Career change is always a stressful period of time whether we are in the midst of a global pandemic or not. It is painful to recognize that our current job or career, which we studied so long for and worked so hard towards, is not satisfying anymore.
Although jumping into a new career during a global a pandemic comes with extra challenges, for some people, like me, this could be the prime time to make that change.
After many sleepless nights, on March 15, 2020, just days before the pandemic hit Canada’s shores, I’d served my two weeks notice. Little did I know what was about to come. Do you remember those innocent days when masks, social distancing and lockdowns were only the lurid accessories of a dystopian novel?
Anyway, I quit my job days before the first lockdown then started a completely new career and business altogether.
“In hindsight, changing my career at the beginning the pandemic, was the best decision of my life.”
Had I known what lies ahead, would I have made the same decision? Probably not. Fear would have made a different decision for me. Thankfully, it didn’t happen, so here I am to encourage you to take the leap of faith and not let fear make any career decision for you.
So what did I learn from quitting my job during the pandemic?
1. Willing to change your career during the pandemic is not a sign of insanity.
In fact, it could be a great way to make sure you’ll remain in the workforce.
The World Economic Forum Report predicts that due to automation almost 50% of the jobs that exist today will disappear by 2025 anyway.
The good news is that they also foresee the emergence of even more new roles at the same time. This massive change requires people to be as flexible and agile as possible when it comes to their jobs and careers.
2. Let inspiration be your motivator to make the move.
Working with a diverse group of clients from employees to managers, from entrepreneurs to company executives, I can say that the greatest obstacle to successfully transition from one career into another is motivating ourselves through negativity and fear of failure.
Do you want to change your career path out of fear of –
– not making enough money?
– not being enough?
– being laid off?
OR
You’re operating from a space of inspiration? You’re choosing who you could become, who you could impact, and more?
Whatever it is you want to do in the future, make sure you choose your new career path out of inspiration. Negativity and fear can take you only so far. Inspiration is limitless.
3. Change your attitude toward the pandemic.
Look at the current global situation as the window of opportunity to reinvent yourself and to try new things that have only been recently created. Look at things that are easier to get done because of the pandemic.
For example, now more than ever is easier to learn a new skillset. Several institutions made their learning resources accessible and affordable for everyone.
With geographical proximity disappearing, it’s easier to apply for jobs or network with people from across the world.
None of these positive changes would have happened if it wasn’t for Covid-19.
4. Develop a growth mindset
It’s easy to fall into the role of the victim, but don’t let yourself be consumed by your negative emotions, let alone feeling of regret.
Challenge your negative thinking by saying “I choose to see this event as an opportunity to grow”. Then figure out what this growth looks like to you.
It could be learning new skills, networking with new people, or starting your own business you never had the courage to do.
5. Soft-skills are the new hard-skills
Learn new soft skills. Soft skills such as flexibility, resilience, and self-direction are essential in today’s work environment, along with one’s ability to adapt and work independently.
Critical thinking, problem-solving, active listening, and stress tolerance have long been important but they are becoming even more critical for today’s employees regardless of what industry they are in.
I hope I could help you put your mind at ease when it comes to considering changing your job or career during these epic, unpredictable times.
And don’t forget: change is the only constant in life and we decide whether we want to see it as a good thing or a bad thing.
