In most parts of the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about lockdowns, business interruptions, and financial failures as well as a health crisis. Professionals—young and old alike—have seen their dreams crushed in the short span of a year and a half, all while being stranded in the confines of their homes.

But amidst these troubles, more people are placing their hopes on a happier future. Perhaps it’s because they realise that life is simply too short for someone to be trapped in the same career forever.

Or, maybe it’s because they’ve spent more time listening to their inner voice, and that voice is telling them that change is overdue.

Perhaps it’s because lockdown has everyone feeling like they’re stuck in a box, and they don’t want to be in another situation where it feels like they have no control.

Do any of the situations above speak to your experience? Has your time in lockdown made you question whether you should consult a professional coach about switching careers? If so, it may be good to follow your gut and consider a big change to your current life. Hear me out on why it’s a good decision!

1. You’ve Got More Opportunities to Get to Know Yourself

Though lockdown is not the ideal situation to be in, you may have spent a portion of it doing some important self-examination. Free from the noise of the outside world, you may have also actualised a part of yourself that used to be dormant.

Have you developed any new creative skills while in lockdown? Have you gotten better at dealing with numbers, or built up some confidence working with certain systems? Do you remember your inclination towards working with people after years of working primarily with papers?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” a new you may be emerging from the ashes. My advice is for you to nurture and encourage them instead of shooting them down. Otherwise, you may never know how much happiness they can give you.

You’re probably more adaptable, more headstrong, or more persevering than you originally gave yourself credit for. Find the “you” that may have been lost in the hustle and bustle of pre-pandemic life, and introduce them to the world!

2. You Can Give More Honour to What’s Important

Lockdown may have also served as a perspective check on things you may have missed out on because of your career. Some examples are time spent with your children or time dedicated to an exercise regimen.

If you can identify your needs, this is your call to find a new way to meet them. Choose a career that honours your independence, your free time, your loved ones, and all other things you value. We’re sure to be in for some challenging times, and a fulfilling new career will definitely help you through them!

3. You Aren’t as Pressured to Please Other People

One thing that was probably greatly affected by the pandemic was your need for external validation. Does it matter as much in the face of what’s really important? Do you get the impression that people aren’t watching you as often as they used to?

If that’s the case, it’s a good time for you to remember that you shouldn’t let your goals, interests, or creative milestones be anchored on the whims of others. Don’t let others dictate what your dreams should be. Let go of your fears of being judged or needing to live up to other people’s standards, and commit to becoming the best and truest version of yourself.

4. You Can Envision New Ways to Help Others

The view is lonely from your home office, living room, or bedroom. By this time, you’ve probably had your fair share of battles against loneliness, and you may want nothing more than the chance to connect with other people.

As a result, you’ve likely become very creative about how you communicate and how you let others know that you’re there for them. So why not extend your imagination and think of other ways that you can contribute to the wellbeing of others?

If you don’t feel like you’re part of an industry that maximises your sense of connection to others, consider transitioning out of it and involving yourself in a sector where people of multiple disciplines are welcomed. Some examples are education, sustainability and the environment, and arts and culture. This may satisfy your desire to be one with the world and help you feel like you are directly involved in the change you want to see.

5. There’s No Better Time Than Now to Pursue Your Lifelong Dreams

Here’s what I think is the most important lesson of them all: don’t postpone your dreams for next week, next month, or next year. None of those things is promised to you. And besides, there’s already a lot that you can do in the here and now.

Rethink that business idea that you may have had a decade ago, and see if you can make your first forays into the world of entrepreneurship. One thing’s for certain: because of the digital revolution, you’ve got a whole treasure trove of tools and knowledge at your disposal, and many of them are free and accessible!

Start a charity or sustainability-related project in your local community. Watch as your efforts make an impact on families outside yours. Think of how your new career could have a positive effect on the future generation, which needs all the help it can get post-COVID.

Recall the most valuable lessons you learned in your previous career, and consider passing them on to others as a coach or consultant. Impart knowledge that you wish you had when you were just starting, and guide other people to come into their own.

In summary, life is short, and though the pandemic may go on for a while longer, use this time that you still have on Earth to make a big difference to yourself and others. That way, your life after lockdown will be free of regret!

Looking to change your career? Get in touch with MRS V today for a consultation on what your next career path is.