What’s Your Strategy When Your Job’s Up In The Air?
There is a lot of uncertainty about what things will look like when we come out of lockdown, or even when and how this will happen. This makes it very difficult to make accurate predictions about the big questions everyone is asking:
- What will the return to work look like?
- Will things go back to normal?
- What will my employment situation look like?
- Will I still have a job?
Being at home in our bubbles has meant that regular routines have been disrupted. Some people have had to adjust to working from home, and others have had their everyday working lives suspended altogether. We are all working out how to make the most of this time and get through it as best we can.
There are some very real concerns about jobs and the job market post Covid-19. A range of industries will inevitably bounce back quicker than others because of high demand as well as the impact of the stimulus package promised by the government. These will likely include anything in or related to: essential services, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, the primary sector including food production and distribution, and IT.
There will be lots of jobs in these areas, but there will also be a lot of competition from active and motivated job seekers who have lost jobs in other industries.
Some industries and sectors will really struggle to stay buoyant as a direct result of Covid-19 e.g. travel and tourism, hospitality, and the retail sector. Recovery will look different for each.
Looking at the impact on travel and tourism as an example, the sector has essentially come to a complete standstill. Jobs have been and will continue to be significantly reduced. It will be a long time before international and domestic travel returns to anywhere near levels seen pre Covid-19. The industry has started to talk about the need to move to a new operating model with the focus primarily on the New Zealand and Australian markets for the short to medium term.
What will this mean for jobs in the industry? Development will depend on the way in which the industry evolves to address safety concerns, and the willingness of the public to travel. There are unlikely to be many job opportunities in the sector for some time to come, and progress will be very gradual.
When Will Things Get Back To Normal?
I recently attended a Zoom session run by futurist Dave Wild. In the group we discussed the disruptive challenges that we all face in our organisations. Dave asked the following question:
How long do we predict it will be before our organisation or business is able to operate in relatively the same way it was at the beginning of the year? (pre Covid-19)
Dave offered options for our answers ranging from ‘We are now’ through to ‘Never’
Take a moment to think about how you would answer this question in relation to your organisation?
How long do you predict it will be before your organisation or business is able to operate in relatively the same way it was at the beginning of the year? (per-Covid-19)
Now take a look at the responses from Dave’s zoom session:
Answers covered the full range, but take a look at the ‘Never’ category. Most of us agreed that the world has fundamentally changed as a result of this time and this will particularly impact the world of work .
Why am I telling you this?
Many people are wondering just what the workplace in New Zealand will look like, and how their particular organisation and industry will be affected. Predictions are being made about businesses that will close, and jobs that will be lost.
The situation is likely to be somewhat out of control for some time to come. This is unsettling for many.
How are you likely to be affected?
Career Advice For When Your Job Is Uncertain
Put a Plan together:
Think about the risk to your workplace and your job. What do you need to do right now in order to mange well through this situation?
Update your CV and Your LinkedIn Profile:
When was the last time you did this? You might not need to use it but get ready just in case. Pay particular attention to your transferable skills as these will be the ‘door-openers’ to new jobs and industries.
Get in Touch With Your Networks:
Who do you know in different organisations and industries? This is a great time to start talking to people again.
Make a List of Recruiters:
Who are the people you will get in touch with if you need to?
Think About The Areas Where There Are Likely to be Job Opportunities:
The Government has pledged to kickstart the economy with an injection of money. What areas will this be in? Where would your skills fit in these areas? Where would you like to work?
Upskill:
What could you learn now that will broaden your skill base or help you find your next job?
Practice Your Interview Skills:
Think about the kinds of questions you might get asked in any interview.
Scheduling in time each day to work on these things is a great way to get back more control of your situation. And make sure to look after yourself as well:
- Keep in contact with your support networks
- Get regular exercise
- Eat healthy food
- Maintain good sleep habits
I’m here if you need help with any of the things mentioned here, or simply to discuss your next steps and how you are going to pick up the pieces. Give me a call or email me.