We're in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression, and our state's unemployment rate stands at 8.3%.

Many more have stopped looking for a job.

That means a lot of our neighbors are struggling right now. In our continuing series "Where are the Jobs?" Sharon Pelletier takes a look at the human toll.

Most people spend forty hours or more each week at their jobs. So what happens when you don't have that place to go to anymore?

"I got laid off in early May, first of May and haven't done anything since, just hoping that the economy was gonna turn around."

David Kaulfers worked in construction for more than two decades.

That's how long Dot Tardiff worked at the Lemforder Plant in Brewer.

"You put your heart and soul into a place for 22 years and think that's where you're gonna retire and then to hear the news they're closing the doors was very very sad."

Just two cases among thousands of Mainers dealing with job loss. The circumstances might be different but the initial feeling is the same.

"At first I think you're sad, then you're very angry and then as it goes on you just have to accept it. There's nothing you're gonna do to stop it."
"Sharon, sometimes people say I just want to stay home and put the covers over my head and that is very normal."

Jane Searles, Regional Manager of Women, Work and Community, says there is a grieving process when someone loses their job.

"A lot of us identify ourselves through our jobs. When you go anywhere people say 'What do you do?'"
"I've never been in this situation before so I am scared and my wife is scared."
"It's really disheartening, I've never been laid off before. I've never been without a job for more than a week"

Being unemployed was a new experience for Dot too.

Jane, and Ed Upham, Career Center Manager in Bangor agree, they're seeing more people during this recession who are without a job for the first time in their lives.

"All income levels. Nobody is immune from the economic tsunami that's going on right now. So yes. We have people laid off from low pay jobs and we have seen people with double doctorate degrees laid off."

And that can take a financial toll on families. David tells us even though he's been getting unemployement checks, his household is running a 150 dollar deficit each week.

"How do you get by? Credit Cards. I've gone in debt. Credit cards."

Plus he's dipped into retirement savings. And there are no more luxury expenses like eating out, or movies. It was especially hard when one of his daughters asked for help getting a car.

"If I was working and had a steady job, I'd help her get another car. I'd be able to help get another car, but I can't because I'm unemployed. It just breaks my heart to tell her no."

Still David realizes he's among the lucky ones. He still has a home, and can feed his family.

"Oh gosh, there are a lot of folks that are very needy right now."

Ed says he's seen a lot of families, at the Career Center, struggling with even the basic necessities.

"If you don't have clothes, if you don't have a home, if you don't have food, if you don't have heat, how can you worry about working?"

To contact Women, Work & Community call 262-7951

To contact the Career Center call 561-4050

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