By Hannah Kieffer
With the second lockdown almost over, many students are concerned about where their job stands, and how it will affect the rest of their semester. Restaurants have been laying staff off due to ban on indoor dining.
“Recently I’ve been getting too many hours because we have been short stuffed since so many people quit during the first lockdown,” said Brooke Budick, a Western Michigan University student. “Now that another lockdown is going into place, I”m afraid I wont get as many hours as I need to pay the bills.”
Many students have had a large amount of job related stress. The fear of getting COVID-19 and not being able to afford two weeks off is a high concern. Many companies are not providing paid sick leave. Budick also shared her concerns for her mental health this semester.
“Days I don’t work are so unstructured because I technically don’t even need to leave my bed to get everything done, it’s been hard on my mental health,” said Budick. “I’ve also been so anxious in the financial aspect.”
Many businesses are being shut down or temporarily closed due to COVID-19 cases, that uncertainty is causing a lot of work stress for college students who rely on their weekly paychecks.
“I have no idea if my workplace is going to shut down or suddenly have a bunch of Covid exposures and I won’t be able to work,” said Budick. “My workplace doesn’t pay you if you can’t work due to a Covid exposure so it’s been frustrating.”
Budick isn’t the only student worried about the ups and downs of her job. College is already a very stressful time, not to mention right now. Students are struggling to find time for themselves, and to simply relax and get things done. Clayton Devos, a Michigan State University student, is also having a hard time juggling school and work amid a pandemic.
“I told them I could work 20 hours a week, and they scheduled me 29 (hours),” said Devos. “I don’t do homework some nights, and I consider that my mental health day.”
So how do we as students cope with stress, juggle work, and school? Many experts have differing opinions on how to cope, also everyone responds differently to stress. The Center for Disease Control has given many tips for individuals who feel overwhelmed during this time. Some of their main tips are to take breaks from watching the news, exercising and taking time for yourself. When there seems to be too much stress, take a break from studying, and go for a short walk.Many find that clearing your mind for a short fifteen minute walk can do wonders for relieving stress.
Considering the rise of anxiety and depression related to the pandemic, it’s important to ask for help. GRCC offers many Mental Health and Wellness services, free of cost to students. You can talk to a counselor about anything that might be troubling you, completely confidential. For students struggling Student Life can also assist students who need food, housing, or transportation assistance. Regardless of the outcome of this second lockdown, there are numerous resources available to help you through this difficult time.
