For those of us in the US, we’ve been on ‘lockdown’ since approximately March this year. It’s now August. We have to come to the realization that this is our new normal... until.
Working from home, going out when necessary, wearing masks, sanitizing, zoom meetings, kids with school in the other room or same room, it’s now our new ‘normal’ for the time being.
If you listen to certain media and certain friends and loved ones, it’s all doom and gloom. due to COVID. They’re quick to say that the economy is trash and that EVERYONE is losing their jobs and pretty much it's the end of the world as we know it.
Let’s put this all in perspective.
As a professional woman, you know how to shift and pivot with changing times. The time we're living in now, is no different. We have to shift and adjust or we'll break and just break down.
Ignore the naysayers because businesses are still doing business. I'm not saying that there aren't those impacted by this pandemic and that the economy isn't taking a significant hit. I AM saying that there are new opportunities that were not there before and you should capitalize from them.
Companies are changing the way they do business and are staying in business. As a corporate woman, you can and must change along with them. The plans you had pre-Covid are still valid. If you were unhappy with your employer pre-Covid, chances are you're still unhappy with your employer. You're just now unhappy at home, with kids, the dog, your partner, and every other distraction that may be going on right now.
But that does not have to stop you from seeking out new opportunities that align with your goals and aspirations. EMPLOYERS ARE STILL HIRING!! The way you go about seeking out these opportunities has to shift. The way you go about interviewing has to shift. The way you put yourself out there has to shift. The way you approach your search has to shift. Nothing has to stop.
I've always said... 'the best time to look for new opportunities is when you're in a job'. Yes, even during a pandemic. Operating from fear serves no one. 'But I have responsibilities, Jackie.' I know. We all do. I'm not saying to be careless and sloppy. Create a plan and a strategy. Covid IS NOT an excuse to stay in a bad situation. Nothing is ever an excuse to stay in a bad situation.
When it comes down to it, COVID shouldn't be used as your excuse to stay in a bad situation. I've found that under many circumstances, pandemic or not, you're staying because of fear, uncertainty, and lack of trust.
Let's dive a little deeper on this:
Fear: You're fearful that you won't find another job and that your finances will take a hit. You're listening to the wrong people. AND you're listening to those who feed into your fear and think they are protecting you by telling you to stay put because you should be happy that you even have a job. Here's an action tip: Identify what you're really afraid of and face it head on. While you are in your current position, take advantage of the fact that you are not desparately seeking work and income. The relaxed state of mind helps you make better decisions and your options are broader.
Uncertainty: You're not sure about your abilities or what's out there. "Is anyone even hiring right now?" "Companies are trying to save money, not spend it." FALSE... again, you're looking in the wrong direction. YOU are in the role you're in because you have the ability to do your job and do it well. Don't underestimate yourself. Where's the confidence you had on day one? Where's the confidence now that you've built up all of this experience and knowledge?! Yes, you may have questions and some doubt, but that should not stop you from taking the first step in seeing what's out there and what suits your needs.
Trust: You don't trust yourself to make decisions for you. You're seeking advice from so many people and typically they will affirm your doubts. Especially if they have a stake in whether you stay or go. Especially if they are a loved one who wants to protect you from pain and suffering. We've all been there... Made decisions that didn't serve us in the end. But this is no reason to beat yourself up for years to come. What did you learn? You learned that that was not what benefitted you, not that you can't be trusted to do what's best for you. At any given time, you do the best you can with the information you have at the time. Look at how far you've come. Look at how much knowledge and experience you've gained. Take that and move with it. Trust in yourself and make the decisions for you that will get you what you want out of life. Making decisions based on what you believe is best for others is a recipe for disaster and resentment at the end of the day. This isn't a selfish act. This is a selfless act because unless and until you can trust in your own happiness, you have nothing to give others.
Ladies, when it comes down to it, it's all about STRATEGY. Being strategic in your next move is how you win and succeed. The most successful people build strategies around success and they take risks... calculated risks.
Remember, you are the CEO of your life. How are you being strategic in getting to the next level, regardless of what's going on in the world today? Where are you investing your time, energy, attention, focus, and money?