As of May 2020, over 20 million people are unemployed-many due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some have been laid off temporarily and others have found themselves let go permanently. Their working lives have been put on hold. In some ways, one’s sense of purpose has been taken from them. The downturn has significantly affected incomes. Businesses have become more cut throat in hopes to cut expenses- labeling their staff as essential or unessential. No doubt people are questioning everything they have ever stood for. All of the these individuals are in what I call a career transition.
It may feel as though you have wasted years of your time. But know that you have not. Each experience has prepared you for such a time. If you will be honest with your self, now, is the time to do something that will significantly impact your future and provide “insurance” for future fiascos. Everything that is up will come down. Everything that is down must come up. This will not last forever. So it is best to have a plan in place before things, return to ‘normal’.
Some, with this mindset, have created small businesses while working full time. The infamous side hustle has become the main revenue stream. Others have learned how to manage their wealth in a way they’ve never needed to. Like who truly realized milk prices were this outrageous. Others have taken a moment to realize they were not doing themselves justice by remaining in place–not capitalizing on their skills, obtaining new knowledge, networking more, or adding the value they could add. The laws of physics even applies here: An object at rest will remain there. However, an object in motion will remain in motion.
I implore you to consider not letting this be a time that you rest on your laurels. Do not retreat into oneself for too long, but re-emerge victorious and make this as productive of a time as possible. Consider learning new profitable hobbies such as flipping items and websites. Take a deep dive into your craft, by taking a course. There are thousands of free courses on Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. You can even teach on Udemy and other course development platforms. Perhaps you can use your existing knowledge and start a small business. Take a deep look at your current local economy and see what industries are forming and brainstorm ways to fill the needs that exist. You have to look where no one else is willing to. You have to do what no one else is willing to. You do not have to start with all of the tools in hand. Things, typically, have a way of unfolding–the path will prepare its way before you. But you have to put in the work and keep the moment going.
All in all make this career transition a step forward–not a step backwards. Do not sabotage your future by resting on the hope of tomorrow. Get busy. You have everything you need at this moment in time, to begin moving in a new direction — producing the results you’ve always wanted. Now you have the freedom to do it, what will you choose?
