During this challenging season of Coronavirus: COVID-19 we have all made sacrifices that aide in maintaining good health and even saving our lives. Although, I still have yet to grasp the significance of buying an abundance of tissue but panic causes fear so whatever. THIS is also the time to reflect on your career options.
Majority of us have had changes in employment status and environment. Some lucky enough to be on paid leave, work from home or schedule reduction yet still being paid for 40 hours. Unfortunately, others laid off, reduced to part time or small businesses close to being shutdown all together. Unemployment rates have skyrocketed especially in the food service and hospitality industry. Large amounts of vacancies need occupying in the healthcare field some have even signed up to come out of retirement to assist in defeating this untimely pandemic. THANK YOU to the entire healthcare community and first-responders!
According to the Economic Policy Institute, unemployment claims increased by more than 4,000% in California alone. Most school systems brought a halt to the current school year transitioning to online courses. Although, this is a bittersweet time for graduating seniors that will not have the chance to spend their last days together celebrating an important milestone in their lives. Widespread of state and city wide curfews activated throughout the nation only essential businesses are open (i.e. grocery stores, gas stations, financial institutions, restaurants, etc.) but with modified operating hours most closing before 8:00 pm and food services shut down dining rooms increasing their take-out, drive-thru and delivery services.
A lot of places are ghost towns by sunset and this is expected to be another Recession but I encourage you to use the knowledge gained from 2007-2008 to get ahead of the curve and prepare yourself for when the economy resurrects. Again, this is definitely the time especially if your income is compromised to revise your career plan. You don’t have to be behind because the economy is.
Reference: Holpuch, Amanda. ‘What am I Supposed to do?’:Covid-19 sparks mass unemployment across US. March 25, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/25/us-unemployment-coronavirus-hospitality-food-industries-claims?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1