'100% unemployed:' New Orleans' gig workers have run out of options amid coronavirus economy

[KY_EnviroGuy]

'100% unemployed:' New Orleans' gig workers have run out of options amid coronavirus economy
BY TYLER BRIDGES | Staff writer Published Mar 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm

Read here: https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_8680d7a0-6e1c-11ea-bb93-9b89964d7102.html

Snips:

Workers who were self-employed in New Orleans’ tourism-dependent economy need public assistance perhaps more than any other group now that the coronavirus has emptied the city’s hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

But under federal law, they do not qualify for jobless payments. Only salaried workers can apply for weekly benefits that, in Louisiana, happen to be the stingiest in the country.

The stimulus plan being debated in Washington, once passed, appears likely to send some cash to independent contractors for several months.

But not until that happens will the money begin to flow. “Everyone I talk to is scared and nervous and trying to stay strong,” said Matt Diaz, who owns Mateo & Company, which shoots video and photos for corporate events and weddings that have now been canceled.

Many of these young self-employed folks will want to run to relatives for relief but may find they're not welcome, for fear of infection.

This damn thing will negatively impact and affect the direction of millions of lives for many decades......

[TlalocW]

1. I'm one of them (not in New Orleans)

I'm a children's entertainer - mainly balloon twisting and magic. I've worked hard to be able to turn it into a successful business that will support me. I'm not ever going to get rich, but I do pretty well. Gigs have pretty much dried up, and I wouldn't take one right now anyway.

I have some savings which was going to be a down payment on a house where - ironically - I was hoping to get a lot of land so I could garden and can vegetables, plant fruit trees, teach myself to bake, keep bees (I've taken several classes), have chickens, etc.

Basically I wanted to be halfway off the grid, if that makes sense. I'll probably go through my savings, and then while I'm down quite a bit on my investments, I still have what would amount to a fair bit in a Roth and then two investment apps that I could draw from.

I also still contract-program for a guy who owns a small website shop, but no businesses are looking for websites right now.

Not trying to boo-hoo. There are a lot of other entertainers of all stripes from people like me to fair performers who are going to be worse off. It's just the reality we face.

TlalocW

[KY_EnviroGuy]

2. Yes, I'd guess you're better off than 90% of them.

Many of the young ones will run back to mom and dad, or perhaps stay with a sibling. Many dreams out the window, including for us old folks.

Soon, there will be a massive strain on our charities but few will be able to contribute.

Best of luck and like the rest of us, tighten your belt!.......