[TunedOut]

One of the jobs I was looking forward to doing this year (grading student assessments) has be cancelled for 2020. How has Covid-19 effected your work hours? My sister (a teacher), is getting 2 weeks paid time off (wouldn't be surprised if it gets extended). Retailers are probably working extra hard while others are now unemployed....

[quinx]

My whole town is pretty much employed by casinos and now we're all unemployed for the next month maybe longer... Pretty scary.

[MrsA]

Well, it's stopped all my income. I am worried about money, but also really hoping this will give me a badly needed break from work. So far, it's been busy with too much to do. I just hope everyone stays calm and that the government doesn't let us down with appropriate aid.

And it might be a bit weird, but having had a lot of diasters in my life and often having to do without, I sort of enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to make things I need and cooking with the forgotten items in the back of my pantry. How are you all coping?

[Mountaindewed]

I’m surprised my job hasn’t closed yet. Although it should be a matter of hours before I get a call. All the malls and most of the retail stores have closed in the area until April.

[divine1966]

I teach high school, we are closed until April 13th. After that it might be extended. Our governor closed all schools on 03/13. We are supposed to be paid. Not sure. We do some stuff online but it’s nothing of substance.

My husband is hospital RN though and he works and actually works extra now as people call off. He is in a supervisor position so he feels responsible. He is on a frontline of this insanity

I feel for people who have to work now. Hugs to all

[divine1966]

I had to add that I lived through a lot of bad situations of no food and no necessities and economy collapses and currency crushes and political regimes changes and no proper medical care available etc (not originally from the US) so I know how to go without and that doesn’t scare me. Getting sick is scary though

[Discombobulated]

I am probably belonging to one of the few sectors thriving at the moment. Food retail and grocery. On the downside it is extra stressful dealing with anxious, often aggressive customers. Plus our workload has increased dramatically while the staffing hasn't. Nothing compared to the medical sector though, it must be incredibly tough for those people, plus risky for infection.

I am so sorry to all those struggling right now and hope things will settle sooner rather than later. I have never known anything like this.

[seesaw]

Yeah, my work is actually somewhat increasing, and I was kind of hoping for a little break, since I never really get time off anyhow.

I'm definitely stressed out and dealing with anxiety due to this, and it's feeding my panic disorder, GAD, and PTSD, so I'm also adjusting my schedule to give me time to rest, so I'm spreading some of my work hours to weekends right now to give me something to be responsible for on weekends and also take the pressure off of trying to stay focused for so long. Normally that's not a huge issue for me, but it strangely is right now.

I am working from home most of the week. Next week I got shifted to emergency so I will have to go in the whole week but the good news is that I get free parking right next door and can drive in. Talk about luxury.

I went in today and it was dead. Like 2 people in the building.

[Mountaindewed]

I got a call from my manager this afternoon saying the store was closed until April 2nd and that I would be being paid. So I’m looking at the bright side and seeing it as getting paid to watch Hulu.

[Sara C]

today i broke down and cried because my job position as office clerk is not clear yet as it seems to be mostly physically related tasks. my traveling to work place has made my extra nervousness where i have to use public transportation. boss has delayed and when i ask when will my time come and now i had my boss do some stupid researching herself on what i can and cannot do via telework. i really don't like to travel.

[ARaven0137]

It's just starting to hit me. The gym and the rec center are closed. Other than flying I'm told to stay out of the facility. I thought that the apocalypse was truly upon us when I couldn't sit in Starbucks any longer.

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

I am probably belonging to one of the few sectors thriving at the moment. Food retail and grocery. On the downside it is extra stressful dealing with anxious, often aggressive customers. Plus our workload has increased dramatically while the staffing hasn't. Nothing compared to the medical sector though, it must be incredibly tough for those people, plus risky for infection.

I am so sorry to all those struggling right now and hope things will settle sooner rather than later. I have never known anything like this.

By me most stores are closed. Only grocery stores are open limited hours. All restaurants including fast food are closed. They do some carry out and drive through limited hours. Those grocery stores that are open aren’t busy becsyse people are afraid to shop and many necessities are not available

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by TunedOut

One of the jobs I was looking forward to doing this year (grading student assessments) has be cancelled for 2020. How has Covid-19 effected your work hours? My sister (a teacher), is getting 2 weeks paid time off (wouldn't be surprised if it gets extended). Retailers are probably working extra hard while others are now unemployed....

It depends where you are at. In busy metro areas many stores besides groceries are closed. Hugs. We don’t have too many open by me

[Discombobulated]

Originally Posted by divine1966

By me most stores are closed. Only grocery stores are open limited hours. All restaurants including fast food are closed. They do some carry out and drive through limited hours. Those grocery stores that are open aren’t busy becsyse people are afraid to shop and many necessities are not available

Thanks and sorry to hear that. Over in UK grocery stores are all open, some 24 hour ones shutting at night for replenishment. Key items are missing here too though, production couldn't keep up with demand I guess. We are supposed to be practicing social distancing (2 metres apart) and food shopping deemed okay, but I am persuading my elderly parents to stay home as they are high risk, supermarkets are germy high traffic places, I wouldn't go there unless I had too. IMO many people here are not taking it seriously enough, I suspect some people have to be personally affected before they believe it.

I think what you are describing now is possibly where we will be in a week or so. I am on vacation now so out of it.

Stay safe everyone.

[rechu]

I am extremely busy. The client I freelance for prepares business plans for people applying for US investor visas. They are concerned that US immigration offices might shut down, so they're trying to get things ready as quickly as possible for clients.

I am working somewhat more than we discussed, but they are happy I said I could do some extra work this weekend. I need to make money while I can, since I sense things might slow down further out.

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by Discombobulated

Thanks and sorry to hear that. Over in UK grocery stores are all open, some 24 hour ones shutting at night for replenishment. Key items are missing here too though, production couldn't keep up with demand I guess. We are supposed to be practicing social distancing (2 metres apart) and food shopping deemed okay, but I am persuading my elderly parents to stay home as they are high risk, supermarkets are germy high traffic places, I wouldn't go there unless I had too. IMO many people here are not taking it seriously enough, I suspect some people have to be personally affected before they believe it.

I think what you are describing now is possibly where we will be in a week or so. I am on vacation now so out of it.

Stay safe everyone.

Schools are closing in U.K. and that’s how it started here too. Schools first then other stuff

[Discombobulated]

Originally Posted by divine1966

Schools are closing in U.K. and that’s how it started here too. Schools first then other stuff

I suspect we will be told pubs, cafes and restaurants to close soon. Also went into a general dealers today and the assistant suspects they will close. This is freaking me out as it means we will be one of the few businesses open to customers. What will be will be. I am just hoping customers will be a bit more realistic and less aggressive than they have been in their attitudes to staff. We have been doing our level best.

[Sara C]

yep freaks me out i have never seen such like this in my life, everywhere is closing up !!

[TunedOut]

Thank you for all the wonderful posts on this thread. My heart goes out to all the people who are losing income due to Covid-19.

One of my jobs was not badly effected by the virus. My job with VIPKID (teaching English to Chinese students) actually got busier (I am paid $10 or $11 for each one-half hour class). My Chinese students have told me they are back in school now (perhaps this varies depending on where you live in China, I teach students all over the country.) With the students in school, they mostly take classes between 7 PM and 9 PM (occassionally, they will take a class between 6 PM and 7 PM). When it is 7 PM in China, it is 7 AM EST, so this job would only suit people who like to get up early in the morning; however, it is a job that you can do from home.

To work for this company, you need a bachelors degree and some teaching experience. I did not pass my trial class on the first attempt (it took multiple attempts. ) but I really enjoy working for this company now and the income is needed. My students provide me positive interaction that puts me in a good mood everyday! Some of the feedback I have received (translated from Chinese) includes:
Kids love it. Actively guides children to open there mouths. Kids love it. A patient and attentive teacher. A super patient teacher. Very patient and meticulous guidance, expand a lot of extended knowledge. Children like it very much. Teacher that the child likes says that the teacher is funny in class and will expand knowledge in class. Active guidance in class. A favorite teacher. Children like it. Teacher good at teaching. Good teacher, serious and enthusiastic. A very patient and careful teacher, very responsible.
Of course, it feels good to get feedback like this and I am getting it more regularly than I did last year (in June, I will have been with the company for one year) because I am getting better and better at the job the more I teach.

Anyways, just wanted to mention this job opportunity because I know there are people out there that need jobs. This one is only part time but a little income is better than none. Today, I have classes at 7 AM, 8 AM and 8:30 AM and am looking forward to seeing my students. I do not feel isolated when I have students I see everyday!

[Have Hope]

My husband will lose his income since he is 100% commission/sales, and I am working my job from home. We need to take out a bank loan to help us survive, and I'm freaking out about it. We will go even further into debt, but we have no other options.

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by Have Hope

My husband will lose his income since he is 100% commission/sales, and I am working my job from home. We need to take out a bank loan to help us survive, and I'm freaking out about it. We will go even further into debt, but we have no other options.

I am sorry to hear that. Does his workplace not willing to provide even a minimum to keep people afloat?

I’ve been getting generic emails from organizations like phone companies or utilities etc saying that you can be ok delaying your bills for a month or so. I’d contact everyone you have to pay bills to and ask for s delay. Or and and you can pay only part of the bill. Typically if you pay something even a bit, you’d be ok.

[Have Hope]

Originally Posted by divine1966

I am sorry to hear that. Does his workplace not willing to provide even a minimum to keep people afloat?

I’ve been getting generic emails from organizations like phone companies or utilities etc saying that you can be ok delaying your bills for a month or so. I’d contact everyone you have to pay bills to and ask for s delay. Or and and you can pay only part of the bill. Typically if you pay something even a bit, you’d be ok.

I know, it sucks. There are rumors that his company may extend financial help. He may also qualify for unemployment benefits (possibly), but we're not sure. I'd rather stay up on bills than delay payment right now.

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by Have Hope

I know, it sucks. There are rumors that his company may extend financial help. He may also qualify for unemployment benefits (possibly), but we're not sure. I'd rather stay up on bills than delay payment right now.

Does he work for a very small company? Typically commission employees like car dealers have a base pay which might be like minimum wage and then commission on top of it. There must be a base pay. Cannot be just commission, it’s illegal to not provide base pay.

His work place should either provide base pay right now or explain what’s the next step. What did they tell him?

If they refuse to pay base pay now, yes he could qualify for unemployment.

[Have Hope]

Originally Posted by divine1966

Does he work for a very small company? Typically commission employees like car dealers have a base pay which might be like minimum wage and then commission on top of it. There must be a base pay. Cannot be just commission, it’s illegal to not provide base pay.

His work place should either provide base pay right now or explain what’s the next step. What did they tell him?

If they refuse to pay base pay now, yes he could qualify for unemployment.

I don't know if that's illegal. He gets paid vacation and sick days. But he does not receive base pay. He's all sales - as far as I know, some sales jobs are 100% commission. I've never heard of that being illegal? Maybe just in some US states, but not where we live.

He just told me the order was issued in my state to remain at home until April 4th.

He also said that his business is considered "essential business", so they will remain open and he will continue to work, but at reduced hours. So I am relieved on the one hand that he can still bring in income, but worried on the other hand because he continues to be exposed to the general public. That's very concerning.