Making the most of COVID-19

This year has started like no other that we can remember. As COVID-19 continues to change how we operate as a community and as businesses, many of us are faced with having to find new ways to work, while others have found ourselves out of a job.

One of the most challenging parts of this whole time is sitting in limbo. Whether you’re still working, your hours have been cut back or you don’t know what you will be doing post-COVID-19, the uncertainty can leave you feeling anxious and worried about the future. However, while everything is up in the air there are a few things you can do that will help you to move forward when circumstances return to normal.

1.    Update your resume

When was the last time you did this? Even if you are still working, it’s a good opportunity, while you have the time, to make sure all the details about your skills, experience and work history are up to date. That way, if you need to look for work after the COVID-19 crisis is over, you’re well prepared.

2.    Refresh your LinkedIn profile

Just like your resume, this is something we tend to put off for when we have time. Well, now you do, so update your profile, connect with people who inspire you and who add value to your professional life, and do an audit of old connections that are no longer helpful.

3.    Upskill

Take a course in design, coding, writing, business, accounting or anything that will enable you to add a new and useful skill to your repertoire. Read about leadership and leaders in your industry, or about innovations in your field. Using this opportunity to obtain the extra skills and knowledge you’ve always wanted to will be of great benefit to your abilities and your career prospects down the track.

4.    Learn new things

One of my friends, while in isolation, has committed to teaching themselves one new thing every day, whether it is baking bread, using Canva or learning a language. Take this time to develop skills that can help you both personally and professionally.

5.    Network

Although this may sound counterintuitive given that we are social distancing, now is actually a great time to reconnect with your network. Organise a virtual lunch, a Facewine or even a creative brainstorming session with people in your circle. Too often we make excuses and put these things off, so this time of enforced isolation presents a great chance to devote some energy to nurturing these valuable connections.

Though this is a challenging and unprecedented period in all of our lives, it doesn’t have to be wasted time. Not only can you take the opportunity to reconnect with your family at home, you can also invest in your skills and in self-development for when life, business and your career go back to normal.