Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

To the Editor:

Reading “Workers of the World, Watch Out!,” by T. M. Shine (Op-Ed, Oct. 24), I felt relieved. I’m reaching my 17th month of looking for work. I didn’t get laid off or fired; in fact, I have never had a career.

I graduated from law school shortly after the economy collapsed. I got good grades. I was published in a legal journal. I did everything I was supposed to do. But hundreds of heartfelt cover letters and polished résumés later, I struggle to even get an interview.

I pass the days alone wondering what I should do with my time as the interest on my student debt continues to accrue. I’ve tried volunteering, learning guitar, cooking. Nothing stops the omnipresent feeling of loneliness, worthlessness and desperation.

What’s worse is that the pain of unemployment seems to be an issue that no one wants to acknowledge. It’s nice to finally know that someone else feels my rage, too.

Anna Richey-Allen
Minneapolis, Oct. 27, 2010