This is not a story about the 1983 John Travolta movie or the Bee Gees soundtrack. But, in a way it is a sad song about Jacque, my friend since childhood. He is now a Baby Boomer who has been unemployed since losing his white collar, mid-management position nearly three years ago. Subsequently, when he was let go, Jacque lost his health and life insurance. Any conscientious Boomer knows that losing either or both of those benefits make you as vulnerable as a cat trying to cross a four lane highway. No wonder some Boomers commit suicide.
Jacque, a 61 year old divorcee, with two grown children says he does not have suicidal tendencies, although he has become a loner during the past year. We recently met for lunch one day after he called me and said that he needed to vent. He is unlike thousands of Boomers who quietly seethe in anger after losing their job. “They can call it what they want, being laid off, downsized or fired,” he said while resting his elbow on the table beside his plate and his chin on his fist. “The bottom line is that they are still kicking you out. Forget loyalty. Forget working hard and going to the office, promptly every day. You are damned if you do and damned it you don’t.” Jacque had enjoyed his job of the past 25 years, and planned to work until he decided it was time to leave.
As I sipped my green tea, he continued to let off steam, “You know I never lived an extravagant lifestyle. All I ever wanted in recent years was to live the rest of my life comfortably; keep my old Ford running and my dog, Duke, happy. I had a little bit of savings before I got axed. Then some age related medical problems started and …” He hesitates in mid-sentence and dejectedly shakes his head. I lower mine. I feel his pain.