Currently many people are out of work and are being advised to stay home and to only go out if they need to. However, for me, there are very few days that I am able to stay home. This is all because my part time job at Subway is considered essential during this pandemic. Yes, Subway is essential.
When the pandemic began to boom in mid-March, I asked my manager if we would close if the government was to issue a stay at home order. At this time, she was very unsure. For the next few days I went on questioning when or if I would lose my job and have to apply for unemployment. Then we found out that we would still be open if the government was to shut down. To me, this was a relief.
At this time, I honestly would like to tell you that still being able to go to work during this time is both rewarding and scary. It is rewarding because I am still able to go to work and make money. My company even gave us a temporary pay raise to show appreciation. I am not having to worry about paying my rent, car payment, car insurance, any other bill, or getting food. However, I have to admit, still working and interacting with the public right now scares the crap out of me. I am constantly worrying about catching COVID-19. I have begun to take extra precautions both while I am at work and when I get home.
At work, some precaution that are being taken would be wiping everything down and washing my hands after every customer. I want to ensure that neither the next customer nor myself gets sick. Once leaving work, I make sure to run any errand that needs to be done before going home. This limits my risk of coming in contact with COVID-19. Once getting home, I like to take a shower. This eliminates any germs that may be on my person. Other things that I have started to do would be to take things that help my immune system and to drink tea.
Being an essential working during a pandemic that is continuously growing is one of the scariest things that I and so many others have encountered in my life. Yet, we still get up every day and go to work. If you go out to the grocery store or to a nearby Dunkin Donuts, remember to thank the workers. They are putting their lives on the line so that everyone can have their essentials!
Xoxo