AARP Says These Occupations Have Been Hit Hardest by COVID

The American Association of Retired Persons, also known as AARP, have been keeping a close eye on what is happening with jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. And it's not a pretty sight. With massive layoffs, businesses closing, pay cuts, and a return to normal nowhere in the near future, it seems especially hard for the older workforce in America to remain positive.

According to a survey that Gallup did this summer, some professions are taking a much harder hit than others. Gallup's Principal Economist Jonathan Rothwell told AARP "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense economic damage, but the harm has not been evenly felt. Workers who provide in-person services have borne the brunt of layoffs and wage reductions.”

Gallup's COVID-19 Tracking Survey found that these occupations have been hit hardest. Some of them are listed below, but you can read more about the rest on the list here. We are sending out good wishes to all who have been affected by the pandemic, and hoping that we have a much better year in 2021.

• Service Workers. This includes not only food servers, but others like janitors or security guards who also work daily on a face to face basis in the industry.
• The Arts. This includes entertainment, media, and design workers. Radio is also included in on this, as we can contest on a personal basis. When a concert or event is canceled, that not only means the artists loses income, but all the concession workers, the grips in the theaters, and even ushers showing folks to their seats. And some jobs are completely lost.
• Small Business Owners. According to AARP  In 2018, "25.8 percent of new businesses were started by people between the ages of 55 and 64, up from 14 percent in 1996".
• Transportation Workers. This includes bus drivers, and anyone who works in the public transit system. And since it's 2020, that could also include drivers who work for Uber and Lyft
• Clerical and Office Workers. Not everyone can perform their duties remotely.