The Pandemic Changed Us. Now What?

I speak for myself, and I speak on behalf of dozens and dozens of clients I've supported through these past two years:

The global pandemic has changed us, forever.

Perhaps most notably, it's changed how we work, how we view our work, and what we need our work to "be" as we enter this (knocks on wood) post-COVID period.

Having together faced the possibility of our untimely demise, we're thinking hard about what we want our legacies to be. We're realizing that some of the things that kind of bothered us about our jobs or careers prior to the pandemic -- long work hours, inflexible schedules, unempathetic or heavy-handed bosses, low pay -- are now dealbreakers.

We're tired. To our bones tired. Yet, we're also hopeful. The amount of introspection, anticipation, and optimism I'm seeing among clients (and feeling personally) is both heartening and exciting.

So, now what?

That's an excellent question. While there's no one, cookie-cutter answer (sorry), here are some moves I've seen people successfully implement as they work to reshape their careers or restore their well-being on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps they'll work for you!

? Negotiate a Flexible Work Schedule - People tend to assume that the only time you can negotiate your schedule (e.g. remote, hybrid, 4-day week) is as you're being presented an offer. This isn't true. If your circumstances (or, ahem, priorities) have changed, you may absolutely request consideration.

Here are four tips for addressing the issue:

1. Pick your timing strategically
2. Spell out exactly what you need
3. Highlight how your manager (or team) will benefit
4. Suggest a trial period

For more on this topic, Check out pp. 74-75 in "Do This, Not That: Career"        

? Fully Utilize Vacation and PTO Days - It astonishes me how many professionals head into December with a gazillion hours or days of PTO remaining. Sure, sure, you may have a boss that pitches a fit or goes all passive aggressive on you for having the audacity to use your time, but that is your time. Use it! (And, if your employer throws up huge roadblocks on this, it's probably time to consider a job change.)

? Change Jobs, Thoughtfully - If you suspect that it will be difficult or impossible to restore your health, find balance, or achieve your goals while in your current job, make time to evaluate what (specifically) you need before jumping ship. Do you need to feel more valued? Fewer hours? More remote days? A more inclusive culture? You'll be best able to find the right next job if you can evaluate opportunities based on what matters most to you.

? Reconnect with Friends (or Make New Ones) - This one is front and center for me right now. While I've been a remote professional for years, I went into full hunker-down mode as COVID infection rates rose. As a fairly introverted human, it was actually rather easy for me to do. But "hermit style" became my new normal, which I now recognize was to my detriment. I've recently begun reconnecting with my pals in person, and have found that it's quite healing.

Human connection is crucial to our overall health. That's science. And if you navigated the pandemic like me (with very little social interaction), perhaps it's time to set up some face-time with your besties.

? Consider a Portfolio Career -- I'm excited about this topic lately and love that the pandemic has shone light around the idea of a portfolio career. What is it? In simple terms, a portfolio career is one made up of multiple income streams vs. a single, full-time job. Set up thoughtfully, it can de-risk your life from a monetary standpoint while providing opportunity to leverage existing skills, grow new ones, monetize hobbies, and so forth. I'll be talking about this a lot more in coming months.

Last... If you are considering changing jobs to accommodate your new priorities, you may be interested in our just-launched Summer Resume Refresh service. While we rarely discount our services, this limited-time-deal will score you a professional resume update at 50% off our Resume Overhaul price. Take a peek to see if it's right for you!

Thanks for giving this a read. If you'd like to access more of job search and professional development tips:

1.Take a look at my LinkedIn Learning Courses

If you already have LinkedIn Premium, you have access to all 11 of my career-related LinkedIn Learning courses (more coming later this year!). If you're not a current Premium subscriber, you can access a free month HERE . Many local libraries also provide members access at no cost.

2.?Subscribe to Steer Your Career

Join me right here to receive monthly updates, actionable advice, and even members-only discounts on our products and services.

3.?Order the Book

"Do This, Not That: Career" . This easy-to-read, immediately actionable guide will help you navigate 75+ of the most formidable job search, workplace, and career growth challenges. (Including how to ask for that flexible work schedule!)