Corona virus impacts on job market......

[getagrip_already]

Ok, so I am between jobs right now. I got laid off recently with a very good package so I'm not hurting, plus I'm at a point where I could just retire if I wanted to, so no impending doom here. No panic.

But I do have marketable skills. There are jobs out there. But I've run into more than one opportunity that has been put on hold because the companies don't want to be bringing in outsiders at this time.

It breaks down into two categories. One is straight up short term consulting. These assignments tend to be on-site in cities around the country. They are anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months in duration. I had one of these clinched until the virus fears hit. They have now officially put this position on hold because they don't want road warriors coming in to their facilities every week. It's a stressful life in good times from a health perspective, so I expect this.

The other is full time employment. I've had these slow down and be put on hold also. At a time when companies are struggling to move to a work at home model, they don't want the risk of bringing on new employees that will have to be trained and monitored closely at first.

So it's not a complete freeze, but oh baby, it's cold out there.

The good news is spring is here and the boat will be in the water soon. And contrary to public opinion, being unemployed doesn't actually suck if you don't need the money right away.

[brokephibroke]

1. It's the health care that is an issue

COBRA is a bitch.

[getagrip_already]

2. true that....

I got 2 months of paid cobra as part of my severance, after that it's $2300/month for myself, my wife, and 2 kids still under 26. Health/dental/vision.

I also get about $900/month in unemployment, so that pretty much goes to healthcare.

Not old enough for medicare yet. So after 18 months, I'll have to go on the open market.

[Ms. Toad]

3. And not always available.

My daughter's company went bankrupt - no COBRA option.

Personally, I'd rather have a bitchy COBRA than the 4 out of pocket maximums she will have to pay in 16 months as she transfers from her former employer to her new employer mid-plan year, to the new plan year. That's 11,400 (not counting what she pays in higher premiums)

(Since her billed expenses are $200,000/year, she'll pay every penny of it.)

[Newest Reality]

4. Just heard from...

Just heard from an old friend. He works for food service at one of those theaters that serves food and drinks during the movie.

He was notified that hours would be cut, (which is drastic for him considering the pay scale) due to the anticipated drop in clientele. He even anticipates being let go at this point. That's a real drag because that may mean homelessness, which he had finally gotten out of a couple of years ago,

Not only are the working class going to be losing crucially important hours, (to pay bills and rent and buy food) but they may be let go in a time when new hires will be suspended more and more. The job market may freeze.

We are on our own though, lest the "democrats", (those whom ever they are) are trying to check off items on an ideological wish list, which just so happens to be about helping THE PEOPLE. Trump is very interested in helping industry and corporations if needs be and the bromides he is throwing about right now are not going to be effective as growing numbers of people lose everything. The bills and rent will still have to be payed or its off and out!

I guess we can call this the time when droves of Americans Sign Out and Off! Farewell! You are on your own and your paying taxes was no assurance for your safety, well being or survival. No refunds, sorry.