Becoming a property appraiser slow-moving process for former bartender

Changing careers during a pandemic sounds like a daunting task. A former bartender we spoke to wanted to switch to a more essential business. So, he started the process of becoming a property appraiser. But the virus stopped him in his tracks.

People are changing jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. Some were told their jobs are non-essential, forcing them to look for new options.

“Just getting a more steady job, being able to make our own hours and not having to rely on other people as much to make money,” said Glen Sirmans, who is trying to change careers.

Sirmans worked as a bartender for 10 years, and, although he began working toward a new career before the pandemic, COVID-19 changed those plans.

“We’ve been living on our savings for five months now,” Sirmans said. “And we’re starting to run out.”

Sirmans is working toward becoming a certified residential appraiser. He’s finished all the classes, logged countless hours of unpaid apprenticeship work. All that’s left is the final test.

“It’s the worst having it scheduled, and, just two weeks away, they tell you that you can’t do it,” Sirmans said. Then, you reschedule it. Then, two weeks, they tell you you can’t do it.”

Sirmas has to take the proctored exam at testing sites operated by Pearson VUE. The company told us it closed its locations to follow state and federal guidelines. And the few tests it’s still administering are for health care workers and others preparing to work on the front lines.

“And my brother has been approved since February,” Breanna Rhodes said. “And he’s so busy right now. And we’re just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, like, we just want to work. We want to work. But we can’t get it because we can’t take this test.”

Pearson VUE resumed scheduling exams for the more than 450 companies it worked with just this month. The company say it’s following social distancing guidelines and other recommendations.

Although he’s now weeks away from a new chapter, being unable to work has solidified Sirmans’ decision to change careers.

All jobs are essential in my opinion,” Sirmans said. “These are people who need to work to make, to pay their bills, to pay their rent and support their families.”