Tips to Lift Yourself Out of a Coronavirus Career Rut

Having an active career can be rewarding, inspiring, and fulfilling for a worker. Knowing their work makes a difference can be great motivation. That’s why effective staffing is so important: Getting the right person in the right job is imperative for success. On the other end of the spectrum, though, doing the same thing day in and day out can get tedious and boring — especially when “work” is confined within the same four walls as “home” during the coronavirus quarantine. It’s easy to lose sight of what matters. Luckily, there are plenty of suggestions that can help anyone revitalize their outlook and move on to bigger and better things, even in the middle of a global pandemic.

Build (or rebuild) relationships. There’s an old phrase that says, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to collaborating on projects, seeking advice from mentors, and maintaining a happy client list. That’s why nurturing relationships with co-workers and clients alike is so important.

For instance, sending small, branded gifts and notes to clients can make a big impression and put you front-of-mind with them. You never know when a customer might be looking for someone to support in a new endeavor. Having your company’s logo front and center on an item they use every day might make you their obvious choice.

Face financials head-on. The economic picture around the world looks pretty grim right now, but at least those still working are ahead of the game. Still, the uncertainty of the current climate means that now, it’s more important than ever to get a handle on your finances. Tackling your personal financials head-on can lift a huge weight off your shoulders and let you turn your mind back to your work.

PREMIUM CONTENT: US Staffing Industry Forecast: September 2020 Update

The first step is to set up a personal budget. Next, check your credit score to see if you have any room to borrow, should you need to. Learning how to improve your credit score over time also can help save you money in the form of improved interest rates in the future. Once your financial burdens are lifted, or at least addressed, you’ll feel much more ready to tackle your career … and face another video happy hour.

Upgrade tech infrastructure. Working with outdated software and systems can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you’re working remotely. When it takes you longer than it should to perform simple tasks — like finding that one file while holding up the daily videoconference with team members — the delay can start to weigh on you, dragging out your days even longer.

So make sure you’re working with the latest updates and technology, whether you need software updates, new hardware peripherals, or an entirely new operating system. And let’s face it: New stuff is fun! Plus, the ability to move through your workday quickly and effectively again can return a bit of the spark you need to reinvigorate your career.

Learn a new skill. Not only will learning a new skill keep your résumé fresh, but it’ll keep your brain fresh, too — not to mention make you more desirable in the job market. You can pursue something industry- or job-related, like obtaining a new certification, or your new skill can be something more personal. Why not take a class on woodworking, or learn how to drive a stick-shift? Gaining new skills can bolster your career skill set — and your marketability, too.

Settling into a career rut is not only frustrating, it can also be a drag on a worker’s professional development. But now is not the time to let things slide. Since nearly everyone’s future seems uncertain right now, it’s a good idea to boost the hustle instead. Then, regardless of other restrictions, you may soon find yourself free from that rut and headed toward an exciting future.

Molly Barnes

Molly Barnes
Molly Barnes is a digital nomad and freelance writer. She can be reached at molly (at) digitalnomadlife (dot) org.

Molly Barnes

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