This pandemic has affected all of us in different ways, and although for most people this is a time of intense work and house responsibilities, others find themselves with something they barely had before.... free time and nowhere to go. If you are in the latter group and you are wondering how to use this time as an opportunity for your career, here are some ideas:
Time to Network and reconnect
Networking is something many of us leave for later in our to-do list. We understand its importance but focus on the urgent and not on what is important for our future. Having a strong network of contacts helps us when times are rough; when we need a hand or advice in looking for a job, starting a new business, or a friendly voice to makes your day. The more seeds we plant, the more we can harvest in the future. Building good relationships is like planting a garden of flowers. This pandemic allows us to reconnect with those we lost contact with and learn what they are up to. You now have the perfect excuse to reconnect by asking how things are going in their corner of the world.
Time to learn a new skill
What better time to learn something new: website development, advanced Excel, digital marketing, effective communication, public speaking, business planning all the way to getting a certification in your area of expertise? Here is a Glassdoor article on the certifications that impress recruiters the most. There are plenty of free courses out there on sites such as Coursera, and EdX, and several universities are also providing free content. If you are job hunting, recruiters like to hear that you have been investing your time in learning and development.
Time to design your future
We could not compare this situation to that of a Buddhist monastery, especially if we have to cohabit with others, but this can also be a time of reflection. Envisioning where you want to go in the next 3, 5, 10 years and working on a plan to get there is an absolute good use of your time. Coaching or reading a good book can help you clarify that uncertain future. However, the difference between a dream and a goal is a plan, so planning for that future is even more important.
If you dream of owning your own business, it is a good time to work on a business plan and identify action steps such as developing skills needed, and who to ask for advice or financial needs. Getting a promotion also requires careful planning on what skills you need to demonstrate, who you need to network for advice and support, and what accomplishments you want to achieve to be considered. Your plan may require working multiple jobs or increasing work-life balance, whichever your direction, this is a good time to set those next action steps.
Time to work on your personal brand
Reviewing your CV and LinkedIn page is a good exercise, not only to have a powerful profile but also to reflect on your past accomplishments, milestones, and skills you have developed in the past years or months. The more self-aware, the better you will feel about yourself and be able to share with others what you can offer. It is also a good time to start a blog or post your thoughts on social media. Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, knowing yourself well, and having a brand will help you in the future. There are plenty of books and experts you can follow on Personal Branding such as Dorie Clark or those listed in this article from Entrepreneur.com
Maybe time to earn additional revenue
If you are looking to earn an extra due to temporary unemployment, you can look into contract or temp jobs in consulting, customer service, teaching, or services that are needed during the pandemic. Job websites such as Indeed, Linkedin, Simplyhired, Flexjobs, or other local portals in your country that offer jobs by the hour or for a limited time. The great thing about this pandemic is that many businesses are now open to remote work, so a company in the UK may hire a consultant in the US if working time zones are aligned. Side jobs can also offer you the opportunity to learn a new skill or get to know a new industry.
As you read this post, many ideas may be popping up in your head, so I will just let you get started. And if you are feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities, just ask yourself “What are some first steps I could take that could have a greater impact in my future career?”
Thank you for reading and I would love to hear your comments, ideas, and feedback. If you liked it, please share it with your contacts so we can learn more from each other.
Kommentare