We'll Get Through This #TimeForGlobalConnection

We are going through the toughest times that most people have ever experienced. But I know we will get through this as the human spirit and our community spirit is stronger than we realise. But it's not going to be easy, and it's not going to be quick.

Tonight I had to turn the television news off. I'd been watching and listening to the news all day while working from home, and I felt totally drained.

It breaks my heart to see the queues of people lining up at Centrelink, to watch the tears, the anxiety, to watch the Covid-19 numbers rise globally and to read the numbers of human beings - the mothers, the fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, daughters and sons dying from this dreadful disease all over the globe.

It breaks my heart to know that people are losing their jobs, many with no notice period at all, as businesses cannot afford to keep them on. People who work hard, are talented, determined, full of potential and with huge hearts. Jobless. People who can no longer afford to pay their rent, buy food. People who will lose their work visas and can't stay in the country, yet can't go back to their home country as many flights have stopped, people totally in limbo.

People worried about their mortgages and unsure about whether to let their children go to school for one more day, worried about the grandparents being vulnerable to the disease.

Everyone feels stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The Australian Government says,

"There remains considerable uncertainty around the potential economic implications of the Coronavirus for the June quarter and beyond. The economic shock is likely to be significant. There are a wide range of potential paths for the spread and containment of the virus globally and in Australia. In addition, there is uncertainty around the impact on confidence, people’s ability to work and business cash flow. The global spread of the virus and its global economic impact will also flow through to demand for Australia’s exports and the availability of inputs into domestic production and imported consumption goods. "

From 12 noon on 23 March 2020 businesses including pubs and clubs, gyms, casinos and cinemas were closed.  Restaurants and cafes are restricted to takeaway or home delivery only, while indoor sporting venues, gyms and churches and places of worship were also closed.

For some restaurants the cost to keep the kitchens open and staff on the payroll for home delivery and takeaway is not financially viable so they have completely closed in the hope that they can consolidate and reopen when this monster that is the Coronavirus is eradicated. All industries are affected. And there is fear not only of the Virus but of the economic impact.

The Australian Government has stepped in with a plan.

A total of $189 billion is being injected into the economy by all arms of Government to keep us all going. The support package includes:

• Support for households including casuals, sole-traders, retirees and those on income support
• Assistance for businesses to keep people in a job
• Regulatory protection and financial support for businesses to stay in business

“We want to help businesses keep going as best they can and for as long as they can, or to pause instead of winding up their business. We want to ensure that when this crisis has passed Australian businesses can bounce back,” the Prime Minister said.

We WILL get through this. We all know that it is not going to be easy, but we can do this. Our world may never be the same, however, when we get through this, (and yes, we will), we will be changed. We will become aware of our actions, our words, what influences our beliefs, and what is REALLY important in our lives.

What really is important in our lives is life itself.

And the way we live our lives to the full. When we get through this, just imagine how we will appreciate simple things like meeting our friends in the park, having our families over for dinner without worrying if there is enough sanitiser or toilet paper, being able to go on a cruise without worrying if you'll be able to return home, and going to work on the bus or train without having to wipe down every surface someone else may have touched first.

There will be a shift, I believe, and we will appreciate what we have more than ever before.

Yes, these are anxious times however, we can help each other. It's #TimeForGlobalConnection.

We may have to practice #SocialDistancing out of necessity right now, but we can still connect with each other in a meaningful way through the brilliant developments that we, as human beings, have invented.

Let's use technology at our fingertips to learn, to connect, and to expand our knowledge during a time when we have to physically be isolated. Emotionally and mentally we do NOT have to be isolated. Yes, it's time for global connection - to understand that we all are going through the same thing - whether we are Australian, Chinese, Thai, American, Canadian, British, Iranian, Italian, Singaporean, etc. We are in this together so rather than withdraw, let's connect.

While reading about the Great Depression in the 1930's I found the human spirit is to be admired. The challenges built character and showed how resilient we can be:

1. Families traveled to wherever the work happened to be. They stuck together as much as possible.
2. Clothing had to last as long as possible and women (mostly) became expert seamstresses, especially at alterations.
3. It was important to maintain appearances. Individuals still had a lot of pride, regardless of their circumstances. Mothers still wanted their children to look their very best.
4. When the soles of shoes were worn through, pieces of rubber tires were used as replacements. There was little choice but to repair them in any way possible.
5. Many kindhearted farmers kept workers on payroll as long as they possibly could, even if meant paying them with produce.
6. Anything that could be freely collected and sold, was. Driftwood was collected, split and sold as firewood.
7. Most people were willing to do any type of work.
8. Neighbours and family members were supportive of each other, donating meals and money whenever possible.
9. All food was made from scratch, you may like this fascinating book that chronicles the culinary history of the Great Depression.
10. Hunting and fishing were major ways in which families were fed.
11. Everyone, including the kids, found ways to earn money. There was a team mentality that brought everyone together for a common goal.
12. There was virtually no sense of entitlement. Everyone knew they would only survive if they worked hard to do so.
13. At this time there was no such thing as “retirement”. Everyone worked until they became physically unable to continue.
14. There was a sense of dignity in even the lowliest of jobs. One woman tells the story of a notions salesman who visited their home every few months. He looked very dapper and wore expensive looking clothing, even as a door to door salesman.
15. Many discovered strength through optimism and looked at their disadvantages as personal challenges that could be overcome with ingenuity and hard work.
16. Meals were simpler than those we eat today and, therefore, cheaper. There were virtually no prepared foods at grocery stores.
17. In some communities, there were group gardens on empty lots. Everyone had their own small plot and could grow whatever they wanted.
18. Many worked multiple part-time jobs, waking up before dawn and falling asleep long after dark.
19. Those with just a little bit more than others found odd jobs around their homes or property to provide employment to others.
20. Some communities organised “surprise parties”, in which everyone would pull together a large amount of food and other necessities, including cash. One by one, each family was selected to be the recipient of the surprise party.
21. People were grateful. Grateful for any kindness, any blessing. That attitude carried many of them through the Great Depression years and they now look back on them with fondness.
22. A jack-of-all-trades could often find work when others couldn’t. It paid to know a bit about plumbing, carpentry, painting, and home repairs.
23. Stories from the Great Depression years are filled with incidents that illustrate one act of kindness after another. In spite of incredible hardships, people could still find ways to encourage others with words of blessing or unexpected help.
24. For good measure: Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do or Do without!

[Source: https://thesurvivalmom.com/survival-wisdom-great-depression]

We survived the Great Depression and we will survive #Covid19. Let's pull together during the tough times so we can enjoy, together, the good times again.

What can I do to help you? I can offer support so you don’t feel alone, and help you to prepare for when this too, will pass. Now is the time to prepare yourself to hit the ground running when the economy grows again.

I’m offering a number of free support options (I explain in my video):

1. My Accountability Support Group Join me for on-going inspiration and encouragement to keep working towards your goals despite the challenges.

2. Weekly Zoom Support Meetings Join my Get Stuff Done Accountability Support Group and register to attend these weekly meetings during which we discuss our challenges, our goals, and support each other through this difficult time. Bring alive the community spirit wherever you are in the world.

3. April Zoom Career Coaching Session During this coaching call I will be covering ONLINE NETWORKING and how to leverage LinkedIn to build your brand so you can hit the ground running when this is over. I am offering this for FREE on 13th April so register today as I usually only have space for 8 on the call but in April I will open it up to 20 participant.

Be well, stay healthy.

#Change #coronavirus #mentalhealth #community #BeKind #JaneJackson #jobseekers

Jane Jackson is a career management coach, author of bestseller, Navigating Career Crossroads and host of Your Career podcast.

Jane is a transition specialist and coaches professionals through challenging times in their lives with a strong focus on taking control of their careers to create work/life harmony. Find out how Jane can help you by visiting www.janejacksoncoach.com

Read more of Jane's articles on LinkedIn:

You Can Do It: The Spirit of Confidence

Will You Ever Get Another Job?

Is the Recruiter Your Friend of Foe?

Why Doesn't my Resume Get me an Interview?

Take Control of Your Career - The Essential Guide

Are you Afraid of Rejection?