Financial Fallout

I have been thinking a lot, recently, about the pandemic and the impact that it has had on all of us. Of course, the tragic deaths and illnesses, which are terrible. but there are so many other challenges that have stemmed from this affliction.

There is the social impact, being kept from loved ones and unable to engage in our passions and hobbies. There is the division that comes from some of us having to endure isolation longer because of those who don't care enough to take it seriously, thereby extending the need for it.

We may have, hopefully, gotten past the panic buying and the shortages that created, but we are still seeing reduced availability of necessities, as well as higher cost for the items that are available. There would already be very hard, but it becomes especially straining when jobs have also be reduced or altered to fit the new distancing practices or simply cut to keep profits higher for those at the top while the economy (and their revenue) takes a hit. 

Most of these businesses could still afford to pay their employees, but chose not to 'sacrifice' a fourth yachting in favor of keeping food on the table of the workers who make all of their wealth possible. Thankfully, one potentially positive thing to come in the wake of this tragedy is workers may be starting to finally refuse to allow poverty wages to continue.

There has been an increase lately, of unemphatic companies not being able to fill positions. When demand for lumber exceeds supply, plywood increases in price by 700%. When demand for labor exceeds supply, companies complain that no one wants to work. People are starting to see where the real issue is, and refusing to enable that kind of dehumanizing treatment.

Still, as noble and necessary as this revolution is, it can be extremely difficult to stay resolute in the face of poverty. When you have a family to care for, or even just care for your own well being, it is sometimes a choice between taking the bad option, or standing on principle at the cost of going hungry, or worse.

We are all in this together, or we should be. So if you are struggling, reach out to the people close to you. They may have side work for you to do, such as pet sitting, a painting or yard care job, etc. Maybe you are a great baker, and can use your talents to do cakes or treats on commission. Your circle can be your customers or share your name and contact with those in search of such expertise. 

There are other resources, though I only recommend such things as temporary assistance, in last resort situations. Options such as hard money loans, which use collateral to obtain loans with bad or no credit. With the high interest rates and low value given to the items used for collateral, it is not something to be done lightly, but it is nice to know that if it ever comes to that, you have something you can turn to in order to make it through the storm.