“Coronavirus & How We Can Help Each Other Financially”
Hello there, friends! I’ve been doing a lot of thinking these days about how my career choices seem more like sheer luck than deliberate moves. I started a full-time job as a stage manager in 2008, which was a tough year as you guys might remember, due to the economy crash and following recession. Despite the tough period, I managed to keep my job on a cruise ship.
The last two weeks have been rough for most of us, hasn’t it? Just like you, I’ve been watching as one friend after another in the theater loses their job. It’s been a nightmare, especially knowing how easily I could have been in their shoes. But, thank goodness, currently I’m teaching at a university.
Nowadays, even cruise ships have stopped operating.
Right now, I’m feeling grateful. I have a decent savings fund, my job’s moved online, and I have an additional online gig. Plus, for the first time, I’ve got good state health insurance.
In all this, I feel there’s also an onus on us, don’t you think?
For example, we need to shop responsibly, not hoard stuff. Also, I feel it is essential to help our neighbors and friends – maybe pick up some groceries for them. I mean, we could all do with an extra hand, and it’s not like we’re partying outside these days, right?
And hey, don’t forget about our awesome arts community! There’s still a lot happening online. Support them through virtual tip jars or Paypal donations. If you’re enjoying a friend’s band or online show, why not throw a few dollars their way?
Check on your self-employed friends and see if there’s anything they’re offering or selling online to sustain themselves. Let’s support them the best we can. Maybe you’ve got a musician friend giving online lessons? If you’ve got the time, pick up that old instrument and learn again. You never know – your lessons might be the difference between groceries or emptiness for them.
Of course, we can’t buy or support every cause, but we can try our best given our budget. Even if there’s a free version of a service, maybe it’s time to pick the paid version to help someone out.
For some, this financial stability I’m talking about isn’t a reality, as many are unemployed due to this crisis. But you know what, one of the best ways to regain control in this chaos is to help. We can’t all be on the frontline in healthcare, but we can light someone’s life up by buying a candle from their online store.
Let’s work together to make a difference, if we are in a position to do so.
Lastly, I’ve decided to open my blog to guest posts. If you are a currently jobless arts worker interested in sharing about your financial struggles, side hustles, or how you’re managing money during this pandemic, I’d love to hear about it. I can pay $30 a post, as I’ve decided to use my blog income for this project. If you’re interested, reach out to me at brokegirlrich@gmail.com.
Stay safe, friends, and don’t forget to wash those hands!