Ask HN: Has the COVID-19 crisis made you abandon a personal project or path?
For the past three years, I've been working full time as an independent AI researcher, focused on an alternative neural network architecture. My efforts ate through my savings and culminated in securing a Vising Researcher position at a prestigious university in California, which I'm proud of given that I only hold a bachelor's thus far. While trying to secure a high paying scholarship and the required US visa, the COVID-19 crisis hits.
Now, even though I retain supreme confidence in its potential, my work does not seem timely or prudent; it's unclear when the school, funding agency, and embassy will resume service; and I also need money to replenish my coffers. I want to contribute more directly to the virus-borne crisis that is affecting us all. Feeling useless sucks.
How many of you are in the same boat? Have you had to abandon a project or a path for financial reasons or to work on the crisis? How have you managed or what new work are you pursuing?
I'm struggling with the massive context switch, both emotionally and with my day to day routine and work output. I'm sure many others, especially HN readers, are having similar challenges. Maybe some solidarity will help!