Apr 09, 2020
“As we step into the unknown, we discover we can be fragile and strong and terrified and brave all at the same time” Paul Boynton - Begin with Yes
The impact of COVID- 19 has changed the way we do everything, seemingly overnight. It’s difficult to process the rapid change, particularly with many people finding their employment circumstance changed overnight with a rapid job loss. No one is untouched by this crisis, but everyone has a different story with different circumstances. It’s a very uncertain and unsettling time that requires a huge mental adjustment. It’s perfectly normal to feel lost, sad, angry, distracted, and a whole range of emotions initially while we adjust to the new normal. Once we collect our thoughts and try hard to adapt to change, it’s important to focus on what we can control in our lives.
Firstly, that can assist your short-term needs: Centrelink / JobKeeper system; MoneySmart Website / financial counselling; rental rights and responsibilities, and perhaps talking to your bank or financial provider if you have a loan or mortgage.
We need tools and strategies in life, particularly during times of uncertainty. It’s important to stay connected and seek support from your network: family, friends, colleagues, employer or previous employer, anyone that can provide support and guidance. Don’t do it alone. Losing a job can be traumatic and finding a job in the current climate can be daunting and totally overwhelming. Staying connected will not only help your wellbeing and connection but will help you in your pursuit of planning the next steps in seeking employment.
We’ve seen a dramatic crash in hospitality, retail, and tourism among others, along with rapid increase demand in other industries: Personal Protected Equipment, masks, hand gels, disinfectant and chemical industries have experienced massive growth. Explore current job openings in: Supermarkets; government departments; delivery/transport; calls centres (Telstra, Optus); Community services; Jobs Hub.
Volunteering is an excellent way to gain work experience, keep active and update skills. It can be very meaningful, increase self-confidence, provide a solid support base because of regular contact with people. Who can you help in the community? Meals on wheels, homeless services, The Smith Family, Red Cross, Lifeline.
Now more than ever, keeping your skills up-to-date is important, this includes looking at your transferable skills and training opportunities. Transferrable skills are the portable skills that you take with you across any industry where you can use your experience when applying for a new job. You already have transferable skills whether it’s from school, TAFE, Uni, work, parenting, voluntary work. They can be your personal qualities (soft skills) and technical skills. Have you good people skills? Are you community-minded? Do you help your family and friends with technology? What technologies are you good at? Can you plan? Are you a problem solver? This can be a great time for training and using spare time to undertake courses that you have been thinking of but been too busy, or for launching in a new direction. Technology skills have become a golden skillset at present, along with logistics, health and welfare sectors. So, whether COVID- 19 is a catalyst for a complete change and reskilling in a totally new area, or you have identified gaps in your employment/previous employment where you could upskill, it could well be the perfect time to revisit your career focus, both short-term along with term.
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