Communicating During our New Normal - When Reinventing Isn't an Option!
Are you an employee, entrepreneur or manager who suddenly finds it necessary to reinvent your career due to COVID19? Well, don’t feel alone.
The number of jobs lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has far surpassed the losses seen during the 2007-09 Great Recession, and no one's sure how many of those jobs are coming back.
But there is a silver lining if you’re inspired to make change.
One thing to come out of this pandemic is a surge in new occupations. Jobs that never existed before are at the forefront of reemployment efforts. These are very important “now” jobs and because they are related to other jobs you may already have many transferable skills.
Here’s a few that lead the list:
Contact tracing—identifying people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. The role calls for skills similar to those of customer service specialists. The job can usually be done from home and can be part time or full time. Many of the job ads we’ve seen are seeking to fill multiple positions and typically come from city and county health agencies, universities, large employers, hospitals, and health systems.
Temperature Screeners-With the EEOC’s green light to employers, companies are hiring or re-purposing laid-off employees to do the job. In this job you’re typically asking people to take their temperature readings. These jobs are wide-open to large variety of backgrounds and skill sets.
Among other jobs that are in demand, are interior re-design people. These are the folks who help establish safe social distancing by moving furniture and putting markers on the floor.
Or plexiglass partition installers whose experience using drills and saws come in very handy at grocery stores and restaurants, and in shared office spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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For those who have some crafting skills, sewing nonsurgical face masks is one of the most in demand jobs. The requirement for these masks has companies scrambling to meet their needs.
And last but certainly not least – our technical geeks and event organizers. Companies – big and small –have a huge demand for people who can help organize video conferencing as well as for people to technically facilitate video meetings.
So there’s a quick rundown of what’s out there, but just what does it take - mentally and emotionally - to re-invent your career?
Here are a few tips to give you a little jump start.
Inventory Your Passions - Ask yourself (or someone you trust): What do I (you) like about me? What do I do better than anyone else? What do I own or use that makes me unique? What do I really love to do?
Be Courageous and Visible - Remind work contacts and networking buddies where you excel. Be visible. Listen to and collaborate with others; share your ideas. Participate in meetings and accept projects that highlight your skills.
Say “Yes” to Everything - Saying “yes” to all opportunities is a powerful expression of self-confidence. It attracts more (and better) opportunities and choices—you can always change your mind.
Transferable Skills – Take an inventory of your skills, both professional and those that are just hobbies. Instead of starting something entirely new, you can start by building on what you already know/have done. How about a real estate agent using their knowledge of the area to become a tour guide? Or the accountant who uses their knowledge to morph into a financial planner.
Don’t know what to “change into?” That’s okay. The only way to find out is to experiment. Volunteer, job shadow, temp or take part-time work in a field you’ve always been curious about as a career.
Remember, you’re not alone! With our new normal evolving there are many others in similar positions as you. This is no time to be shy, or isolated, or afraid. Networking with others via job-hunting groups, small-business groups and support networks leads to new opportunities.
When it's all said and done the secret to reinvention is imagination. Don't be afraid to think outside the box.
Letting people know you’re looking for new opportunities is not begging, it’s marketing!
To learn more about your natural strengths and motives, visit us at Brilliant Leader Program to take your FREE Color Code Assessment. The insight you gain could fast-track you on the road to your new career!
Until next time. Stay safe. Be kind. And most of all be courageous!
Author’s content used under license, © 2009 Claire Communications