For a lot of people, they consider March 11, 2020, as the first day of the COVID-19 pandemic. The day things changed for everyone. For me however, it was for the most part a regular day. I woke up, drove to work, did my regular 8.5 hours shift, and then drove home. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I was after all already aware of this novel coronavirus for weeks now at that point, and nobody has given me any indication that I was going to be affected in any significant way; unless I catch COVID that is. I have even voiced my opinion at work about making more of an effort to keep things more sanitized than usual, which only resulted with some co-workers giving me a look like I was overreacting. They said things will be fine.
On March 12, 2020, I did my usual routine just like the previous day, and even went to see a movie that night; “Bloodshot.” There was one thing extra that was on my mind however. I got word that there was a strong chance that my place of work was going to be forced to shut down because of the pandemic. Half of me thought that there was no way for that to happen, because a running business equals making money, and my work place is all about making money. They said things will be fine.
March 13, 2020, Friday the Thirteenth, and there was an air of concern that my place of work is actually going to have to close up for the pandemic. I finished my shift that day, and then went to go see another movie; “The Hunt.” Shortly later on, I was informed by the company that I didn’t have to return to work for an undetermined period. “We’ll probably see you in two weeks” they joked. My mind wasn’t too concerned. It won’t be a long break from work. They said things will be fine.
To my surprise. That Friday was the last time I went to work, as I was eventually furloughed. “The Hunt” turned out to be the last thing I saw at a movie theater. At the time I’m writing this, it’s been one year since I forced myself to be “safer at home.” It’s been one year since I went out to eat. It’s been one year since I’ve had a gathering with family or friends. It’s been one year since I’ve gone to any event. It’s been one effing year of just staying home. Will things really be fine again?
Now admittedly, I have always said that I’m a homebody, and I’m sorta anti-social. Just staying at home isn’t a big deal right? Correct! I joke that I’m made for a pandemic, because I’m the guy who is never bored, as there is always something for me to do. That absolutely has not changed, even though I’m home all the time now. I have the internet, TV, and gaming. I have my Wife and my pet Dog in my life. I’m thinking things really will be fine.
The only time I had to leave the house, is when I needed to buy groceries, get take-out food, or when I walked the dog. Occasionally, I needed to go check on my parents, and there was that one time I drove to San Diego for a few hours. Other than all that, I’m just at home. From living a life when I’m always leaving home, needing to drive somewhere practically everyday, to a life where the most driving I have done in a year is in the video game “Cyberpunk 2077.” This is almost like what they jokingly call a “staycation,” and it’s seriously been fine.
It’s March 13, 2021 now, and I’m starting to think I’m under house arrest, instead of this vacation at home concept. I hit a snag in this homebody living. Due to some glitch, I haven’t received an unemployment check in two months now, and it hasn’t been resolved yet. I’m still on furlough from my work, so that’s a serious problem. Not having regular income coming in is obviously going to disrupt things. I only have maybe two months left of savings to accommodate paying the bills. I would like to go back to a job, but I really would rather get the COVID-19 vaccine first. I’m starting to feel depressed that things will not be fine at all.
During the past year, people have been frustrated with these lock down orders. People are complaining about getting cabin fever. Being sick and tired of communicating via video chat. Missing meeting friends and family in person. Not getting to go to parties, live events, or festivals. All that, plus more! Once again, as somebody who calls himself a homebody, I’ve been able to put up with all that. However, the most cliché thing is what’s actually getting to me. Money. Why does it always have to be about money? Why does it have to be such a necessity to have money to be fine?
One year later of being under the shadow of COVID-19, and financial instability still wins as the bigger threat. Why does money always have to be an issue? Why haven’t we figure out how to deal with income inequality in America? How is this still fine?!
More than 532,000 people have died from COVID-19 in America in a span of one year. With that said, I’m betting more people's lives are destroyed due to financial insecurity every year. That’s not fine at all.