Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
Article By Jennifer Scott
Major life changes are not easy to deal with, and there are challenges that come with each one. However, life is all about challenges, and there are no doubt benefits that these opportunities bring to the table. Fitness entrepreneur Fred DeVito once said, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” Well, we are looking at many challenges and changes thanks to the ongoing pandemic — both positive and otherwise. Here are some of the biggest shifts we’ve been seeing.
Changes in personal and social life
Online social experiences have become even more critical. Zoom meetings, social media, and online grocery shopping have all become staples for the average household. As we move beyond the pandemic, the prevalence of online social experiences may be something that stays even as more of us get vaccinated and are able to get back to in-person experiences.
Changes in employment
As of September 2020, the Pew Research Center reported that 25 percent of households lost a job due to the coronavirus, with 15 percent reporting that they had experienced job loss personally. This means that people need work — and they need to know how to look for work.
Undertaking a job hunt may seem like a daunting task, but as long as you are diligent, finding work is possible. Use sites like Ziprecruiter or LinkedIn to tailor your job search experience, consult your references to see if they know of any jobs, and don’t forget to send thank-you emails to people you interview with — these impressions matter! It’s also critical to have a polished and updated resume. Tapping into freelance resume writing services is one way to ensure you have the best paper introduction to who you are and what your goals are.
Or maybe you’ve decided to use this time to start your own business, whether as a full-time pursuit or as a side hustle. If so, that’s great! Just be sure to take a few necessary steps. First, learn the basics of starting a business. Research business essentials such as how to write a business plan, what is payroll, and how to create a marketing strategy.
Then, when you’re ready to get things up and running, you’ll need to choose a business structure such as an LLC which protects your assets and provides tax advantages (click here to learn how to file). You’ll also want to set up a reputable-looking website and social media presence so that you can start bringing in clients/customers right away.
Changes in routine
The pandemic has also thrown in stark relief the goals that many of us had before the pandemic — and some of us have struggled to cope with a routine that has been thrown completely sideways. This has become a challenge that many people need to overcome, especially as they continue to work toward their goals or try to get them back on track as things continue to open back up. Creating a new routine involves making small goals, striving for consistency in both time and frequency of the desired activity, and rewarding yourself as you do these activities.
One of the biggest things you can do to carve out the life you want to live is to hire a life coach. A coach can help you determine your strengths, find your weaknesses, and cultivate the parts of you that you want to nourish.
We’re all in this together
The challenges — and opportunities — that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will be with us for a while. We just need to take advantage of these opportunities now so that we can cultivate a good relationship with ourselves and with the goals we want to achieve in life.
The Defeat Suicide Foundation is dedicated to ending suicide and supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Learn how you can help.