorrow.
Diane Grodzicki of Meriden was an information technology corporate recruiter for several companies and had a contract with Canberra Industries that ended in January.
Since then, she's polished her resume but jobs in human resources are scarce and she doesn't want to move because her husband works full-time at Yale University in New Haven.
Grodzicki believes strongly in balance, and while she spends parts of her week looking for work, she also spends time with family and friends, networking with colleagues and exercising. Her knack for helping people has led her to assist friends and family members looking for work, and she recently started doing one-on-one consultations for job seekers at the Meriden Public Library. The volunteer work could lead to her establishing a business if there is enough of a market in the Greater Meriden area, she said.
"It's hard, especially when people are accustomed to working full-time," Grodzicki said. We're used to two incomes. I'm wide open to more sales and marketing positions."
Recent state Department of Labor reports show that the state shed 6,600 jobs in September and its unemployment rate has reached 8.4 percent. The numbers are a stark reminder that there are many families that wake up in the morning that have had to drastically shift their lifestyles, cut back on luxuries and even necessities at times to keep the family home or feed their children.
Thomas Czarkosky, a licensed marriage and family therapist and executive director of the Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut in Meriden, said the agency has seen a definite increase in the number of children and families reporting that financial concerns are creating more stress at home.
"Many families rely on two incomes, and so even the loss of one job has a significant impact," Czarkosky said. "Families are concerned about actual layoffs and threats of layoffs. There is a risk of the loss of self-worth, anxiety depression and fear over how they are going to meet their needs, the holidays and the fear of the long-term impact."
Families with children also have to be mindful that their financial woes affect their children, who are aware when something is wrong, including finances.
"They can become overwhelmed and not understand the situation," Czarkosky said. "It's important for parents to talk to their children in an age-appropriate way to reassure them and let them know the parents are taking steps to adapt and cope."
Another harsh reality for many middle-class families is finding they can't make it alone and may need to ask for food stamps, state health insurance programs and other assistance as unemployment extends into months and maybe years. For many families, this could be the first time in their lives.
"I was at a meeting this morning where this topic was raised," Czarkosky said Friday. "There is a group in the middle-class that has never heard of the Department of Social Services. That is happening."
Families in these situations often experience added negative emotions. Coupled with the fear of paying bills or holding onto the house, many families feel shame, embarrassment and low self-esteem. They may even be hiding their struggles from friends or family members, and the children pick up on those emotions, he said.
Craig Turner, Youth & Social Services director for the town of Wallingford, said he's heard many parents say "This is something I never thought I would ever need.' It's definitely happening."
Czarkosky recommends that families in need of financial assistance call 211 Infoline, where counselors are trained to know what financial and community assistance is available and can help facilitate it.
Long-term unemployment or fears of unemployment can cause loss of sleep, difficulty focusing and intrusive thoughts. People may repeatedly be thinking they may never get a job, they're going to lose their home or they're no good. He agrees with Grodzicki's advice to maintain balance in everyday activities to prevent anxiety.
"She's giving healthy advice," Czarkosky said.
Czarkosky wouldn't recommend when it's time for someone to seek professional counseling because individuals respond differently to stress, making it difficult to draw a definite line or set of criteria.
Parents should watch out for behavioral changes in their children, significant changes in mood, changes in school performance, social isolation and increased conflicts.
"If parents are concerned about a child's mood or significant changes in the child's behavior they can seek help."
Parents who no longer carry health insurance should seek state coverage and find a provider that accepts it. Some agencies, such as Child Guidance or Catholic Family Services, accept private insurance, state insurance and offer payment plans based on a family's income.
Even if things look down, talking about it can be beneficial.
"It's also helpful to discuss that other families have been affected and have rebounded from the same situation," Czarkosky said.
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255
