The COVID-19 pandemic has forced entire countries into lock down as the world scrambles to contain the virus. For the majority, who are not part of essential industries, this has meant staying home for more time than ever anticipated. One side effect is we have had to take a hard look at ourselves and the things we always put off doing because of lack of time. Right now, however, all we have is time – but the question is what do we do with it?
First, we would do well to take a step back and evaluate. Everybody knows the cliché about he who fails to plan, right? In the hustle and bustle of our non-quarantine lives though, we rarely had a breather to give our lives the proverbial kicking of tires. Was what we were doing before in line with our personal mission and vision? Did we take advantage of our strengths and safeguard our weaknesses? The lock down gives us enough time to go over our life’s to do list and make it into a true blueprint for the future.
Most of us also have something that we wanted to develop but never had the opportunity right? We always say: “I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar” or “I always wanted to learn how to cook”… Well guess what? Now’s your chance! Self-learning has never been more accessible- blogs, video websites, podcasts, and massive open online courses (MOOCs) are just some of the avenues available. Lock down is the perfect opportunity to develop our passions and sharpen new skills. An investment in our capabilities can seldom go wrong.
This is also the most opportune time to check the job market. With most work being put on hiatus or shifting to work from home arrangements, we have ample time to consider a job shift or part-time work. With the proliferation of online job searches and platforms, it has never been easier to find employment that will fit your expertise and requirements. This should ease the anxiety that most people feel when searching for new jobs or trying to shift into previously unfamiliar industries. This is the time to explore because the prospective rewards certainly outweigh the alternative: doing nothing.
It is important during this time to keep a positive mental attitude and not succumb to fear and stress. Plan, practice and pursue new opportunities even in the confines of your home. Lock down does not mean lying down and feeling helpless: engage yourself, protect your family and though separate, we can win this battle as one.
