I won't mention the C word, as we've all had more than our fill of it - but this is a critical thought in beating the darned thing.
Three of my friends have lost their jobs as a result of the virus.
All are a similar age to me, and all were horribly concerned about whether they would be employable again:
There are so many people looking for jobs... lots are younger, less costly to employ, more tech savvy... who wants old duffers like us?
Yes, the language did get that dismal. Because it was such a distressing time.
And when you're that far down, it's hard to see the light.
But! And this is the key point:
I knew how much my friends were hurting. They confided in me, about how difficult it felt to start the day, get up and face the world.
Yet those doubts were voiced in private.
It's important to say here that I'm not one for covering up feelings. I don't think it's healthy.
I've written about the depression I've suffered and it's helped me, plus others too, judging by the feedback I've received.
So my friends might have talked out their troubles in private, but in public...
They were upbeat, applying for jobs, networking, seeking opportunities.
But then comes another hit, as if they hadn't suffered enough already.
Each one spotted openings, secured interviews...
And then didn't get the job.
Cue more private anguish and painful picking themselves up again. Which was even harder this time around.
Because, as we all know, hope can be such a cruel temptation.
But back they went at it, hunting opportunities again.
And the punchline is this.
All three have now got jobs.
And I think the way they handled their dark days was:
(i) hugely admirable, and
(ii) a template for dealing with setbacks, the like of which these times seem determined to throw at us by the truckload.
For me, it goes like this:
- Hurt in private. With friends and family, and those who care, and let them support and sustain you.
- Fight in public. Never give up.
If you're suffering now I know it hurts, I really do. I suffered along with my friends.
But try to remember, no matter how much you struggle:
Sometimes in life, the tide runs against you. That's just the way it is.
But tides always turn. It's only a matter of time.