I’m one of those Keyworker people that during the Lockdown, and before, is still at work and during the lockdown, in particular, I’ve had a lot of emotions and thoughts go through my mind so I thought id share my ramblings. At no point do I think I’m as important as many of the Services, including the NHS, and certainly not had the perhaps danger and stress of those people also, but I am in a shop dealing with people every day, with risks, stresses and concerns.
No doubt there is a big part of me that is concerned ever since this all started, that I would get it, and worse still pass it on to my kids, fortunately, the kids and wife have been on Lockdown with only a small amount of the week where Boo can leave the house. However it is often on the top of mind that it’s the kids I’m more worried about, this often influences how I interact with people and can be a little judgemental.
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What’s actually happening out there?
For those who haven’t been out or have been very limited in their outside lives id love to say people are following the guidelines…but many aren’t, and id argues theirs more that aren’t following the rules when they are out compared to those who do venture out that are following those rules.
You can see if you are driving, I get that people will be saying “I’m having my daily exercise” and some might be, but standing just chatting with a neighbour with not much distance(less than 2 Meters, isn’t correct, and why would I be so annoyed at this?
its simply because there are many others that are following rules, and trying to Stay at home and Stay safe, protecting there love ones, and this frustrates me for them as well, let alone no doubt some of those people will also be saying Stay home etc…but there not following there own advice on a variety of the rules.
In shops its no different, I have customers that try to just hand me stuff on the shop floor, with no regard to the 2 Meters, the company to be fair has put in several steps, like zones, signs, plastic separating tills and customers, as have many shops around the company, but in mine, people don’t always follow, ours is a smaller convenient shop and is often shopped by elderly or local people,
we haven’t got the space of a big Supermarket for you to get far out of the way, and that’s part of the problem because its local customers feel less worried, and unfortunately the Elderly is probably the worse at his, which worrying as they are at more risk than anyone. I personally have found this all frustrating and at times upsetting, as this puts my health and thus the families health in jeopardy, so I might be maybe going over the top with this but my family comes first.
Home Life
Its been effecting me at home, all of my friends are not at work, there being paid to just sit at home and play games, drink, watch films etc.. ironically they are all getting fully paid for some reason or another, and arguably treating all of this as a big jolly at home, which as the weeks have gone have also frustrated me and up to me, its good there not going out and how they spend time is up to them, I get that but I’m working as much as I can to pay the bills while putting my health at risk, and it’s just so annoying.
I appreciate that people are getting a little bored at home and wanting to leave the house, creating reasons to leave or just going on walks to break up the day (exercise) but there are reasons to be at home, staying healthy, staying safe, reducing the risk to others, and just think, you are at home in your own safety, surrounded by family doing almost whatever you want, it’s not that difficult, it could be worse.
you could be ill, you could be on the frontline, or you could be risking it like I am to help others, if you financially have to work then I applaud you if you taking the safety steps, but just think about how you affect others and could put others at risk,
we all want to be safe, if you can help others fantastic but we are all in it together, that includes all of those unsung heroes that are at work, or helping someone, I’m sorry if this is a rant, and this is just my emotional rant perhaps of what its like to be out there almost every day, but like most things in life, it can always be worse.
It is annoying that so many are not following the rules and risking exposure to others that could take the virus to a vulnerable relative. It is really hard for those having to work when others are being paid and not working at all. I’m juggling working from home and schooling 3 kiddies of different year groups. We all have to do what we can. Stay safe x
Do not get me started on those not following the rules are neighbours had a party two days running last weekend, it seems a lot of people think the rules do not affect them. I am lucky we are able to get shopping delivered meaning I do not have to go out and try to keep a distance from other shoppers who think it is 2cm.
I feel your pain, I spend my time either working on the customer service desk, or monitoring the front door. I have had people lick their fingers and then hand me bank notes, full on coughing in front of me and not using their elbow. I’ve been shouted out because other customers don’t keep their distance, screamed at because we only allow one adult in per household. One person even punched the door next to me and then got right up in my face because he was frustrated. Working with the general public is a real challenge anyway, nevermind now. That said, most of the customers are lovely and I do enjoy getting out of the house and helping people
I get so upset that people are not sticking to the rules. We have been staying home other than my husband’s once a week trip to the supermarket, but each time he comes back with stories of people not following the rules or the signs etc that have been put up.
I also get really upset at people not sticking to the rules we have been making sure we follow any rules in shops too.
I totally get where you’re coming from!
This whole situation has been incredibly stressful for me and my flatmates, because 3 out of 4 of us have lost our jobs (the 4th is working from home). We live in London (expensive rent + no income = fear), and all recent graduates.
Sticking by quarantine guidelines is SO important. I’m immunocompromised, and thankfully live with people who follow the guidelines and are able to pick up food / medicine for me, so I don’t have to leave the house at all.
Wishing you all the best!
I completely empathise with your situation and appreciate all key workers. People should not be going out for nothing. We do go out for our exercise though, as we have done prior to lockdown, as this is good for mental health too and is permitted
Interesting to read how people are behaving in the shop. I hate to say it, but it’s what i’ve witnessed as well. Hope you stay safe and I for one appreciate the effort people such as yourself are making. It’s an essential service you’re providing.
My husband works in an Indian restaurant and they are still doing takeaways so he is still going to work. It really does scare me, and I wish he could just stay at home. But we really need the money. It’s not to bad for me, as I already work from home.