Amelia Ross

She would have been a copyist in the 19th century, if a woman were lucky enough to get a job. Skilled with words, hired because she was bright, pretty, though not enough to stand out. She learned to save, some years did not take a vacation, always paid for her own health insurance. Not a woman of independent means, she never knew if she were better off alone.

His unemployment insurance ran out. Congress recessed without passing the promised extension. Now a discouraged worker, no longer counted in unemployment figures. Highly educated. He sold for his boss, managed clients, understood knotty business problems. Everyday approached the search with an attitude. Sold himself, sent emails with good cover letters and resumes. Paid the rent with his savings.