Career Journey: Life Lessons from a Butterfly

It is springtime in New Jersey says the calendar; cool 55 degree Fahrenheit says the Weather app...it somehow feels to me like our world is frozen in time. Instantly, the world as we knew it came to a ground halt from a microscopic virus and we are are suddenly thrust into a sci-fi movie set where the concepts of time - hours, days, weeks, months begin to blur...and we, the people, scrambled to find ways to ride out the storm.

With each passing day bringing hope, we accept grace and guidance to truly connect to what matters and be generously more kind, helpful, supportive to understand one another. The virus situation has not disappeared and faded into distant memory (how we wish)...yet, we found strength to know that...this too shall pass.

With each sunshine, begins a new day, bright blue skies and beautiful spring blossoms and then come the butterflies, a precious gift from nature.

I am sure the butterflies and flowers are nothing new, yet, we now found the time to watch them do their dance and glide from flower to flower with delicate grace.

The unfortunate economic situation brings with it layoffs and furloughs across the globe and people we know at work or in our connections may be impacted.

Especially in times like now, layoffs and furloughs are often not personal and are not reflections on performance. Please know that however hard it is for the person impacted, it can be so much more harder for their employer and their managers who suddenly have to part ways with their people. For both the employer and employee, irrespective of the duration of association, it is important to make that moment of separation from employment be filled with grace and gratitude to thank for the opportunities shared and accomplishments. Never ever burn the bridge or kick the ladder that helped you climb in your career...it is a small world after all.

Now more than ever, if you know someone who has lost their job, please extend your grace to connect with them and wish them well on their onward journey.

It only takes few minutes...more than you know, hearing your voice and knowing you care are genuine reflections of your kindness that will continue to bring them hope that will help them in their career journey.

Share opportunities to expand their network connections and maybe even guide them on some easy learning, volunteering and mentoring options to support our bigger community to lend a hand.

We are entering a new world and in time and together, we the people, will learn to be agile to adapt and adjust both at work and in our life. For now, stay positive and think of this disruption as a break to rest as you re-invest in yourself and be open to new possibilities...soon enough, will come a new day with a promising sunshine just for you!

Yes, career is a journey that brings amazing people together to build relationships that last a lifetime as through the rest stops, detours and adventures, like the butterflies, we are given the opportunity to expand our circle of influence and our network. Enjoy the journey and be happy always.

Maybe you are the butterfly caught in the strong wind? As you exit, do so with grace and an attitude of gratitude. When the winds calm down and as you start your next flight, Always Believe in Yourself and know there will be other gardens and wild flower patches that await your arrival, when the time is right. And in that place, you will once again be dancing with your friends and making music in your own way.

So, the break is time to Rest, Recover, Recharge, Re-Ignite and be Ready. Best of Luck! Stay Connected.