To these difficulties are added those connected with the uncertainty
and irregularity of wage payments and with the length of intervals
recurring between these payments. The ways in which periods of
unemployment and consequent cessation of income are met are
illustrated by the following experiences described by those with whom
we have conferred.
The story of how the mother or children have gone out to work, of how
boarders have been taken into the home, savings have been spent, money
has been borrowed from friends, or charity has been accepted, occurs
over and over in the experience of all the national groups. A
Ukrainian mother tells how she and the older children at various times
have worked during the father's unemployment. A few years ago, when it
lasted for two years, she was no longer strong enough to work, and
they sold their home in order to keep the children in school.
Another Ukrainian family has of late depended upon the earnings of the
children and savings, but there have been times when they had nothing
in the house but water, and could not buy food. A Polish mother
borrowed money of the Jewish grocer when her savings were gone and her
earnings insufficient. One Bohemian family had to draw on their
savings in the building and loan association during a year of
unemployment.