It’s official: Since my office does not offer work-from-home, I am unemployed for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As much as I’ve been wishing for a vacation, this was definitely not the way I wanted it to happen. Nor did anyone else in New York State who is in the same situation today.
The phone lines for NYS Unemployment are overwhelmed, and the website crashes frequently. When I did finally get through, I was able to enter all my information only to be told that since I had worked this week (got my walking stay-at-home papers just this morning), I can’t apply for benefits until next week. Which is ok, except I can only imagine what it’s going to be like to get on that site next week.
Oh well. Nothing I can do to change anything.
Fortunately, despite all the recent grumbling about panic shopping, hubby and I had enough sense to stock up just in case this scenario came to pass. As of this moment, the Governor has not mandated a full lockdown (although the Governor has advised all New Yorkers not to go outside, supposedly we can still go to grocery stores, doctors, etc.), but I suspect it’s only a matter of time before total shelter-in-place is mandated.
After having gone through serious financial hardships in the past, I learned to always maintain enough cash in the bank to cover at least a couple of months’ household expenses, and my mortgage and other obligations are current through April. So, it won’t be overly distressing as long as this pandemic doesn’t last more than a few months. Sure, I’ll likely have to dip into savings a bit, but at least I have some savings.
My heart goes out to all those who live paycheck-to-paycheck and who are also now out of work. This is going to be tough on everyone; hopefully, it won’t also get ugly as the situation goes on.
While we’re all on an enforced vacation, but are unable to physically visit one another (even if we live nearby), perhaps someone can set up a virtual party? I’d be up for that. Anyone out there bored and looking for something to do? If so, go for it!
BTW, my photo sessions will, of course, be limited to inside my own house, or my own backyard, for the time being. I’ll do my best to make it worth your while.
Hugs, Everyone.
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Facebook or Twitter pages, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Image by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
Hugs back CM…
I’ve been doing self isolation/social distancing for the past week already myself. Keeping busy doing knitting, spinning and reading here. Stay safe and have fun looking for new ways to photograph from home.
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Thanks. Since hubby works for an “essential services” provider, he’ll still be going to the office, so I’ll have the house to myself. Plenty of time to get creative.
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The Ontario premier has been praised for acting quickly and shutting things down, but the essential/non-essential list is confusing. Our Osteopath and Podiatrist are closed…. but the plant nursery is open. 😳 😕
Stay sane and healthy! 😀 Perhaps it’s just as well that you are alone at home. NYC’s divorce applications have doubled.
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Husband and wives were not meant to be together 24/7. I expect hubby and I would kill each other within the first week.
As for “essential” services, I find it amusing that liquor stores are considered essential and are open, the same as grocery stores. I don’t know if that’s adding to the divorce rate or keeping people mellow so they can get along with each other.
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Good luck, stay safe.
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Thank you. We’ll get through ok.
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Sorry to hear you’ve gotten the boot along with so many others. We’ve been self-isolating to stay healthy for a week already, getting out as often as possible for walks while we still can. I’ve been writing a journal of sorts this week that people can join in to, so if you’re interested and/or lose track of the days of the week, come on over!
Hang in there, my friend.
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Stay safe. Love to see pictures of the pup!
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Ha! I’ll have plenty of time to get her to pose for me.
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It hard here too, but we can get true this, stay well stay safe 💜, I joined in at LindaGHill’s what day is it anyway.
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Thanks, Willow. I’ll check it out.
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We must all stay connected 💜
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I cannot even begin to imagine the catastrophe you and all the working people are facing. It makes retirement look like a piece of cake. Hang on and let’s hope the so-called government really does something for you. Supposedly you should have to wait that week. That was what all that legislation last week was supposed to change. I guess no one told Unemployment.
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I’ll be ok. I still get Social Security, and I have some cash in the bank – plus hubby’s company is “essential services” so he’ll continue to work (and grumble every day about being the only fool on our street who has to go in).
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NOT have to wait the week … I hate when i leave out the critical word in the sentence.
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I knew what you meant. Turns out I couldn’t apply until the end of next week anyway, because that’s my first week with no paycheck. Plus, the state is now designating which days you can access their site, according to your last name, and my day is Monday.
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Be well, be safe and be as content with hubby and sweet puppy Cody as possible as the world swirls around us, CM.
Our time of life sure is something.
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Hubby still has to go to work – he’s in “essential” services, and can’t work from home. His company gave him a letter so he can travel to and from work. But we’re worried he could bring COVID-19 home to me. Personally, I intend to stay in the house for the duration, except for my Remicade infusion (which can’t be postponed).
If nothing else, our kids will have stories to tell to their grandkids in the future.
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May you stay out of the web, CM.
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So sorry to hear about your job but happy to know you have enough to hunker down for a bit if need be. Best wishes.
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Thank you. Like everyone else in New York State, I will somehow manage to get through all this.
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I find it interesting that your work isn’t essential, whereas my office declared it is, from the state guidelines. I am open to working from home once I’m well, God willing, but I don’t want to go in, even at the risk of being terminated. My bosses don’t agree on this matter and that’s the silver lining of my sickness.
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I work for a law firm, which specializes in estates/trust and tax matters. Definitely not essential.
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