What if there is COVID-20? Or COVID-21 or 22..?
May be a different virus, or something else that creates similar upheavals and disruptions. Basically it is not over yet with even the current one, it may never be. It might really be like what many are saying, it is here to stay for good, we might not win against it. Or even if we do, it might not be a complete victory, like the HIV.

In Australia alone more than 6 million people lost their jobs and had to line up in government subsidies, jobless cash handouts, meals handouts from charities. Their dignities and self worth compromised, these people- specially the retail workers, international students and migrants were most hard hit and had nowhere to turn to. In case of the students, with government flatly refusing to help them as they were busy taking care of their own citizens, and with flights cancelled, they neither had money to survive here – rent and food, nor able to buy tickets to return to where they came from. It was a catastrophe for them, that many of us who were fortunate enough to have jobs that allow working from home would not be able to imagine the ordeal these young people had to go through.

How about the professionals, specially the small business and self employed, in various fields? Most saw loss of customers, clients and business. COVID has forced people into their homes, cannot move around, get out to work as easily. Many have realised you are in a situation where you have to either adapt or die in your professional life. Meaning, your business has to adopt digital technologies, online and Internet delivery of your services. If you cannot, you will be gone. And it appears this online is not going away for most part, the world as we know it, has changed for good.

Most in ‘stable’ work are also rethinking their job security. With loss of business, they witnessed their companies lay off people – Quantas and Virgin are the prime examples in Australia. Government did not come to rescue. Even the job seeker allowance, the salary support government has been providing to companies to pay their laid off staff is being reconsidered and likely be withdrawn soon. They might soon join the food queues themselves, or join the exploding figure of mortgage defaulters list, and potentially look into being homeless. Scary thoughts. Things may not be as bad as they seem, but what if it is? Everyone needs to rethink their life strategy, diversify their skillsets and be ready to adapt and adopt new ways of making living. I wonder what would you do if you are an artist, actor, singer, chefs, graphic designers..list is endless, everyone has to evolve, I guess. Everyone is forced to ‘reinvent’ themselves.