How Covid19 is putting a strain on friendships

Right now, during Covid19, we have a sharp focus on the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’.

The ‘haves’ of the world still have their jobs or are still running their businesses amongst the insanity of Covid19.

The ‘have nots’ have either had a massive reduction in income or are completely out of work.

And it totally sucks.

I hope so hard that things will pick up again soon and that people can get back into work.

But here’s the thing - the ‘haves’ who are running businesses cannot be leaned on at the moment to provide employment to those out of work. 

I’m hearing of friends asking their ‘biz-owner’ friends to give them work and this is such a heartbreaking situation. Many business owners have already had to let staff go and to bring on any replacements is a big process.

Those who are still running businesses have definitely got an advantage at the moment. But the impact of Covid19 will have drastically impacted how they deliver their services, their team capacity and the needs of their market.

As an outsourcing specialist, I understand that bringing on new team members can be a time-consuming process. Contractors are easier people to bring on but most people who are out of work wouldn’t be set up to be able to take contracting jobs.

So to bring them on as a staff member is a commitment that they simply can’t ask of their friends.

There may be feelings of resentment about this, causing rifts between friendships or family. 

So what can be done?

We need to respect the challenges facing business owners, especially small business owners at the moment. I remember thinking when I was younger that people who owned businesses must have plenty of money and I felt intimidated by them. Maybe that's still the vision for some people?

But I know now, that many business owners are not even pulling a regular wage for themselves - especially those who have staff! 

I know business owners feel stressed and overwhelmed because they cannot rely on someone else to bring work to them. 

I know business owners feel guilty because they often have to spend a lot of time working on their businesses so that it stays viable. They sometimes miss out on social gatherings because of commitments to their clients.

I know business owners have to justify their commitment in a way very differently to those who have rostered hours as an employee.

I also know business owners love their businesses and have many wonderful benefits from this life choice - luckily - or they'd throw in the towel for sure.

Right now, we are all in unique boats but in the same ocean. We need to voyage through this particular storm together, supporting each other wherever we can, but more than anything, respecting that we don’t know exactly what impact the storm is having on each of us. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. What impact has Covid19 had on your business or employment and what support are you in need of right now?

Do you need help?

With all that’s happening in the world with coronavirus (COVID-19), there is a lot of uncertainty. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed by what you’re hearing and seeing, it’s OK to feel this way.

It’s important to check in with yourself and it’s helpful to practice self-care. 

Visit Headspace for more resources.