Like most families, the Hermans will be glad to see the back of 2020.
Zoe and husband David, from Radcliffe, Bury, have lost three jobs between them due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It has put the couple under a lot of strain, especially as they also welcomed their second child, Joseph, at the peak of national lockdown in April.
Zoe, 28, was made redundant from a full-time job while pregnant, then her part-time admin role disappeared as businesses shut down over the summer.
David, 29, works in recruitment and had been on furlough before he was laid off a few months ago.
Sadly, it is a story familiar to many families across Greater Manchester.
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned in his spending review last week that UK unemployment is set to soar to 2.6million people by the middle of next year.
Greater Manchester has seen a 76pc rise in Universal Credit claimants since March, and while that is actually below the national average, the increase was higher among younger people.
Retail, hospitality and cultural sectors have been especially hard hit, as has Manchester Airport, a crucial employer.
Zoe and David are refusing to be overwhelmed by the doom and gloom and are prepared to do whatever it takes to be back on their feet in 2021.
(Image: Getty Images)
In fact, Zoe says they are trying to appreciate the unexpected positives that the situation has brought.
Being locked down at home alone with Joseph gave her the space and tranquility to be able to breastfeed, as she wasn’t able to with her first child, two-year-old Reuben.
And somehow, in between feeding at all hours, she has also taken an online marketing course and managed to set up own baby clothing business, named RuJo after her boys.
It has had a good start with orders already rolling in, and the couple are hopeful David is also on his way back to secure employment.
But there’s no doubt this year has been a testing one.
After being made redundant, Zoe gave birth on April 1 at Bolton hospital just as coronavirus rules were at their toughest.
“No one knew what the restrictions were going to be,” she said.
“On the day I started having contractions, the unit I chose had to close because of Covid and I was like ‘where am I going to have my baby?!’
“I ended up being in full active labour without David for twenty minutes, it feels like the end of the world.
“In the end we were allowed on the delivery ward and we managed to have the birth I planned.
“Obviously coming home, I couldn’t give my mum a hug and that was really hard.”
While Zoe was on maternity leave, finances were already tight as recruitment consultant David was on furlough and only getting 80 per cent salary without commission.
And then there was a further blow when they received the news David would be laid off permanently.
“It was a bit of a shock,” said Zoe.
“I suppose you get a bit angry, go through the motions, we’ve lost three jobs between us now.
“You feel so alone, you look at your friends doing well, you worry for your kids.”
David is now back in employment, and Zoe’s business has made a promising start.
And the couple are determined to look on the bright side.
“We just have to be each other’s rock – this time makes you realise you married the right person!” said Zoe.
“There’s many people that aren’t doing so well in their marriage because of all that’s been thrown at them.
“When I’m down, David is up and vice-versa.
“Your mood fluctuates, especially when you’re getting little sleep.
“The slightest thing can make you go off.
“Our son Reuben had to self isolate for two weeks because there was a case at his nursery, and it can be hard living with someone who’s in a mood!”
Given the uncertainty of the job market, setting up her own business has at least given Zoe some control over her own destiny.
“I’ve been getting suppliers, learning how to make a website, I was teaching myself all this until one in the morning while feeding my baby!” she said.
And perhaps in the long run, it was all meant to be.
“It’s just about that positive mindset, next year will be a better one and we will be able to tell the kids ‘we did it’,” said Zoe.
“Not that they will have a clue!”
