Managing Job/Career in light of the Coronavirus

On March 11, 2020 the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The entire country (and world) was put on lockdown and instructed to quarantine and/or practice social distancing to avoid further spread of the virus.

We are all feeling the impact of this virus in some way or another. Some are being laid off from their jobs and businesses are shutting their doors without certainty of when they will be able to re-open after the quarantine period. Dental offices in particular are being told by state boards to remain closed for a period of 3 weeks to 3 months.

Those individuals who have been released from their jobs are taking to job boards to send out applications for new positions. Sending out job applications online now may be very challenging because most companies have instituted a hiring freeze resulting in wasted time and energy.

If you’re experiencing frustration surrounding your career, I want you to pause. Now is the perfect time to start reflecting and going inward.

Ask yourself: Are you passionate about your job/career? You may be a software engineer,a lawyer or even a dentist by trade but is this what you really want to do? Does this bring you joy? Are you clear on your vision and the impact you want to make in the world? If the answer is not a resounding YES, take this time to evaluate your current position. While at home we have an opportunity to reflect on our purpose and strategize so that any career or job change efforts are made with clarity and intention.

Things To Get Clear On:

Who you are and what you want.
Your values and what you stand for
Your strengths AND how you want to leverage them in the next job.
Your weaknesses and blind spots so that you can speak to them authentically and tackle them with intention.
The impact you want to make in the world.

Managing Stress

At this time you may be feeling pressure to change jobs or career, especially if you’ve been laid off or if you feel the industry you are in will be slow to recover. If you are one of the lucky ones you have stored away a 3-6 months emergency fund to buy you some time to figure things out. We must first figure ways to cope and manage the stress of our situations. Here are a few tips.

Keep a Journal: Spend time with yourself and write about how you’re feeling. It’s normal to be worried about your health, safety and that of your loved - If this is triggering anxiety, put it down on paper.
Read a book or listen to music : Do things that help you to relax, this is great for your mental health. Zoning out with your favorite book or listening to your favorite podcast or music playlist will make the time go faster and help with easing anxiety.
Minimize social media and news intake: Be fair and honest with yourself about your feelings. Also, let facts inform your reactions and feelings (not fear). If the news and social media is causing anxiety or depression, consider unplugging for a day or two. If you consider that extreme, try limiting your access to credible news websites that you check once or twice per day.
Exercise: Keep moving. Go for a 15-20 minute walk or run outside and fill up on fresh air. When you’re inside stretch, do yoga or participate in virtual workouts.
Fill your mind with positive resources and stories to keep yourself upbeat: Daily affirmations are a good place to start. I use starlight and love.

Continue To Build Connections

Building authentic connections is one of the best ways to make a job/career change. You can spend less time applying to random jobs online and find opportunities through people you trust and connect with. Although it may seem difficult to “network” physically right now there are other ways to connect. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and even Instagram through online communities. Start with your immediate network of friends and colleagues. Scheduling time to connect with others and openly sharing your career struggles and goals is something that will keep you productive and heading in the right direction – even when it seems like things are at a complete standstill.

These are difficult times and many of the circumstances are out of your control. I repeat – the circumstances are out of your control. The only thing you can control here is your mindset and how you respond to the circumstances.

Do what you can to stay healthy - physically, emotionally and mentally. A job/career change during uncertain times can be challenging but don’t give up. Keep doing the work that’s required to get you there.