Find Opportunity or Create One?

At the back of a fantastic internship opportunity, I had a dream offer from one of the top organizations in the world. I just got an email from them yesterday that they have pushed back the date of joining again. My friend, who had a similar offer from another world's best organization, was told that the offer is no longer valid. It's very stressful, and I don't know what will happen? Will we get jobs at all? We all had so many hopes! But I am worried now! said my dear friend's daughter Sahana.

I don't know what to do. My final exams aren't scheduled yet. With all that's happening, I can't focus; future seems uncertain now! said Sahana. The high-spirited girl, whose name means 'Patience,' clearly had lost all of it during the lock-down days.

Sahana wasn't the first to share this, and her worries and concerns are no different from those of millions of students who are waiting for things to unfold. Interestingly, I had been speaking to quite a few students in recent days. Thanks to the webinars, where I have been coining the idea of Freelancing. 

Let's talk something else, what have you been doing these days, Sahana?, I asked. 

Nothing Much! Was her swift response. I knew she hadn't thought through my question and just reacted to my question. 

Nothing much? I asked. She giggled and said, I knew you would ask again, but Well, I am just following my routine! I knew I had to dig more to ask what her routine was as "Worrying" was more a habit that is formed at the back of what we feed our minds. 

Knowingly or unknowingly, our mental being is a victim of what we feed our minds. The self-talk or internal chatter as they call is a result of our beliefs. Our beliefs, on the other hand, are a result of our experiences, and our experiences result from what we go through daily i.e., our routine.

• What do we do,
• Who all do we speak with,
• What do we read, 
• What do we listen and who are we spending most of our time with? 

As they say, you are an average of 5 people you spend the most time with, and we all know the important roles friends play, I said. 

Sahana shared her routine and We spoke at length about some minor tweaks she needed to make to her routine. Most importantly, 'unsubscribe – negativity' She thanked me for the nudge and said, "I knew all this, and I have been very mindful of all these, but the thing is how to beat this uncertainty? I can't sit and do nothing".

I know how you feel Sahana, but remember, this isn't like just another event that we have seen in the past, this pandemic is global, and it is not only economic, but health crisis too. So we got to take care of ourselves, our health, mainly and our families also. Now let's see what we can do till the situation improves. Why don't you get a pen and a paper, I asked her. 

I am ready, she said. Let's write a few things now, and explore what's in our control and what's not in our control, I said. "That sounds alright," she said.

Things that are NOT in your control:

1. The Pandemic
2. Uncertainty about exams, not sure of dates, driven mainly due to lock-down
3. Job offers, market dynamics
4. Competition post unlock 

I agree with you, there could be more to the list, but let's keep it simple for now, she said. 

 Things that ARE in your control:

1. Say NO to distractions and negativity
2. Maintaining a routine, focus on your personal well-being.
3. Continue remaining focused on studies, 
4. How about some online group studies?

These are good ones too, but it still doesn't give me a direction on what's next after exams. Will I get a job? She asked.

Response to this wasn't an easy one. We spoke at length on many aspects that are impacting the market dynamics, and I decided I'll ask her some questions.

"Why Job? Why not a Gig?" I asked. Clearly, gig was easily doable, but not considered by many as it isn't permanent. 

What is a Gig? I haven't heard of it, she said. I asked her to do some research on what it is and how it works, which she agreed! 

Could you do me a favour Sahana, I asked. Absolutely, please tell me, she said.

I need answers to the following questions, let's say these are building blocks to anything you do. 

• Who are you?
• What do you do? 
• Why do you do what you do?
• What is the purpose in your life?

Once you have answers to these questions, I need you to do the following:

• Find your next big idea, think of yourself as a solepreneur – what would you want to be doing?
• Set your goals for the next 3/6/9 months.
• Look for ways to upskill.
• I know you write exceptionally well, and that's your hobby. Why don't you look for ways to monetize on it?

She noted them all and said, I never thought of it this way. Thanks a lot for this, let me come back to you at the earliest with a few ideas!

Not only did Sahana come back with her plan, she also picked up her gig and is getting for it. She knows her immediate focus remains on things she can control but also focusing on her exams, which are around the corner. She now loves the idea of gig and wants to pursue that more seriously, at least till things settle.