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4 Ways the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Your Life

November 20, 2021 No Comments

When you look back on your life before the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel like everything has changed. Whether you’ve chosen these changes or they’ve been out of your control, it can be difficult to process because your routines might be different than were several months ago. Fromgirltogirl (FG2G) outlines a few changes you may be experiencing as a result of the pandemic, the aftermath, and the unexpected benefits.

Finding a New Job

The pandemic has had a negative impact on countless businesses, and if you’ve had to find a new job, you’re in good company. Landing a new position during such a turbulent time is not easy. But if you have managed to find work, you’ll have opportunities to learn new skills, network, and boost your savings while possibly spending more time at home. Over time, you’ll grow into your new role.

The pandemic has also caused some to think about going back to school to beef up their employable and transferable skills. Thinking ahead, getting a degree can be just the ticket to career advancement or finding a new, better-paying vocation. Opting for online coursework to round out your education is beneficial in many ways, including the convenience of being able to study and take tests remotely, at your own pace and at your own place. And the choice of degree is myriad; Phoenix University, for example, offers 34 bachelor’s programs.

Working From Home

The pandemic caused many companies to instruct their employees to work from home until further notice, and it appears that working remotely may be here to stay for many workers.

To adapt to this new arrangement, Vault recommends creating a schedule for everybody in your household, including your kids, so that you and your partner can delegate different responsibilities. You may also want to get some work done before your kids wake up or after they go to bed.

If you’ve noticed rising family tensions as a result of being cooped up, it might be time to declutter and deep clean your home to create a more positive environment. Opening the windows for fresh air during the day helps. With enough time, you’ll be able to appreciate the perks of remote work, like ditching your commute and spending more time with your loved ones.

It’s also important to reduce stress by taking steps like staying comfortable. This is especially true for work-from-home moms who are expecting a child soon. If you are that mom, do yourself a favor and invest in comfy and functional clothes like labor and delivery gowns that can also be fashionable.

Staying Safe

Throughout the pandemic and post-pandemic era, you’ve had to adopt new habits to protect yourself and your family from the virus. This may feel inconvenient at times, especially when you’re out running errands. But keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is well worth the extra effort.

Wearing a mask to the grocery store, keeping hand sanitizer in your home and car, and staying home if you feel under the weather helpsto keep other people healthy. If you’re strict about social distancing, ordering groceries and other items for delivery to your home instead of going out shopping, this routine can save you time and protect you from COVID-19 and its variants.

Getting Fit

Were you an avid gym-goer before the pandemic? If so, you might have had to revamp your fitness routine. If you choose not to return to the gym, you won’t have access to the same machines when you work out at home, but you’ll save plenty of money, and you’ll have an excuse to turn an unused space into a home gym or yoga studio. Furthermore, you may want to change up your diet to include more immune-boosting foods — Health.com recommends sunflower seeds, almonds, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

If you feel like the pandemic turned your life upside down or you feel overwhelmed by all of the changes, take time to adjust to these constantly changing circumstances. With a positive attitude, you can find a way to navigate this trying time with grace, and you’ll come out the other side stronger.

Fromgirltogirl (FG2G) is a healthy lifestyle consultant and trusted news source for audiences of all ages. Explore the website, to discover informative content and insightful life perspectives from all over the world. Reach out today for more info at advertise@fromgirltogirl.com.

Career

Washington, DC has the 4th Smallest Unemployment Rate Increase in the United States

May 23, 2020 No Comments

With the unemployment rate at 14.7% right before Memorial Day and due in large part to the coronavirus, WalletHub has released its report on the States with the Biggest Increases in Unemployment Rates to illustrate which areas of the United States have been most and least impacted by COVID-19’s assault on jobs. This report examines unemployment rates on a monthly basis, complementing the weekly analysis in WalletHub’s report on the States Hit Most by Unemployment Claims.

To identify the states with the biggest increases in unemployment rates, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on three key metrics. They looked at the change in each state’s unemployment rate during the latest month for which they have data (April 2020) compared to April 2019 and January 2020. They also considered each state’s overall unemployment rate. Below are highlights from the report, along with a WalletHub Q&A.

Unemployment Increase in District of Columbia (1=Highest, 25=Avg.):

116.18% Increase in Unemployment (April 2020 vs April 2019)
- 44,838 unemployed people in April 2020 vs 20,741 in April 2019;
- 2nd lowest increase in the U.S.
112.69% Increase in Unemployment (April 2020 vs January 2020)
- 44,838 unemployed people in April 2020 vs 21,081 in January 2020;
- 3rd lowest increase in the U.S.
11.1% Unemployment Rate (April 2020)
- 13th lowest unemployment rate in the U.S.

To view the full report and your state’s rank,view here.

WalletHub Q&A on Unemployment and the Coronavirus Pandemic

Will the coronavirus pandemic be as bad for jobs as the Great Depression?

“The coronavirus pandemic will not be as bad for jobs as the Great Depression was because the job losses now appear to be more temporary. Most workers who were laid off expect to eventually be rehired, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase of 16.2 million ‘temporary’ job losses in April compared to 544,000 ‘permanent’ losses. Although the unemployment rate is currently at the highest level since the Great Depression, we don’t expect it to surpass that historic mark,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “The U.S. will eventually reopen fully, and we are already starting to see some progress in vaccine research. A full reopening combined with a vaccine will provide the economic and public health boost we need to get back on track.”

What can states do to support people who are unemployed, other than provide traditional benefits?

“Aside from financial assistance, the best way for states to support unemployed residents is to facilitate a safe reopening that allows businesses to start rehiring. States should prioritize reopening places that help unemployed people get back to work, such as libraries with free Wi-Fi where they can conduct job searches and childcare programs that allow parents to go to work,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Safety should be the number one concern in any state’s reopening process, so a big part of getting people back to work is requiring face masks in public and other restrictive measures to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.”

Which state has experienced the biggest increase in unemployment vs. the beginning of the year?

“Hawaii has experienced the biggest increase in unemployment because the number of unemployed persons jumped by 666% from January 2020 to April, compared to the average increase of 248%,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Hawaii’s overall unemployment rate is 23.5%, compared to the average of 14.7%.”

Which state has experienced the smallest increase in unemployment vs. the beginning of the year?

“Connecticut has experienced the smallest increase in unemployment because it has seen a 65% rise in the number of unemployed persons from January 2020 to April, compared to the average increase of 248%,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “Connecticut’s overall unemployment rate is 8.0%, compared to the average of 14.7%.”

Uncategorized

For Employers – What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

March 5, 2020 No Comments

coronavirus prevention tips for employers

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading throughout the world and it has officially made it to the United States. From small business to corporate America, here is what employers need to know about the upper respiratory infection that has spread internationally from Wuhan, China to the United States and worldwide:

Maintain a Safer Workplace

Employers can increase workplace safety by following the coronavirus guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the influenza pandemic guidelines published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”).

According to the CDC and OSHA guidelines, employers should take precautions like encouraging sick employees to stay home and modifying policies to liberalize leave. Employers should also provide resources to employees, including keeping hand soap and sanitizer stocked and available.

Avoid Discrimination Claims and Workplace Leave Law Violations

Employees may have a need to know if someone in the workplace has been diagnosed with coronavirus. The identity of a person diagnosed with coronavirus however should be kept confidential under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Employers covered by the ADA (and state or local disability protections) should be careful to avoid discrimination claims by ensuring confidentiality for an employee who contracts the disease.

Moreover, eligible employees of covered employers should be granted available leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, if they or family members contract coronavirus. Leave may also be available under state and local laws. For example, the New York Paid Family Leave Benefits Law would apply if an employee’s family member contracted coronavirus.

Curtail Non-Essential Employee Travel

As a corollary to maintaining a safer workplace, employers should curtail non-essential travel to reduce the potential of employee exposure to the coronavirus while traveling for work. The CDC has issued travel notices discouraging non-essential travel to China and certain other countries abroad in Asia and Europe.

Remain Informed

Employers should remain informed by reviewing the CDC coronavirus guidelines Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020 which are available online here. Employers should also review the OSHA influenza pandemic guidelines, entitled Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic,” available online here.