To highlight the scope of the job loss, and the human toll it's taken, Business Insider compiled stories from unemployed people in every state about what their experiences have been like.
"I was laid off on June 30 while still working remotely, just two days shy of reaching seven months with my company, and I've been searching for work ever since. When we received the additional $600 unemployment benefits from the government, it was keeping us above water. Before we could take care of bills, but now it feels like the clock is ticking."John Valentino plays music at assisted-living facilities.I applied for the government small-business loan seven times.
"It's really tough in the theater industry, too, since there are so many people other than the actors. It's our designers, directors, and people who work in the box office. No one wants to get sick, and I don't see us going back anytime soon.""My mental health has suffered greatly. I'm worried about my mental and physical health. I'm also concerned about finding another job, whether or not the PR sector will rebound in the city, and returning to Boston.
"I am worried about what I am going to do once my unemployment runs out in October. There is so much uncertainty about what the federal government is going to do about unemployment and whether or not it will be extended throughout the rest of the year.""March 13 was our last day. Earlier that week we heard talk of our show going on hiatus for two weeks to see what happened with the coronavirus. We packed up as best we could, not knowing if we'd be back in two weeks, or ever.