Today was the first day PA is requiring masks for all patrons of essential businesses. As some of you know, few weeks ago I picked up a part time job at a local supermarket. Did it for a number of reasons. First, with my business shut down I’m just not good at sitting around doing nothing and I wanted to feel like I was helping somehow. I work early mornings and stock shelves. I can tell you first hand, keeping a supermarket stocker during a pandemic is labor intensive. These folks are working their tails off. One longtime employee who works longer than I do put on 15 miles on a busy day last week. The particular supermarket I’m at operates lean and mean as a business model. So, the whole store is basically stocked by 4-8 people from 6am-9am each day before the doors open. The manager who is an old friend of mine is pulling 50+ hour weeks. He’s a taskmaster for sure! Runs a tight ship. Has to during this whole mess.
There have been lines each day at 9am when we open. A few times I’ve been assigned to be the “bouncer”. This means wiping down carts, helping to monitor capacity and making sure the crowds don’t jam up as shoppers flow through the store. I really enjoy striking up conversations with folks. I’m fine working with a crowd cause that’s basically what my regular job is. Generally, I’d say 99% of folks are extremely nice during this despite the crummy circumstances. The folks who aren’t represent a very small number. When I encounter them I try to remember this could be a stressful time for folks and you really never know what someone else is going through.
Today, I was outside for an hour when the store opened and during that time, there was only 1 person who didn’t have the now required mask. I explained to her the new state policy and so she improvised one from stuff she had in her car. Wasn’t an issue and she was really cool about it.
In hindsite with ongoing issues the small business components of the CARES act and state self employed UC are having, this job is a big help. So far it’s ensuring I do not have to dip into savings for day to day stuff and bills.
The fact so many of the most vulnerable small businesses are still seemingly slipping through the cracks is frustrating. As a self employed person I haven’t seen a single penny of relief yet in any fashion whatsoever whether it’s UC, grants, loans or direct stimulus. This stuff will come and be retroactive where it applies but it’s taking forever. Luckily, I got a grant from the private sector which will be helpful to pay the mortgage on our office.
While my family is in a good position all things considered with savings plus the temporary essential job, I know other small business owners who aren’t. The state and federal government have got to get it together for these folks soon or I personally know some that may not be able to open back up.
Stay safe everyone.
-Ron