In a mere couple of weeks, our lives have been completely turned upside down. Many people have been laid off, let go, wages have been cut, and hours have been pushed back to a minimum. Many are worried about the likelihood of their career still being there when things go back to normal, and others are trying to navigate their jobs and prove their value from their living room home office.
These are strange, ambiguous times where we find ourselves in a constant state of uncertainty and internal conflict. As we search for answers, connect with colleagues and try to make some sense of it all, it’s not uncommon to feel anxious from the lack of control we have over our current state, let alone the future.
The current health and economic challenges have us all craving stability, consistency, and above all – job security. However, there are ways you can be proactive by gaining skills, talents, and experience that will plant you deeper roots and prepare you to accept new opportunities that come your way when we emerge from the current pandemic landscape.
Here are a few ways you can gain some control and manage your career so you can be set up for success in the future!
Do Something
Begin with something – no matter how small. This can be as simple as searching articles on the Internet, joining virtual group chats, and just keeping an eye on what others are doing in your industry. Things are changing, and it’s good to keep your finger on the pulse so you can make the necessary pivots when/ if you need it. Just remember, any action will work to lower feelings of insecurity and anxiety.
Stay Positive and Future Focused
Staying positive can be hard, especially when we have no idea what the future may hold. However, staying optimistic, keeping your goals, and planning for the immediate future is all you can do. Take things week-by-week and find new ways to manage your work-related stress. This will keep you and the people around you feeling mentally and physically healthy.
Get Innovative
If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that history always repeats itself, and it’s within these times of change that innovation is critical. Put on your thinking cap and present new ways to adjust your company messaging online, re-evaluate supply chains, and keep your team engaged. It’s in these times of uncertainty and ambiguity that creativity is a gold mine for new ideas, unexpected solutions, and forward ways of thinking, which can, in turn, put you ahead of the curveball without even knowing it.
Brush Up On New Skills
Now is the best time you’re ever going to get to learn new skills, enhance your experience, and gain the professional development you otherwise wouldn’t have had time for. Things are changing fast, and you need to keep up to stay relevant, employable, and flexible in your position. Learning something new, exploring a different career path altogether, or just merely gaining a fresh perspective, will give you the tools to approach situations from a more objective standpoint with a critical eye. Be sure to check with your manager to see if professional development is still being offered during this trying time.
Be a Team Player
It’s important to recognize we’re all in this together. Everyone is scared, and everyone is dealing with the current circumstances in the best way they know-how. Right now, it is time to take down those barriers, stop the competition, and practice collaboration. There is no way anyone is going to make it through alone.
If you’re unsure of what you should be doing to look towards the future or how to work on your career, don’t hesitate to drop us a line and become a part of our career-coaching program. Trevor Johnson, Founder of BullsEye Recruitment, has a great deal of experience in the job search industry and will find a personalized approach to support you in achieving your career goals once this time has passed.