As many businesses close temporarily because of the coronavirus pandemic, students are finding themselves without a job.
Aidan Walsh ’20, who worked at Crow Law Firm as a clerk analyzing and summarizing records for court cases, chose to stop working for health concerns.
“I stopped working to stay healthy,” Walsh said. “When I heard that the virus had a two week period before symptoms show, my family stayed inside for two weeks to make sure we were all healthy.”
Walsh said he doesn’t think that students should be out working while the safety orders are still in place. He is unsure if he will return to work before leaving for college.
“Every situation is different but it is probably better for kids to stay home if they can,” Walsh said. “I have no idea when or if I’ll return to my job; I am supposed to go to Michigan State next fall but everything is still up in the air.”
Morgan Braddock ’22 previously worked at the Grosse Pointe Public Library where she stocked shelves. She was notified by her boss in person on her last day.
“I was pretty frustrated because there was a lot of work to do and I feel like it is piling up,” Braddock said. “I miss my job. It gave me something to do in my free time.”
James Doerer ’20 decided to get a job once he heard that his plans to leave early for college were postponed. Doerer currently works at Fresh Farms Market stocking shelves and making deliveries to customers.
“I got a job because I need money to pay for my tuition,” Doerer said. “I was supposed to go to my college, Valparaiso University, on June 1 for football and have a job there, but after they told me I wouldn’t be going down there due to this virus, I needed a way to make money to start paying for my tuition.”
Doerer said he is aware of the concerns that many medical officials are raising about safety when interacting with others and is taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.
“I’m cautious when I’m working and am always wearing gloves and masks and washing my hands every hour,” Doerer said. “I try to adhere to the social distancing recommendations, but unfortunately I can’t afford to be out of work for this long period of time.”
Doerer said that, as many businesses slowly come back, it will be crucial to continue taking the proper steps to ensure everyone’s safety and health.
“As we come back to the new normal, as they are calling it, we will need to make sure there isn’t a resurgence of the disease,” Doerer said. “As long as you are being safe, I see no reason why people shouldn’t be allowed to come back to work.”