THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT?

(A question that’s been batted around a lot over the last few weeks.)

Now, there are two ways that you can look at a phrase like that. Much the same as there are two types of people in the world.

It comes down to the ‘glass’ analogy.

“The economy won’t be the same once this is over!”

“It’ll take months to find work again after this!”

“I don’t know about you but I’m never travelling again!”

All valid concerns given the current global climate. Unable to travel, different jobs required to push us through… Maybe it IS the end of the world as we know it?!

But perhaps we could consider a slightly different approach?

Today I’ve been thinking about the changes to my life so far since COVID-19 showed its’ teeth and threw the world into ‘turmoil’. Whilst it’s had devastating and catastrophic impacts on many thousands of lives in the UK and around the world, the aforementioned fact has made me all the more determined in my belief that some small semblance of ‘good’ should be taken from this.

Since the outbreak I’ve spoken to more people, shared more stories and more laughs than I’ve managed to in months! I’ve gotten to know my candidates and clients as 'people' and spent my evenings playing board games, video calling loved ones and tagging friends in hilarious posts about ‘cats afraid of cucumbers’, instead of re-watching ‘Prison Break’ and scrolling celebrity Instagram’s.

I’ve taken breaks in the mornings and breaks in the afternoons; spent my lunch breaks in my garden soaking up some Vitamin-D and digging last years’ accidental bee-hive out of the beautiful bird-box that used to sit in my plum tree.

Last week my Grandma said “I think we’ll see a shift in people’s attitudes towards helping their neighbours and being kind to one another once this is over. Hopefully it’ll be more like the ‘good old days’”

A candidate called me this morning because he fancied a chat. We talked about his new vegetable patch, how to improve his LinkedIn profile and Gary Barlow’s new ‘Crooner’ celebrity singalong sessions.

There are so many things that this virus has taken from us!

But it’s given us COMMUNITY, TEAM-SHIP, and a deeper appreciation for the hardship of others, not just the hardship of ourselves.

For those that are certain that the glass is ‘half empty’, and will not be convinced that it’s actually ‘half full’ – Perhaps you’ve missed the point?

A glass can be refilled.

If it’s the end of the world as we know it… Why not try our hand at building a better one?