In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of employment has shifted drastically. As countries around the world had to grapple with lockdowns and restrictions, many businesses were forced to adapt their operations to survive – from retailers and law firms to property inspectors and everyone in-between.
For millennials looking for work or searching for career stability, navigating this new normal can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the current state of employment and what strategies you can use to find success in this post-COVID era.
Remote Work is Here to Stay
The shift towards remote work was already happening before COVID-19 hit, but it has quickly become the norm for many businesses. Remote work offers a number of advantages over traditional office setups – not least of which is cost savings from reduced overhead expenses – and it looks like it’s here to stay.
That means that if you want to stay competitive in your job search, you need to be able to demonstrate an ability to work effectively from home or remotely.
New Opportunities for Freelancers
For those looking for more flexibility or who are interested in pursuing freelance opportunities, there are some unique opportunities created by COVID-19 that you should consider exploring. The gig economy has been steadily growing in recent years, and has only accelerated since the pandemic began.
Companies are increasingly turning to freelancers as a way to fill short-term roles while keeping costs low and maintaining flexibility, so if you’re willing and able, freelancing could be a great way for you to make ends meet while still having enough time and energy left over for other pursuits.
Prioritising Your Health & Wellness
Of course, no discussion about employment during these times would be complete without talking about health and wellness. Working through a pandemic isn’t easy, so it’s important that you prioritise your physical and mental health when job searching or working remotely.
Take regular breaks throughout the day, get plenty of sleep at night, eat healthy meals whenever possible, exercise regularly – all of these things will help ensure that when it comes time for job interviews or projects, you’re feeling refreshed and energised instead of stressed out and overwhelmed.
Ready to get started?
The world has changed dramatically since COVID-19 hit, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost when it comes to finding meaningful employment as we emerge from those turbulent times. By understanding how employers have adapted their operations due to the circumstances, taking advantage of new opportunities created by COVID-19, and prioritising your own health and wellness throughout your job search journey, you can find success in this new normal. Good luck!