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The domino effect of the global pandemic has left many individuals on unexpected paths – among them is a 61-year-old man who once held a nearly six-figure job but is now making ends meet by driving for delivery apps. This drastic change in career trajectory offers a unique look into the realities that millions of Americans face in the light of COVID-19 related layoffs and business downsizing.
This 61-year-old man, for the purpose of this article referred confidentially as Steve, was until recently holding a high-salary position in a well-known corporate company. When the pandemic hit, his organization was not immune to the economic downturn. The company had to make a tough call, and Steve was left without his job.
While he was initially shocked and disoriented at this sudden turn of events, Steve was not the kind to accept defeat. So, vowing to keep the tension off his family, he looked for alternative income sources. That’s when he stumbled upon delivery apps that were on a hiring spree owing to the increased demand for home delivery of essential goods during the lockdown.
Just as millions of people across the U.S began relying heavily on delivery apps for all their needs – ranging from groceries to takeaway meals, the demand for delivery personnel increased. For Steve and others like him, this came as an unexpected silver lining. Even as his corporate career came to an abrupt end, he found another potential income course in delivery apps.
He began working with the apps, and it was no picnic. The work was demanding and the hours were long. For a man approaching retirement age, this was a significant shift from his former office-based job. Despite the harsh conditions, Steve plunged headfirst into his new role.
These delivery gigs, well-known for their flexible hours and independence in choosing when to accept the job, are now being used by Steve as a primary source of income. Once an option for part-time workers or for some extra income, delivery apps have become a necessity for many individuals like Steve.
Driving through neighborhoods and localities he had once cruised as a corporate executive, Steve now delivers necessities to doorsteps. His workday often extends anywhere from 12 to 16 hours, without a day off. Though he misses the level of comfort provided by his old job, he appreciates the fact that he has the means to pay his bills and maintain his standard of living.
As a delivery worker, Steve witnesses the varying levels of COVID-19 impacts first-hand. From the sight of shuttered stores to the socially distanced interaction at every delivery point, his day-to-day encounters are a constant reminder of the pandemic’s economic and social implications.
Through these changes, Steve personifies resilience, adaptability, and grit, proving that it’s about picking yourself up, no matter how adverse the circumstances. His situation offers a profound epiphany on the importance of staying resilient and adaptable in these challenging times.
Despite the arduous tasks, long working hours, and no time off, Steve keeps himself motivated with the fact that he is playing a crucial role in these tough times by bringing necessities to the homes of those in need. At 61, he sure has a lesson or two to impart about resilience and adaptability amidst job loss and a pandemic.
