How Jobs Are Impacted

From our series "Coronavirus Through the Eyes of a Charlotte Teenager"

A doctor, a police officer, a fireman, a medic, a military soldier. Many kids want to pursue these jobs when they grow up, but do they really know what these professionals go through every day of this pandemic? These jobs all have something in common: taking care of others. And, quite frankly we wouldn’t be able to get through this crisis without all of them. 

Doctors are on the front lines every day, helping everyone who comes in the hospital needing to be treated or tested for COVID-19. Firemen and medics are always the first ones on the scene to help patients needing treatment or those who are not able to get to the hospital. They also come face-to-face with this virus each time they enter a home where it could be lurking.

The military has forever served and protected our country. Recently, they were called on to help deliver food, water, and medications, and to protect people from the spread of the virus. While there is always a constant need for these jobs, our current situation would be so much worse if we didn’t have these dedicated professionals who are working overtime to serve our communities across the world.

To a teenager, each of these jobs seem so cool because they make such a difference, but it’s also scary to think about pursuing a job where you put yourself at risk of contracting a deadly virus. Because of this, I wonder if more kids my age will pursue degrees in these fields, or will COVID-19 scare them off? 

This time has also opened my eyes to other “necessary” jobs—waiters, construction workers, and those keeping our grocery stores open. Just last week, my family had several diseased trees cut down. The men that came to cut down the trees can’t do this job from home. They get paid by the hour, so every hour they don’t work could mean a missed meal for their family.

I saw a story on the news that said many waiters live in hotels because they can’t afford to live anywhere else. But many hotels have shut down, so that means a lot of people lost their homes. I can’t imagine what must go through the minds of these people who lose their homes because these hotels are closed due to the virus. I’m so lucky I never have to think about when I will eat again or where I will get shelter. As a teenager, I would love to get a job so I can buy things I want, but right now, I realize other people need these jobs so they can pay for food and a place to live.

I am fortunate that my mom, dad, and most of my immediate family can work from home, even though it’s not easy for them. They’re on phone calls all day with their businesses, or they will lose their jobs. My grandfather, on the other hand, owns his own company, so he has to go into work so he doesn’t go out of business. 

These times aren't easy for anyone. Already more than three million people have filed for unemployment in the U.S. While I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, this virus has changed my perspective on so many jobs and encourages me to pursue a profession that helps our community.