COVID-19 has changed our world.
Yes, that’s a statement of the obvious. But the speed at which it has upended whole industries has taken everyone by surprise. Jobs will be lost that may never come back. Employees are being forced to pivot their career paths. That five-year career plan you have may put together may not be worth the paper it’s written on.
But what can we learn from all of this? Imagine, if by magic, the world suddenly calms down. Suppose a vaccine is found and we all settle down to a new groove of normality. What can we take from this? Think two or three years down the line.
What can we learn now that can better prepare us if we do see a flare up sometime down the line? So, what has COVID-19 taught us?
Take the money
You must think about your career in terms of money. That might sound tasteless. After all, it’s not the most romantic way to live your life. But as the coronavirus has taught us, there are times we need to be practical. You’ve got to think about your career beyond “doing what you love”.
Money isn’t good or bad. It’s simply a tool. So the more you are able to earn, the more choices it can provide (all other things being equal). And the coronavirus has shown us just how important having a good cash reserve can really be.
With that in mind, don’t sell yourself short when asking for a pay rise or putting down your salary demands for a new role. Sell your skills. Learn the art of negotiation. Learn how to monetize your role. It all adds up over time.
Make friends (and acquaintances)
If you want to go fast go alone; if you want to go far go together. So says the proverb. This is about staying connected. COVID-19 has taught us the need for that.
It’s tough out there trying to do it all alone. Losing jobs, being separated from loved ones, burning through the cash, worried about your health. Being stuck in lockdown has been hard for a lot of people.
So, the message here is that when the world’s crumbling around you, you need friends. Acquaintances are great too. They can connect you to others, maybe get you closer to new opportunities and promotions.
But friends are the core of your story. They may not always be there physically or even financially. But you should not understate the emotional support they can provide during times like these.
Keep learning
I’ve always bought into the idea of being a “life-long learner”. But if I’m honest, I haven’t always practiced what I preach. Like so many, I’ve often focused on what’s in front of me rather than what’s ahead. But learning should be a priority for all of us.
The coronavirus has shown us how whole industries have been disrupted. And this period of forced change puts the onus back onto the individual. You’ve got to keep learning simply to stay relevant in your existing role. There’s even more of an incentive for learning if that role no longer exists. Or if you choose to do a career pivot.
Don’t confuse qualifications with skills. It’s always nice to have a shiny new embossed piece of paper, telling the world that you have reached a certain standard of education. But there are so many ways in which you can improve your skills in a way that makes you more employable.
Udemy, Teachable, edX, Coursera, YouTube – these are just a few places you can go to upskill.
Don’t wait around for HR to give you a list of available courses to go on. Take ownership. That’s something COVID-19 has taught us.
Be your own boss
This isn’t necessarily about running your own business (although there’s a lot to be said for having a side hustle). This is about taking control of your career. And your training. Also, your money. And your health. In this current environment, you really have no choice.
Be active and not some passive bystander. Sort out your resume. Upload a new LinkedIn profile. COVID-19 has taught us the need to make new friends.
Don’t wait for change to happen to you. If you do wait, don’t be surprised if it turns out less positively than you had hoped. For all you know, your career peak may be happening right before your eyes.
So be strategic. Make plans. Act.
Make sure you dictate change on your terms.
The post 4 Things COVID-19 Has Taught Us About Our Careers appeared first on Finance Jobs Hunt.