Since September, when the shadow of depression crossed over the world, when banks and companies, large and small, began to fall like dominoes, since that time there has been something missing from our public discourse: people complaining about their jobs.

Friends and strangers would often grumble that they were working too hard for the compensation they received. Greed and petty grievances were commonplace. Prosperity was in the land, and the consumer was in charge. But now, complaints are scarce.

I remember where I was when I felt the change. It was the last week in September, and I was on my way home from a new part-time job. I was not at all sure that I would continue with this line of work. It was physically demanding, and it could go from crazy busy, to incredibly boring in a matter of hours. I did not yet understand the software we used, and there was even a slight element of danger.

However, the job had its positive aspects: I enjoyed the people I met, the pay was “good enough,” and the schedule was great. Every other day, I completely loved the job, so you can imagine how I felt the rest of the time.

As I drove home during that week in September, I remember hearing on the radio that Washington Mutual Bank was failing. The housing bubble had burst, and with it went the stock market, savings, pensions, and jobs. Now it was serious.

My sister lost her job last August. We were not alarmed because she has a master’s degree and extensive experience in the non-profit sector. I call her our Angel/Bulldog, because she can be an angel when she works with the under-served, and a bulldog when she advocates for a solution. Surely she would get a job quickly.

But with each company that failed or were forced to make layoffs, the competition for jobs increased. My sister has made job hunting a full-time pursuit. We have dyed her hair, updated her resume and her wardrobe, to no avail. Everyone she knows is helping her with food, loans, and ideas. She gets discouraged, but it helps to know that it’s not personal. There are thousands of qualified candidates for every opening. Meanwhile, I am very grateful the job I have.

This is Holy Week when Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even if you are not a believer, it’s a good time to take a look around you. If it is within your power to help, consider slipping someone some cash, or putting food on the table for the needy. In order for there to be redemption, there must first be sacrifice. And right now, it’s all about sacrifice.