Connect
To Top

Reinvent Yourself for the Career of Your Dreams- The Only Guideline You Need in this Time of Crisis

When unexpected events disrupt our habitual routines or nudge you out of your comfort zone, you can’t help but question your priorities and ponder over what really matters to. Thanks to the pandemic, with so many people getting laid off from work and having to stay locked up at home in quarantine, it’s no wonder that people are reevaluating their lives.

If you’re one of those people, just know that you’re definitely not alone in this. In fact, recent research conducted by O.C. Tanner discovered that about 48% of people are considering a change in career after the pandemic blows over. Crazy, right? Who knew it’d take a whole pandemic for people to start realizing that they’re not happy with their jobs?

We’re here to tell you not to worry because it’s never too late. Especially in this day and age, when even 70-year-olds refuse to retire and we’ve got toddlers playing with toys making millions of dollars through YouTube. Impossible is a word unbeknownst to the people of the 21st century.

Deposit Photos | Interview rooms will most likely be stacked post-pandemic

We have a few essential principles to help you guide you on your journey of career reinvention.

1. Explore your different possible selves

This might sound a bit wacky to some, but when you’re standing on the edge of uncertainty, with no idea which direction your personal life might take in the years to come, does it not seem smart to explore a diverse array of professions when you have the time and freedom to?

Remember, you’ve gone through the process of choosing a career and single-mindedly sticking to it once. If it had worked out for you, you wouldn’t be here. So, take our advice and learn, test, and experiment with different professions before committing yourself completely.

Deposit Photos | Take up different activities to get a deeper understanding of yourself

2. Stay strong during the liminal period

Liminality is the state of being stuck between one stage and the next- which makes this the hallmark of your emotional experience when you’re at the edge of a past that has dissolved away and the onset of a new and uncertain beginning.

Often, liminality is a pretty awkward stage to be in, with people usually confused and oscillating between holding on to their past and embracing a new future. Instead of dwelling over the past, use this time to rejuvenate yourself. You might not have this much time on your hands once you’re on a new career path so make the most of it.

3. Get a move on your projects and networks

The first task of reinvention is having a whole bunch of stuff cooking on the side, including skill-building, cultivating knowledge and relationships, until the final product i.e. YOU, is ready to get back into the market. Use this time to take some online or part-time courses.

You could also do some advisory or pro-bono work, or even start brainstorming some startup ideas! At this point, the world is literally yourself and you can mold yourself into whatever you desire. At this time, your “dormant” or “weak” networks could do you more benefit than you realize. The only reason you fell out of the loop with these people is that they weren’t all that useful in your previous career. Think of all the doors they may potentially open up for you now.

Deposit Photos | Catch up with old networks to learn new things

The Final Word

We know that this is a particularly difficult and uncertain time for you. But remember, at the end of the day, while reinventing your career during this pandemic, there is one thing that you must always keep in mind- the time to act is NOW.

More in financial advisor

You must be logged in to post a comment Login