What have we learned from our time in lockdown? For many of us we have had our freedoms curtailed but being able to work from home has meant our livelihoods haven’t been affected. We are grateful for this, notwithstanding the hassles of trying to work in home environments that are sometimes not up to par, and perhaps also involve the additional responsibilities of home schooling or toddler care. For some workers and businesses however, there has been a huge impact with shutdowns, decreased revenue, closures and staff job losses.

The hard work and dreams of businesses that have been impacted and staff that have been let go will lead to significant soul searching and re-evaluation. Can I stick this out, is it worth hanging on, should I change careers or pivot to something else? Is this an opportunity to do something else that I wouldn’t have entertained previously?

Here are a few factors to help you take stock right now:

Change is the only constant

The reality is that we can’t ever predict with certainty which business, job, product or service will endure in the long haul. This has been the truth from the very beginning of history. Each time a new innovation appears, old technology becomes obsolete and people need to adapt and learn how to use the new technology. The Lesson: Need to adapt and learn new skills.

Compromise is a part of life Some have always been acutely aware of this – people who work in arts or entertainment for example. Creative people are lucky to be talented, but even with hard work they need even more luck to get their break into their respective industries. However, difficulties in landing jobs in our chosen careers can happen in all industries. It can be when we are starting out in our youth or perhaps after being made redundant in our mature years. It can also be when trying to get back in after a career break. Basically, there is a healthy amount of luck, timing, perseverance and compromise involved in career success for anyone.

This pandemic has brought work challenges to many people but there are often opportunities for work in other arenas. You can work to pay your bills and keep your dream alive, say as a part-time side hustle. Compromise may be necessary in your situation right now. The Lesson: Hold on to your dreams, but be flexible in your options.

What do you really want?

You may be or have been on the work treadmill and never thought about where you are going. Constant busyness and stress; you have been working hard to hold it together. Now that you have been at home and had some breathing space, have you discovered that there is something you would like to try or something else you would rather do? Have your priorities shifted or have you realised what is truly important to you?

Perhaps this is your opportunity to start something new. This could be a time where you make plans and investigate or actually move into a new direction.  It may be a new business, a new career, a new industry or a new location. The Lesson: Lean in to what you really want out of life.

You can work through all of these and more with a Career Coach. Take the opportunity to sort through all your career issues, call CIRCLE today on 1300 923 000.

Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.