A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
COVID-19 / Coronavirus
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This virus has affected everyone. Everything is changing and everyone has to adapt in a unique way for their situation. This was unexpected and with that meant reactive decisions and uncertainty for the future and that may be a symptom of this pandemic for the near future. The best thing to take from this is the time to plan for the future while taking time to reflect on and enhance your life.
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CHALLENGESÂ FOR SOCIETY
My network
The decisions and changes they've faced
Quatro Industries Limited Â
Manufacturing & Industrial Services
PLACEMENT EMPLOYER
Quatro, unfortunately, deals in manufacturing and foreign trade for the resource so that affected work. They have a staff of 40-50 employees in a limited space which affects operations due to social distancing. There was a trade show in Septemeber, I believe that has been delayed and they must work around those previously made arrangements, flights, hotel, and schedule. I had to end my placement and due to that, I was unable to finish any assigned work and get industry experience.
Pioneer ConstructionÂ
Seasonal Industry - Summer
MOTHER
My mom is a very protective mom with 5 kids that don't live close enough for her. She worries, protects and helps her kids weather it is stocking them up with limited supplies, dropping of coins for laundry and letting her kids move back home for comfort. She also works seasonally which means she was to resume work at the start of April but that was delayed. She depends on E.I during her offseason and that is only for a limited time and for a limited amount. Her concern definitely lays within her children and how some may not be able to stay afloat without a consistent income and support.
Essential Employee
Grocery Store Clerk
CLOSE FRIEND
She has a fear I will never face, she goes to work knowing how vulnerable to the virus she is, how stressful she feels just being there and the constant pressure from staff and customers. Her hands are worn out and her eyes are always puffy from the constant stress crying from fear. She needs to work to pay bills and eat, she doesn't have an option but also she understands her role as an employee and how she is less at risk than most. I strongly our essential workers and hope nothing but their health and safety and want to thank them.
First Time ParentsÂ
Personal Stress
FAMILY MEMBERS
Maya is soon-to-be mom, she was supposed to have her baby shower this month and she is 7 months pregnant. She is facing stress that no expecting mother should be and this could be a risk for her or the baby. Having to go through something so life-changing like pregnancy and something so life-changing as a global pandemic just enhances the emotions but also the memories attached to either topic. For Maya, her support team is what pushes her through and knowing the gift that will arrive weather the virus dies off or not is worth it.
Bride & GroomÂ
Summer Wedding
INVOLVED IN WEDDING
My sister-in-law was planning on getting married in August, they have a 9-month-old child and due to the pandemic decided to not take the risk and reschedule the wedding to an unconfirmed date. They still had final planning, scheduled appointments, and travel plans arranged but all having to come to a halt. Realizing that this pandemic affects things that to some may be irrelevant but to others may have have been a goal or a dream. The bride is a nurse a luckily due to maternity leave she isn't on the frontline but she is expected to return soon and that may affect her home life.
Out of Province Miner
Resource Industry
IN-LAW
My boyfriend's dad has been a miner his whole life, currently in Manitoba but due to his scheduling and decisions made my his employers he returned to Ontario. He planned on returning after 3 weeks there for a short break, unfortunately, he was unable to cross the border once he was planning to return to work. For the time being, he is not working and he was not planning to not be working so the family must be reactive at these times while helping support their kids who are also facing challenges due to income, schooling and their grandchildren.
SKILLS REQUIRED & DEVELOPED
Due to COVID-19
BUDGETING
EMPATHY
RATIONAL DECISION MAKING
For Your Situation
Wether you're
still working
supporting others
stopped working
don't qualify for grants
have foreign investments
have family abroad
decreased hours
other barriers​
Now is the time more than ever to be planning for your future financially with tax season ​here and uncertainty to come.
From A Distance
Staying social during this time is important and I believe sharing your thoughts and understanding someone's situation helps everyone in the conversation. Staying social can be through group chats, random memes, and video calls. Some people are in total isolation by themselves and they need support and someone to listen because no ones ever faced anything like this, it must be so much harder alone.
Ripple Effect
This relates to panic buying, going to parties or having a group celebration, and not taking government precautions. Yes, these may seem selfish but it's most likely a psychological need to socialize, to be prepared and to not worry, which is a human instinct when in face of change or danger. Just understanding no one is alone and being able to understand that anything can be rationalized to the person in fear trying to convince themselves everything is alright. Have the conversation, be confrontational and pull on heartstrings because in reality the decisions we make affect others.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES & OPINIONS
Quarantine & Social Distancing
This pandemic has changed my life and I just want to take a few moments to talk about a few topics that have been weighing heavy on my mind. It's completely normal to be selfish, scared and full of questions.