Wash your hands, WFH and pass us a White Claw
When it comes to the coronavirus, most people are reacting in one of two ways.
Group A: The overreactors.
These people are in a constant state of panic. They have a room full of toilet paper, a hazmat suit complete with medical mask and have watched the film “Contagion” at least three times in the past week.
Group B: The nothing-tosee-here folks.
These people are dismissive of the pandemic. They are watching flight prices drop with amazement, booking reservations at restaurants they usually can’t get into and tweeting corona memes while they WFH.
So as your most-trusted source for all things millennial, I have decided to investigate which side of the fence my fellow twentysomethings fall on.
I sent out a text to several members of my family and some of my closest friends.
“How has the coronavirus affected your daily life? Also, what are you doing to pass the time without sports/ plays/going out to bars etc.?”
The first to respond was my little sister, who is not even a millennial. Damn it! I did not mean to include her in the group chat but it was too late. I knew if I ignored her input she would tell my mom and dad.
“The last two months of my senior year of college have been cancelled. It stinks and the unknown is scary. I’m passing the time with friends and White Claws.”
My mother will not be thrilled with the last part, but I am committed to journalistic integrity.
Mark, a 24-year-old in sales, told me he was able to get an extremely cheap flight cross-country from Boston to California. He even had the entire row to himself.
“Everyone at my company pulled up Expedia and started booking trips right after we got the news about working remotely.”
Next up was Stacey. (Her real name is not Stacey but most of my sources wished to remain anonymous. Besides, having several “anonymous sources” made me feel like Jim Acosta.)
Stacey is also 24, lives in San Diego and sells software to restaurants all over the country.
This description sounds like I’m filling out Stacey’s application for the next season of The Bachelor. I hope she wins.
“My job is becoming very difficult. Restaurants are shutting down left and right.”
Another close friend Jolene (I’m having fun with the fake names now!) texted me from her new office — her living room.
“My company is operating remotely now for the foreseeable future.”
I ask Jolene, who is a passionate foodie, if she has been avoiding eating out. “The restaurant thing is tough. Because they need our business right now, but it is certainly a risk. The virus isn’t foodborne though. So if you’re going to still eat Italian food, eat Asian too.”
Side note: All of these chats make me realize how many of my friends are successful and inspiring businesswomen. This #GirlPower moment brightens the otherwise gloomy atmosphere of my cubicle which is now riddled with Blue Ranch Doritos wrappers and empty cans of Coca-Cola. (We all prepare for pandemics differently).
My friend Rochelle, who never minces words, did not hold back.
“I am working from home for the next three weeks. My face hurts from fake smiling on virtual meetings. I think it is overblown. I understand why companies are taking actions to protect themselves from scrutiny… but still, people need to relax.”
A co-worker who originally had seemed unfazed by the hysteria was surprisingly candid with his fears.
“I am concerned about it and how it could impact my family. But if I’m going to get it, I’m going to get it. That doesn’t mean I’m not mindful of whom I greet or what I touch. But there is no stopping it.”
As for me? I am optimistic. Every day I say, “the worst of this pandemic is over — it has peaked.” And every day… I am wrong. But hey — it helps me keep a level head. This too shall pass seems like a cliché that your mom told you when you got stood up for your semi-formal sophomore year. But I mean… my mom was right, it did pass.
So, take a deep breath. Wash your hands. And try your best to stay safe.
My prayers are with the world right now.