We are all facing major life changes in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. First and foremost, there’s the loss. Some people strongly feel the loss of freedom — freedom to browse in a shop, to play on a playground, to take an unplanned vacation. For others, it could be the loss of livelihood, or the loss of a loved one. Even the luckiest among us have seen our comfortable realities crumble in the wake of a new, unfamiliar normal.
And although we feel the loss sharply, there’s also a poignant sense of potential in the air. It’s impossible to know what tomorrow brings, but why not look forward with hope? In the midst of even the most challenging changes, there comes an opportunity to move forward, to adapt, and to emerge better than you were before. This is your chance for metamorphosis.
We’re here to look at some of the changes you may be facing — big and small, willing and unwilling — and how to make the most of them.
Relocating:It may feel strange to choose to move in the midst of a pandemic, but some things simply can’t wait. If you’re relocating for work, health, or safety reasons, or to be nearer a vulnerable family member, time is of the essence. However, you may be anxious about your ability to buy a home during the pandemic. After all, social distancing guidelines make in-person viewings complicated and open houses downright impossible.
However, you may be surprised by how many options are available for buyers. Homeowners can make a video tour of their home to send, so you can view it that way. Some may even have a virtual walkthrough, which is a 3D rendering of the house’s layout that you can use to simulate a remote walk-through of the property. These are great for getting a real feel for the space itself. If a home is unoccupied, you may be able to tour it; however, it’s important to take precautions and be sure to wear a mask, just to be safe.
A New Pet :We’ve all seen the social media posts: Shelters are putting out desperate calls for adoptions, unable to keep up with the animals’ care in the midst of the pandemic. If you’ve answered the call and adopted a new pet, you’ll need to take time to welcome your new pal into your home.
If they seem skittish, start by allowing them to freely roam a single room, ideally one you don’t have to go in and out of much. This will give them time to get used to your scent and get a sense of their new surroundings. After a while, you can introduce them to the rest of the house. Be sure to keep up with their grooming needs and give them plenty of exercise.
It’s also important to talk to any children in the house about how to respect your new pet’s boundaries. Remind them that animals need time to feel safe and comfortable in a new space. Doing everything you can to gain their trust early will speed the process up dramatically.
A Job Search: People all over the country are facing sudden, unexpected joblessness due to COVID-19. If you’re among them, then it’s time to start your job search. Finding a new job is never easy — in fact, many people are creating workspaces in their homes while searching for remote work — and things are going to be more competitive now than ever before. That’s why it’s so important to do everything you can to give yourself an edge in the market.
That’s why you should treat this as an opportunity to review your resume. Make sure it’s easy to read, thoroughly proofread, and shows off your best, most hireable assets. If your job details are just rote descriptions of your daily tasks, it needs a rehaul. Instead, highlight your greatest accomplishments, such as improving efficiency with a new workflow or gaining a reputation for satisfying difficult customers. These elements will catch hiring managers’ eyes and show them you’re more than the sum of your job duties.
When we find ways to make the most of difficult situations, we showcase the best of humanity. It is our hope and our willingness to seek a better tomorrow that will get us through.
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