44 Unit 1 Your Development and Relationships
fi nding another job, any money the
family has saved will probably go
toward paying bills.
In addition to fi nancial
concerns, attitudes of family
members may also be affected.
When a person loses a job, feelings
of low self-esteem may develop.
The person may be discouraged
and become depressed. Some
unemployed people may then turn
to alcohol or other drugs. Some
might even consider suicide.
When a family faces an
unemployment crisis, they should
talk with one another about changes
they will need to make. The family
can make a budget together. Teens
or other family members might be
able to help by getting part-time
jobs. Younger children might be able
to help more with chores around
the house. All family members
should encourage each other and be
supportive. Teens might be able to
add to the family income by doing
odd jobs. They could babysit, shovel
snow, or mow lawns to help.
Relocation
Many families move from one
home to another, 2-10. Studies
show that the average family moves several times. Some families move to
fi nd better jobs. Sometimes employees are transferred to company locations
in other cities. Death, divorce, or separation within a family can also result in
a move.
Regardless of the reason for moving, it causes changes in the family. A
move to another city or state means the family will have to get used to new
surroundings. They will have to shop in new stores and make new friends.
The children will have to attend new schools. Wage earners will have to adjust
to new jobs.
A move may be diffi cult at fi rst because so many adjustments are
necessary. You miss your old friends. You may have moved away from your
relatives. It will take time to adjust to your new surroundings. It may take time
to make new friends. If a family’s life is improved by a move, the changes are
worthwhile.
2-9 A family member’s loss of a job can cause a crisis
for many families.
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