The 36 million people who have filed for unemployment benefits in the past couple of months illuminates the dire situation in the current job market. Faced with the reality of a deep recession, many business owners, their employees, and the individuals who have already lost their jobs are feeling overwhelmed, confused, and in some cases hopeless about how this is all going to turn out. To say we are living in unprecedented times doesn't begin to touch on the trauma associated with finding another job in this environment. Industries that were strong before the Pandemic aren't necessarily the same ones that are strong now, and some industries are actually stronger as a result of Covid-19. Industries like travel, transportation and retail are weaker now while technology, health care, and some manufacturing sectors are stronger. The landscape is indeed changing and the individuals most in tune with this radically changing landscape will be the ones to capitalize on this time to make a change that might have been good for them before the Pandemic wreaked the havoc and uncertainty we're experiencing about the future.
Let's face it: many people were not happy with their jobs and career fields before the Pandemic took its toll on the job world. For many individuals, the sound of the alarm clock in the morning signaled the start of another boring or way-too-difficult day at work. Many of these same people have now lost their jobs or are threatened with losing them. Having to pay bills and maintain a decent standard of living does not immediately spark the idea of making a career change. However, NOW is an opportune time to explore the current job market and find a job that will be more satisfying than the one just lost. The stay-at-home orders in most states afford more time--- and the opportunity to invest the time in exploring the changing job market, and, most importantly, exploring career paths moving forward that will bring reward and a sense of fulfillment.
If you know me or have followed any of my blogs, you know that I'm a big proponent of choosing a career based on who you are. This Covid-19 period is a time for you to get in touch with your innate abilities, interests, personality, and values and to explore the careers that rise to the top as the best possibilities for you at this turning point in your life. By taking assessments in each of these areas, the probability of you making the best choice moving forward is astronomically higher than looking at where the most job openings are and applying for them. Approaching your job search with knowing who you are positions you very well to make the right choices. The Pandemic has brought about a turning point for you whether you were ready for it or not, and now is the time to make the most of it to get into the type of work that you are best suited to and will most enjoy. My hope is that this ungodly Pandemic will motivate you to make the best career change possible!
If you're motivated to make the right change, contact me for a free consultation.