My business disappeared overnight.

I’ve had zero work since Trump’s Oval Office speech.

My primary line of work and source of income is as an online tutor for high school and college students. Most of my friends and family have expected that my work wouldn’t be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic or quarantine orders since I already work from home, have minimal direct contact with clients, and that the transition from actual classes to online instruction would increase demand for supplemental instruction. I thought they might be right, but wasn’t totally sure. I was wrong; they were really wrong.

All standardized tests (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, etc.) have been cancelled or postponed for the spring. Many students aren’t taking remote learning seriously as there’s some question as to whether high schools will be able to give credit due to issues of access and accommodation. Many parents have seen a reduction in their incomes; all have experienced increased uncertainty.

Together, this has resulted in less business for me. A lot less. Historically I have averaged about $2,000 in revenue per week. I have had zero business since Trump’s Oval Office address on March 11. Literally not a single appointment booked. Not even a single inquiry. In addition, I have had to reimburse over $15,000 in cancelled appointments.