As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic enforcing self-quarantining and social distancing worldwide, millions of people have had their workplaces temporarily close to abide by these guidelines- making it incredibly difficult, and even impossible for some to continue with their job in order to provide financial income. Fortunately, with academic instruction being moved to online, professors and teachers have been able to find a new “normal” for their job- despite making some very tough and unexpected adjustments. However, other businesses such as beauty salons have not been so lucky. In just 5 weeks, this pandemic has resulted in over 26 million people nationwide to lose their jobs, and is forcing those still employed to find a new customary routine which may not be very accommodating to all occupations. 

Image: Unemployment Claims Graph . Image courtesy of The New York Times 

Not only has the Coronavirus pandemic affected those with their current jobs, but also those looking to find a job. Because the United States economy has been rocked in very negative ways, the Economic Policy Institute estimates that this outbreak could eliminate over 3 million jobs in the United States by summer. Unfortunately, this could be extremely detrimental as students in college seeking internships may find that hiring businesses and corporations become far more competitive- as they have less spots to offer. The same goes for 2020 college graduates seeking to put their degree to work immediately, as the U.S. economy is not in the same position to hire as many people for jobs as they were able to before the strike of this pandemic. 

While job opportunities may become increasingly scarce and competitive as our economy begins to open up, giant global corporations such as Amazon, Google and Netflix have the funds to keep flourishing during this outbreak. In fact, grocery stores have reported their customers buying necessities in outrageous quantities, therefore bringing a strong demand for restocks on items such as toilet paper and paper towels on a consistent basis. Amazon, in this case, is a corporation in which is currently hiring hundreds of thousands of workers due to overwhelming demand. Especially as long as businesses stay closed and social-quarantining is enforced, shopping online at Amazon will remain an efficient go-to choice.

Image: Amazon employees at work . Image courtesy of Amazon.Jobs on Google

Furthermore, with stores and businesses being closed for in person visits, it has undoubtedly put a heavy emphasis and value on online advertising for websites. Especially for non-essential businesses, being able to entice the customer with sales, appealing deals, and perks may allure them to spend money online even during this pandemic where many people do not have the finances to spend money on frivolous purchases. 

Overall, the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been life changing for millions of employed people across the globe, and unfortunately has resulted in jobs being both lost and limited. However, in the midst of a both upsetting and scary time for families and the U.S. economy, it is crucial to take advantage of unemployment benefits as well as other benefits and extensions intended to accommodate those who struggle financially right now. Above all, however, it is most imperative to remain as optimistic as possible and understand that as time progresses, our world and economy will begin to discover our new “normal”.