Job Security

The Coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak spread to the United States shortly after the start of the 2020. State governors and local officials eventually began to issue Stay-At-Home orders leaving many businesses, restaurants, schools, universities etc to close for their community's safety and prevent the quick and contagious spread of COVID-19.

Essential Workers

The decision to close businesses caused a substantial economic downturn worldwide. States only allowed for businesses with essential employees to remain open. Essential Employees are individuals currently working in the hospitality industry for companies essential to the population during this pandemic. They include but are not limited to: hospital workers, grocery store employees, some restaurant staff, and public transportation employees. Businesses that could not transition their employees to work from home were left to either temporarily or permanently lay off their workers.

Unemployment

Whether temporary or permanent in a person's respective career, losing your only source(s) of income is an extremely stressful situation to be in. The uncertainty of future employment adds even more weight to your mental health. A lack of income determines future spending habits like what you spend on groceries, mortgages, rent, utilities and other recurring bills. The next logical step once losing an income is to go through your savings and all of your recurring expenses which heightens your urge to find supplemental sources of income. 

These opportunities are difficult to find and have led over 30 million Americans to file for unemployment insurance with the department of labor in their state. In New Jersey, the average daily rate of unemployment applications went from 2,300 a day before COVID-19 to 15,000 a day as of mid-March. As of May 7, 2020, over 1 million unemployment applications have been submitted in the state of New Jersey. These high volumes in applications caused major website crashes and the business closings made for less availability for assistance with application processing. Parents and single family households are forced to rely on their savings and unemployment checks.  

As COVID-19 continues to affect everyday life, the future of employment for many businesses seems uncertain. The outlook has been very positive with people looking at the Stay at Home and Social Distancing orders as an opportunity to help others and themselves. People are strengthening and learning new skills, and using their creativity to give to those in need like making face masks to donate to essential workers or sell for anyone leaving their homes. Photographers museum professionals are documenting daily life so that these moments will not be forgotten or taken for granted. These differing situations show that during this time, we are not alone and that different acts of kindness brings people together.

Tips for Unemployment

• When trying to manage daily responsibilities at home, take things one task at a time; one deadline at a time.
• Find a space in your home to focus.
• Apply for Unemployment Insurance with your state's Department of Labor.
• Spend time working on or updating your resume and cover letter.
• Practice interview questions for any upcoming interviews.