When It's Not Business As Usual

Part 4 - The Forced Redundancy

Launceston accountant Jason King is as decent a human-being as you would find. A loving family man and committed member of his church and soccer club and a dedicated servant of the University of Tasmania Wind Orchestra and Launceston Philharmonic Orchestra. But for the first time in more than 30 years of professional life he has found himself unemployed. The COVID-19 health pandemic has an economic face and Mr King is not on his own. He went to work one Friday morning and by lunchtime was packing a cardboard box with terrible dread as he headed home to share the news."COVID-19 was not the only reason, but the downturn in sales brought my redundancy on faster than expected by management. Being driven home knowing that two-thirds of our family income was gone was devastating," he said.

"COVID-19 was not the only reason, but the downturn in sales brought my redundancy on faster than expected by management. Being driven home knowing that two-thirds of our family income was gone was devastating," he said.

For a proud man like Mr King, who was harbouring thoughts that we unfairly revert to in times of crises, not being able to support your family was viewed as failure, a dereliction of duty.

Yet, allowing these feelings of inadequacy to overcome him could not be his response. Mr King had to immediately investigate options to try and make sense of his new normal. He said communicating with service providers was very difficult, "I tried contacting my bank by phone, at the branch, and then online, and not having to use Centrelink their services for over 30 years, I had no idea where to start or what information would be required".

Nonetheless, Mr King considers himself a lucky man. He has the support of his adored wife, Karen and their children and he has focused on his mental and physical health with the family dog appreciating the walks and his bike back in action. Mr King has used Facebook and Facetime to stay in contact with friends and loved ones. He said, "After several days of being flat and in shock, it was great to just smile and laugh again".

And now Mr King must search for a new job in a new environment where the application process has dramatically changed. He must remain purposeful; updating his resume and learning how to access Seek. But good things happen to good people. And Jason King is a good man.

Part 5 - The Barista's Grind

Archana Brammall knows struggle. She had an understanding not dissimilar to many who have made a success of their lives after experiencing countries where safety and support are not key considerations in times of crises. As a result, Mrs Brammall has an infectious personality with hopefulness and kindness at its core, a quality which makes her both intriguing and not to be messed with in equal measure.

"My perspective is based on knowing how fearful I am for our family in India and Ethiopia. Sure, Australia can always do better but I'm grateful I live in this country," she said.

Mrs Brammall, with her husband Tim, operate a popular café in the heart of Launceston providing employment for 23 locals who are considered family. Small business is hard at the best of times and she knows that the COVID-19 pandemic has only added more challenges to an ever-growing list.

"Seventeen hour shifts, BAS to be paid, tax payments to be met, loans to be repaid, all while you are also trying to live and make sense of it all and continue to be stable leaders with the best information at hand, which in this case has been confusing and numerous," she said.

Mr and Mrs Brammall were quick to adapt their business from a bustling café to, within less than 24 hours, an online and takeaway coffee shop by day and an Indian takeaway by night. With free delivery on offer they've now added delivery driving to their roles.

As regulations changed daily and the public's thirst for barista coffee and friendship still valued, a solution had to be found. She says the business set small goals, like reaching a minimal daily target each day, to break down the task of survival. Acknowledging and helping loyal customers, many of whom are also doing it tough, was considered a worthy cause. "I have never been more convinced that shopping locally remains essential," she said.

Mrs Brammall puts her heart and soul into caring for her extended family and she is acutely aware of the mental health challenges that tested our community even before the pandemic hit.

"These unprecedented times have made my already busy mind busier with hope and fear in equal proportion. There is a peace in knowing that this is a global phenomenon, that it's not due to poor business practices, and that it's completely out of our control, but it does not take away the fear of the unknown," she said.

Looking forward she knows she'll be a better businesswoman. "Relationships will only strengthen and evolve as we hold on for a heck of a ride into the unknown," she said.