It is no secret COVID took the world by force and surprise and caused us all to take a deeper look at our lives and change the things we are not happy with. This of course includes jobs which was a contributing factor to “The Great Resignation”. People were suddenly awake and decided to take a leap of faith to get rid of jobs that no longer served them.
We can look at this in two folds to mean since COVID, Resignation rates increased significantly and more people had a complete “Career Change”. I actually fall into this category and it took me a while to get here. I’ve learned a lot about my career choices and my non-negotiable and would like to share a few of these to hopefully help you in your professional journey. If you are interested in learning how COVID changed my career path, keep reading.
5 Ways COVID changed my Career Path
Never Stay at a Job You Hate
This is of course coming from the privilege of not being responsible for anybody else but myself, so I am completely aware your situation might be different. Before the Pandemic, I was in a creative environment which I loved, but this dream job became a nightmare due to poor leadership. My team and I worked tirelessly from Sunday to Sunday, Had our Salary cut in half and we were still expected to produce quality work. We all experienced burnout became un-motivated and ended up hating the job which affected other areas of our lives. If you are in a job you hate, it is ok to start planning a way out and find something else that you love.
It’s Never Late for a Change
Society has done us all wrong by adding unrealistic timelines to our lives and making us feel if we have not achieved things by a certain age, we are pretty much done for. This is so wrong and a complete lie! One of my mentors who is a lot older has been a Lawyer for over 30 years but has always been passionate about baking so she started a custom cake business and has never been happier! If there is something you’ve always wanted to do, it is never too late! If you want to get a degree at 50, go ahead and do it!! If you want to travel the world at 67, go ahead and do it. If you are in a career you are not thriving in, it’s ok to look into another Industry. It’s all about what you want to do and how badly you want to do it.
Patience is a Virtue
If you are planning on changing a job, taking a new course, or even moving to a new place for a job, there will be a learning curve no matter how good you are. Be patient and realistic with yourself and understand you are not slow and things will and can take time. Also, on the other side of this, if you are searching for a job unless you know people who can get you in just like that! There will be a waiting period! If you are one of those people who struggle with patience, this aspect of getting your career on track will truly test you! In this regard, it is important to know, that the race is not for the swiftest, but for those who can endure.
Co-Workers are Not your Friends
I learned this the hard way and I learned this later in life and I’m so glad I did. No matter how close you are with a person at your job, how well you get along, or even how long you’ve been at a company; those people are not your friends! If something is happening that you are not pleased about and you need to vent, take it to the Lord in prayer! Never text grievances with staff or leadership to other co-workers as they can simply screenshot and put you in a really awkward position which makes you look non-trustworthy. The best tip is to be cordial, a team player, and professional and ensure you do the job to the best of your ability vs trying to be friends with everyone. This is not to say you will constantly be walking around with a stinky attitude, it just means to be very aware of your surroundings and remember you are there to do a job.
A Side Hustle is Necessary
Listen! One thing COVID has taught us all is how important and necessary it is to have something on the side to supplement your income. The goal is to live a stress-free and comfortable life that does not include worrying about how the bills will be paid. If you have a side hustle that is generating a steady income, in the event that you lose your job, you will still have money coming in to ensure all your needs are met. This is of paramount importance and how I was able to sustain my lifestyle during those long COVID months when things were at an all-time high and my salary was at an all-time low. It might take some time to start and sustain, but once you find something that works for you, it can make all the difference.
I know the world is still in the recovery stage after COVID and a lot of us are still lost and a bit confused which is completely normal. It is ok to look at things differently from how we are accustomed to which includes our Careers. Hopefully, my experience and tips will help to guide you on a path that is suitable for you to make the best out of your life.
Let me know in the comments below how COVID has changed your career path.
#5 Ways COVID changed my Career Path
#5 Ways COVID changed my Career Path
#5 Ways COVID changed my Career Path
#5 Ways COVID changed my Career Path
#5 Ways COVID changed my Career Path
