Wherever you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that your life, work and career have already been significantly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We’ve already discussed the myriad ways in which the coronavirus continues to change the face of business and commerce, necessitating the need to lean even harder into a digitized economy. But even as we squint to see the light at the head of the tunnel, many of us are wondering if “back to normal” will really be an option once the infection curve has been flattened and the economic wheels begin to turn anew.
Should we go back to “business as usual”? Or should we use the recent disruption caused by the virus to reassess our goals, our priorities and our place in the world of work? Here are some questions we should all ask ourselves in this time of disruption…
What really matters to you?
With many businesses grinding to a halt, and yet more slowing down significantly, a lot of us have more time on our hands than we’re used to. We’re finding that we have more time to play with our kids, to laugh with our spouses and finally get around to reading some of the books that have been gathering dust on the shelf.
It’s time to recontextualize ourselves. To stop thinking of ourselves in terms of our jobs. To ask ourselves what really matters to us, and adjust our lives so that we have more of what brings us true fulfillment.
Is this the perfect chance to go into business for yourself?
The recent changes to the business landscape have created huge changes for many of us. But they have also been empowering. They’ve shown us that we can be more autonomous and proactive. That we can be entrusted with managing our own time and taking charge of our own productivity. They’ve shown that we have the skills to stop working for an employer who’ll never be grateful and start up businesses of our own.
Starting up a business from scratch is a daunting prospect, but it’s by no means the only way to assert more control over your career. Starting up a franchised operation like East Coast Wings & Grill can give you the autonomy that comes with running your own business with the support, training and brand recognition that you’d get as the manager of a successful business chain. Or, if you want to be fully independent without overheads, there’s always the life of a freelancer or consultant.
Why not use this as an opportunity to get off the treadmill and explore your options?
How will you vote for an ethical future with your wallet?
For too long we’ve turned a blind eye to companies mistreating their employees, engaging in unethical practices and damaging the environment. All because they bring us affordability and convenience. In recent weeks we’ve seen which businesses have done right by their employees and which have unceremoniously let them go without support. COVID-19 has made us reassess who does and doesn’t deserve our money.
Has the workplace become irrelevant?
Look out your window and you’ll see quieter streets, fewer cars and clearer skies. Do we really want to go back to our stressful and smog-infested morning commutes after this? Or has this shown that the workplace has become an anachronism and that remote working on a full or part time basis can improve our quality of life while also improving our environment.
Let’s use this as an opportunity to take stock, reassess and pursue a better tomorrow. Even if it’s the antithesis of “back to normal”.
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