Valery Taboh is a lean practitioner an Agile coach, Scrum and a change agent for Fortune 500 companies. Contact Valery today to learn how he can help you and your business become more efficient and productive!

Yes, Professional and Personal Growth Are Possible Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic may be far from over, but it’s undeniable the world continues to work its way toward a semblance of normalcy. Of course, whether there’s more upheaval to come remains to be seen. But the fact is that regardless of which way the wind blows, how industries and businesses are run, as well as how work is accomplished, have forever changed. This will invariably open up new opportunities, which you can take advantage of if you have career and personal growth in mind. 

To help with your journey, check out the following resources, courtesy of Agile expert and consultant Valery Taboh.

Focus on Your Work-Life Balance

While career growth is a great goal, bear in mind that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Productivity is better when your personal life is not neglected, and besides, you don’t want success to come at the expense of your well-being. Whether you’re staying in your current role or pursuing a new one, keep your work-life balance at the forefront of your priorities.

• If you found that working from home during the pandemic simplified your routine, talk to your boss about working remotely part-time.

• Many industries are adopting flexible schedules for their staff on a permanent basis. Ask any potential employers what their long-term plans are.

• While COVID-19 didn’t have many people shying away from taking sick days, some employees are hesitant to use their paid vacation and personal time. However, studies reflect that this time off is good for your health, so use it!

No Lack of Opportunities

The economic landscape and the workforce suffered greatly during the pandemic. However, the current recession is bound to end sooner rather than later, and with it will come new opportunities in various sectors. 

• Emerging trends are giving us a clear picture of the future of work post-pandemic.

• Creative careers are well-poised for a renaissance in the aftermath of COVID-19.

• The post-pandemic world will also likely see a surge in the need for conservation roles.

• It goes without saying that job-hunting after coronavirus will be diverse and competitive, making self-improvement, persistence, and an open mind real necessities in the new normal.

• Rather than find a job with an existing firm, creating your own LLC in one of these sectors can be a great way to break into a growing market. This is a great business structure for entrepreneurs because it separates their personal assets from their professional ones. They’re also easy to set up.

• If you hire people to help out with your LLC, invest in software or services that allow for flexible time tracking while on the go through smartphones and tablets.

The Business Skills You Need

Businesses were indeed hit hard during the pandemic. However, there is an opportunity to bounce back stronger than ever as new markets and demands emerge in the new normal. It will serve you well to sharpen your business skills as early as now in order to put yourself in an advantageous position.

• Post-pandemic, the need to upskill business capabilities is likely imperative in the business world.

• It’s definitely worth seeking advanced skills in leadership, development, and education (to name a few) such as through a Bachelors of Science in Education degree online. There are quite a few programs online, so be sure the one you choose is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to make sure it’s legit. 

• If returning to school isn’t feasible, look for certifications that can make you a more competitive candidate.

Tech Skills to Leverage

As industries become more dependent on technology throughout the pandemic, tech skills have become a real necessity in the workforce. It’s only prudent, therefore, to keep your tech competencies updated and polished so you’ll be able to keep up with the times.

• Of the key skills you should cultivate in the post-pandemic world, technical savvy definitely stands out.

• It’s a good idea to hone your IT skills to catapult you to the top of the hiring pool.

• Thankfully, there’s no shortage of instructional podcasts that you can take advantage of if you’re going down this path.

• It’s also a good idea to work on your mobility and flexibility, especially when working office jobs that require lots of sitting.

Ultimately, how you survive and thrive in the post-pandemic workspace will hinge heavily on maintaining resilience and a growth mindset, both personally and professionally. The age of coronavirus hit rock bottom, and from there, there’s really no other way to go but up.