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For Out-of-Work Americans, Uncertainty Ratchets Up Anxiety

Michelle Quinn

   OAKLAND, CALIF. - Eliot Byron, an out-of-work stagehand in New York
   City, is preparing for a long period of austerity. For how long, he
   does not know. And the not knowing is the hardest part.

   Byron is among the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs in
   the past seven weeks since strict social distancing measures were
   enacted. Byron collects unemployment benefits, as well as supplemental
   benefits from the federal government. He has negotiated payment delays
   on his mortgage and car. A treat with his son and wife is pizza
   takeout.

   "There are days of complete boredom and days of serious concern about
   what the future holds," he said. "Should I be applying for other jobs
   somewhere? My entire adult life, the only thing I've ever done is put
   on live concerts. I don't know what else I'm qualified for or where
   else I would fit in."

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