Opportunities in a pandemic: 4 steps to owning your career from home
It would be an understatement to say that pretty much everything around us has changed rather rapidly over the past few months. We have all experienced change at high velocity – in how we work, how we’re at home, and more importantly how we are with each other.
There is no doubt that the pandemic has created disruption in every facet of our structures- physical, personal, social, and professional. However, the impact of the disruption and change, particularly in the personal and professional realm, has been disproportionately greater for women. A myriad of factors that are not yet fully understood, including a looming childcare crisis that we’ll fully analyze once the ones in it have paid the price of making choices that help them get through this. Choices that in hindsight may leave behind shattered careers not glass ceilings, and further unravel decades of progress made towards gender equality.
But, in the words of Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Being responsive to change also means being proactive and taking things in stride. It may seem like the least likely time to reinvent, explore new possibilities or take your career to the next level, but there may never be a more opportune time to reflect on what truly matters to us, in our lives and in our careers so that we can take control of our path and make choices that help us achieve our goals.
Here’s a few simple strategies if you are exploring a career or role shift, or simply to take a step back, so that you can take many leaps forward:
Stay positive and focus on yourself In times like these, it’s easy to let things weigh you down, and before you know it the day, tasks, and thoughts snowball leaving little time for self-reflection. So, commit to a daily ritual. Take out a few minutes each day to embrace positivity through gratitude and a can-do attitude. It can be a simple meditation practice or anything that you enjoy doing for yourself. But remember this has to be time for you, about you and that’s it. No chores, no to-do lists, no home schooling (you’re welcome). Only focus on yourself and envision your future self. If you see it, you can be it.
Identify your goals and motivations You are on a path, but is it really one that leads to where you want to go? What drives you and keeps you going? What would it take to make a change? Are you driven by money, recognition, flexibility, ambition? Do you have a vision of where you want to be, or simply how you want to feel, in your career in 1, 2, or 3 years from now? Think about your goals, priorities and what motivates you. Write this down as it’ll form the blueprint for building your new reality.
Understand your strengths and blind spots As many women, including myself, we often tend to glance over our strengths and zoom in to our weaknesses, becoming our own critics. But let’s flip the coin – let’s write down all the things you really do kick ass at, and maybe a few that you’re not really cut out for and that’s ok. It’s important to list your accomplishments and think about what were the strengths and traits that helped you get there. Are you great at managing projects? Do you enjoy working with people? Do you thrive in ambiguity? Understanding your good, great and some blind spots (aka what really bores you) will help you thrive in your next role.
Expand- Skills, Networks, Horizons With countless great options for online learning, acquiring a new skill, something that will get you closer to your goals, is only a click away. Explore options to consistently learn, it’ll keep your skills fresh and mind sharp to be ready for that next opportunity. This is also a great time to expand your Network. Connections in the industry or field you want to be in, through your alma matters, associations and groups, or even friends and family, are more accessible than ever before and it only takes a warm outreach to get a virtual call set-up and voila, you are building a key asset towards your path- a strong network!
To learn more and discuss how some proven research and science can help you think through these and other strategies, get in touch with us today- info@brighther.com.