Early

For more than 15 years, our 7,500-square-foot home in Arizona was the center of our family’s life. It’s where we raised four daughters, celebrated birthdays, hosted big family Thanksgivings, and somehow managed to fill every room with memories.My husband and I had good careers, a family we adored, a home…

This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Thomas Heep, a job seeker in his 60s who lives in Denver. He was laid off in April 2025 and is still looking for full-time work. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I was laid off from my job as…