800,000
Why is this number significant?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is the number of women who left the workforce in the last month. 80% of the total population who said goodbye to some level of employment were women.
IN. ONE. MONTH.
Are you surprised?
I am because that number is staggeringly large but I’m also not.
From the data shared, the circumstances are around every person measured are not outlined in detail. There are many reasons to leave the workforce, regardless of gender.
- Reduction due to poor performance
- Downsize for financial reasons
- The pursuit of other passions
- Spend more time with family
- Medical reasons
- Unstable environment
- Transition between jobs
I believe it is safe to assume the global pandemic can claim a large portion of this specific case. Its no coincidence when you look at the timing of it all.
It’s Fall Y’all
School started in most areas between August and September when this data was collected. When moms were really forced to choose.
A significant amount of data collected from overworked and stressed moms who feel like they have no other option. Women leaving behind careers and hard-earned opportunities to be the home school mom or the primary caregiver.
It has been stated over and over that the bulk of familial responsibilities are falling harder on women.
Women are being asked to lead families in a new way, navigating something no one has experience with. Its ambiguous and disconcerting.
But you can’t possibly know what you don’t know.
I think about this today while looking at my daughter. She is doing her virtual school work at the messy kitchen table.
Last night we learned that she only has two more Wednesdays of virtual school until she will be back at school five days per week.
I have been fortunate to maintain my employment throughout this crazy and unpredictable time. It’s not been easy and I don’t for one second think its beyond a possibility that we will come back to virtual school at some point.
Some of you have never even had this luxury. Finding alternate school plans and managing virtual learning every single day compose your waking hours.
If you are in this 800,000 number or feel like you will be in the next month’s number, know that I see you and am here to support.
You are more than a statistic and every single woman/mom struggling with the demands of life is not alone.
