EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE numerous coffee breaks . I also believe the change in scenery occasionally , played a part in getting things done at an improved rate .
With COVID-19 being a disruptor , it became important to observe and make an analysis of the sectors and industries that were thriving , and honestly evaluate if the industry you ’ re in would survive or sink , and then decide how you would align yourself to be on the winning side . Many brick-and-mortar businesses were forced to shut down permanently , while ecommerce stores were seeing unprecedented hikes in traffic , sales , and revenue . Industries that were highly dependent on face-to-face interaction or transaction , had to quickly make use of social media and other more secure and functional online platforms to stay connected to their customers and clients and continue with business operations . Another thing that people gave careful consideration to was whether or not they were actually living and working in their purpose . With so many reported COVID-19 cases and deaths to the same virus , people wondered what their life really meant and whether they were living to their fullest potential . People were led to stare the dissatisfaction levels they have with their jobs in the face and decide if that is how they would continue their rest of their lives . Especially since their work invaded their personal spaces and boundaries were hard to establish . People were also losing their jobs , and this led to them feeling purposeless . It is at this moment that I must intercept this piece to assure you of something : Esther 4:14 records a widely quoted scripture whose essence is basically “ You have been called for such a time as this ”. In clearly terms : while you exist and are living in this generation , your purpose will always be necessary and relevant . While we are in a new normal , the purpose remains the same . Your duty is to undoubted- ly determine what that purpose is and weave your career into it . That is the only way you will survive this tide , and any other tide that might come after this one . FYI : apparently a global pandemic strikes after each decade or so . Don ’ t quote me on this , I will deny all allegations . To tie this up , I want to mention 3 possibilities that could shape your career moving forward :
1 . You might get laid off from your job 2 . You might decide to walk away from your job and into your purpose , or 3 . You will have to re-invent yourself within your job . I ’ m sure you ’ ve heard companies quote sentiments to this tune : “ Our people are our greatest assets ” or “ What sets us apart and differentiates us from our competitors is the talent we have within our organization .” Our knee-jerk reaction to these claims is that
they are lies , otherwise these companies would be paying their employees better . Right ? You know what : It is the truth . These companies are not lying when they say this , because the intelligence and agility of people can never be replaced by machines . The culture that people create is unique to the people in the organization . As well as this , it is the people who in any case design and implement systems . So , you are an asset , and understanding that should make you think differently about how you build your career from henceforth . If you get laid off or choose to walk away : Transfer the skills and experience you amassed during your years of employment for the facilitation and success of your purpose . Understand the value of what you know and what you can produce , to create a new career for yourself . This time , one you will love and be fully invested in . If
Employee magazine SEPT - OCT 2021 27