Job Advice from Bon Jovi...

"It deals with the way that two kids – Tommy and Gina – face life's struggles,"

noted Bon Jovi,

"and how their love and ambitions get them through the hard times. It's working class and it's real…I gave them names, which gave them an identity… Tommy and Gina aren't two specific people; they represent a lifestyle."

As you're reading this article, 1986's chart topper "Livin' on a Prayer" is no doubt playing through your head. I'm actually listening to it as I write this.

Loudly, I might add.

Created in the depths of the 1980s when Reagan-era "trickle down economics" was all the rage; "Livin' on a Prayer" painted a grim picture for a working class family in America, where the strength of their love was the only thing that could be counted on.

We live in times like this.

According to the BLS, the unemployment rate is still 7.9% as of September 2020.

Indeed mentioned that it's job postings over the pandemic in summer plummeted by more than 40%.

Global economic growth is projected at -4.9% for 2020 according to the IMF.

It's tough, so tough.

It's in these times that we need to care for ourselves, and care for those that care about us most. Just like the story of Tommy and Gina, we have to hold on to what we've got.

We've got each other.

So whether it's your spouse, your kids, your parents, your friends, we all need each other during this time of pandemic, unemployment, and sadness.

Take the time to reach out to those that really mean the most to you, chances are they're fighting just as tough a battle in these times.

Whether you're Tommy, who lost his job due to factors beyond his control (a strike in the song, but out of work nonetheless) or Gina, who is busting her backside to keep the family afloat, or someone else who has a completely unique story but that is still doing everything they can to make it in these troubled times; keep the bonds with those you care about strong.

"We've gotta hold on...ready or not, you live for the fight when that's all that you've got!"

Take my hand, we'll make it. I swear.

~RH