Should I accept these jobs, with the corona virus now?

[ironpony]

I've been looking for work, and in my city, a lot of grocery stores and hardware stores are hiring extra people temporarily, because of the virus for a few months now.

However, I am afraid to work a job, where you have to deal with the public coming in and out now because the virus.  I spend a fair amount of time taking care of my Grandma and wouldn't want her to get it.  So what do you think?  But at the same time, I don't want to feel like a lazy person who won't accept work...

Edited March 19, 2020 by ironpony

[d0nnivain]

If you take the job you will need to stay away from grandma.  If you live with grandma you can't take the job.  If you are young & healthy it's not about you taking steps to prevent yourself from getting sick.  It's about you not passing in on to someone vulnerable like grandma.

[ironpony]

Okay sure, it's just I feel so lazy for not working for a while, so should I stay away from Grandma for a while and work?  Would that be more responsible?

[d0nnivain]

It's a choice.  But is one or the other.  If you are out in the world engaging with people do you really want to risk killing your grandmother?  You can work OR you can care for her.  But if you have the luxury, don't do both.

[Fletch Lives]

I like what d0nnivain is saying.

Another option would be to wait awhile before making a decision....let's see what happens with this national emergency.

[d0nnivain]

5 minutes ago, Fletch Lives said:

Another option would be to wait awhile before making a decision....let's see what happens with this national emergency.

I don't think waiting is the answer.  The grocery stores need help now in the middle of the panic.  They won't need the extra staffing help once things calm down.  It's kind of a strike while the iron is hot thing. 

[Fletch Lives]

25 minutes ago, d0nnivain said:

I don't think waiting is the answer.  The grocery stores need help now in the middle of the panic.  They won't need the extra staffing help once things calm down.  It's kind of a strike while the iron is hot thing. 

 - I hear you but this virus may change the world we live in......I have a feeling other jobs will be opening up we may not have thought of yet.

Milk and grocery delivery, for one thing.

Decades ago, they used to have milk delivery to your door. That might come back. Great biz opportunity.

[ironpony]

 

5 hours ago, d0nnivain said:

I don't think waiting is the answer.  The grocery stores need help now in the middle of the panic.  They won't need the extra staffing help once things calm down.  It's kind of a strike while the iron is hot thing. 

Well the thing about this is that it feels like a paradox, because the virus may spread more if people start work as well, which causes more panic.  It's a toss up cause I want work, but don't want to increase the chances of being infected hugely, cause a lot of people from all over come into those stores...

[basil67]

Yes, our essential retail staff should be seen as heroes in all of this because it's a high risk job at present.   Perhaps shelf stacking could be an option?  If Canada is like here, they need all the help they can get to restack shelves after delivery trucks arrive. 

[ironpony]

Oh it's just that customers from all over go up and down those aisles with the shelves, so i thought that the virus has passed by all the shelves possibly then.  I guess they are heroes, but I was thinking if I took the job, I could become a carrier, and that make me careless, not heroic, or so I thought.

[Ellener]

12 hours ago, d0nnivain said:

They won't need the extra staffing help once things calm down.

I imagine there will be lots of new work needs will spring up in response to the situation and corresponding temporary jobs. 

Yes, I was just thinking today what heroes the grocery store workers are, there would definitely have been panic if all the stores closed, doing things in stages has definitely been better.

 

 

[ironpony]

Well everyone, friends and family are trying to talk me out of taking a job, and laying low for now.  I got a call back and missed the call, but they said don't call them back.  So that got me scared if they are right that it's real serious now.  More deaths in Italy too now.

[zoeyw]

Testing times indeed. I think no business textbook could have prepared anyone for these times. Perhaps calling them and explaining might actually help. it might show you as an upfront person. Becoming a carrier is something we all worry about when we have to go home to families with older parents or relatives around. 

Edited April 2, 2020 by a LoveShack.org Moderator
Removed link

[ironpony]

Well I keep being told to stay on unemployment insurance but I feel guilty being on it, cause I am not accepting jobs where I have to work around people.  They say I shouldn't feel guilty being on it in these times, but shouldn't I, especially if I am being dishonest in the reports that I will take a job if it comes along?

[DarrenB]

In most countries there are plenty of more low-maintenance jobs available to the unemployed especially, a lot of them being more low risk than being in a vicinity where potential virus carriers appear on a regular basis.

At the same time jobs that will provide a solid income on a monthly basis seem to be quite scarce, so re-look at all the options you have and decide on whether or not you require further income to survive. 

With a world-wide pandemic still worsening, I would personally advise to take the time off and consider it a short (temporary, but not permanent) break. If you have elderly relatives to look after it's the smartest option going forward unless for exceptional circumstances.

[ironpony]

Well my parents do not want me getting a job right now, since I live with them and we take care of our Grandma some days.  But I feel guilty being on the insurance, if I am not looking for a job, because they don't want to me look.  So should I go off it then, if I feel guilty about that?

[DarrenB]

13 minutes ago, ironpony said:

Well my parents do not want me getting a job right now, since I live with them and we take care of our Grandma some days.  But I feel guilty being on the insurance, if I am not looking for a job, because they don't want to me look.  So should I go off it then, if I feel guilty about that?

It's all about personal preference. Some see the additional income support and insurance as an opportunity to work out expenses, to cope and to manage during the difficult circumstances they might be facing. Some do not require the support and benefits so are happy to continue being in employment as a form of additional income but not as a necessity.

Please do what you feel is right for yourself and your family, we cannot coax you into making a decision.

[ironpony]

Yeah but I have to technically lie on the insurance reports though, and my family and friends tell me to do it, because of the virus, but I still feel guilty.

[Ellener]

2 hours ago, ironpony said:

Yeah but I have to technically lie on the insurance reports though, and my family and friends tell me to do it, because of the virus, but I still feel guilty.

Really? In my state job search provisions are waived during the pandemic. Did you check yours?

[Kitty Tantrum]

I know I've given you crap about not buckling down in the employment department before... but I'm rather inclined to say, in these weird times, that if you have a good relationship with your grandmother and are one of her caregivers, that should be the priority right now.

You're going to have a lot more years ahead of you to make money than you'll have to spend with your grandma.

If there are no special unemployment provisions where you are and you have to lie to keep the benefits... I guess ask yourself how realistically you can do without it... and if you CAN'T do without it, if you really need the money... take a deep breath and repeat to yourself that lots of people lie on those forms for worse reasons.

I've never known anyone on unemployment who took a "crappy job" until the benefits ran out. They apply for "dream jobs"/jobs they know they're not qualified for/places that aren't actually hiring, so that they can fill out the forms without "technically" being dishonest.

Maybe that's wrong, but you know, whatever. These are unprecedented times, and that's how I feel about that.

[Ellener]

Here is a list of the states and Covid-19 unemployment benefits provisions https://gusto.com/blog/people-management/covid-state-unemployment-insurance-benefits

Check your state @ironpony

Most seem to be waiving job search requirements or as in California's case allowing flexibility in the decision; you being your grandmother's caregiver would cover that.

[ironpony]

I was told by my parents and friends that they would be waiving it in these times, and that the reports just ask those questions because they are old questionnaires and they didn't bother updating them, but I am only taking their word for it.  

[Ellener]

3 hours ago, ironpony said:

I am only taking their word for it.  

Why? Check it out yourself, take action man!

[ironpony]

Well I emailed them and waiting for an email back but kind of feel guilty collecting in the mean time without knowing.  Should I still keep collecting as I wait?

[Ellener]

6 hours ago, ironpony said:

Should I still keep collecting as I wait?

Yes. I doubt given the current state of affairs your check will undermine the economy 🙂