Only a couple of weeks ago, I was transitioning between leaving my previous job and potentially starting a new one. In light of current circumstances, that promising new opportunity, unfortunately, fell through. 

These past few weeks, I have run through so many questions over and over in my mind. What am I to do now? How can I apply for jobs when there aren’t many things on offer at the moment? How can I remain focussed on my longer-term career goals and get to where I want to be? How long are we going to be in this situation for and when we get to the end of this, how competitive is the job market truly going to be?

Living away from home, one of my biggest fears is that I may lose the livelihood that I’ve built so hard to create over the last few years. Despite all these questions and fears, one thing I have now tried to accept is that there is only so much I can do at this time. I hate the uncertainty as much as anyone else, but I am really trying to focus on what it is I can be doing for myself at this time. 

I am not an expert and I’m certainly not going to pretend that I can predict the future of the job market, but what I can offer is a voice to say that if you’re reading this, and you’re in a similar situation, then I know what you are going through. You are not alone and I hope that you can find some comfort in this post. 

WHAT AM I ENTITLED TO?

One of the biggest and most natural of worries at the moment may be towards the question surrounding finance. It can be overwhelming when you don’t know who to ask, what sources to trust or how to get started. A helpful website to get you started (if you’re in the UK) would be to look at www.gov.uk . Bear in mind, there may be a bit of waiting time if you’re corresponding directly, but there should be information and a series of FAQ’s in the meantime that should give some indication of where to begin. 

Also, if you’re worried about financing bills, it may be worth contacting the necessary companies/people to see if there is any flexibility that they could offer for the time being. Although it is not guaranteed, it is certainly worth exploring the options you have. 

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR TEMPORARY VACANCIES

If you are seeking extra income, try and research temporary vacancies in your local area. Many supermarkets and other key-traders are experiencing high-demand at this time, so staffing opportunities are likely. 

Even if there are no current vacancies, it is worth checking in weekly or so to keep an eye out for anything fresh (make sure you do this in short bursts however, as the process can sometimes be overwhelming). There are companies that are still hiring and interviewing over the phone, so although it may take a little longer than normal, there is still a chance to put some feelers out. 

VOLUNTEER

At the moment, there are also plenty of voluntary opportunities out there. Whether it is giving your time to the Royal Voluntary Service, assisting with the creation or maintenance of a website for your local charity or a friends start up that you love… Perhaps you’re keen to write a piece for an online magazine, beta read a new book before it is released or even start an online club to help keep others connected doing something you love. There are opportunities we can take that may help to boost your CV at this time. 

This could be a great opportunity to get some experience in a field you would love to enter once jobs are being advertised again.

Learn something new

Make sure you also look after your mental wellbeing in this time. Not only do you have social and physical distancing to stress about, but a job search which would be stressful enough normally. Take some time and set it aside to have a break from the job search/ thinking about the job search and learn something new.

Whether it is a new craft, like this simple tutorial on Youtube to make a love heart origami, or something more in depth like Ethics and AI in big data, Writing for Social Media or Human Rights Defenders then look at edX, a learning platform brought to you by the worlds leading Universities. There are so many types of courses to choose from (most are free!) so if you fancy learning something about dinosaurs, ancient architecture, a new language or world religion then this is the perfect place to start. Even though you don’t get a certificate on the free versions, these can still be added to your CV as a personal interest and hobby!

THE SMALL WINS

Make an updated list of things that you have accomplished in the week, whether that is to do with your job search or purely hobby related. Perhaps you’ve emailed someone about a potential opportunity to volunteer, you’re keen to start a new online course, want to learn a new language or have finished reading a novel.  Whatever you have done, write it down. All of these activities, no matter how small are all bits of progress and methods of helping yourself. It is often so easy to overlook these small wins, so keep a note of them to remind yourself at the weekend!

TAKE EACH DAY AS IT COMES

Finally, be kind to yourself. Often we feel as though what we are doing is not enough. Unfortunately, this feeling is heightened in our current situation and it can create huge waves of uncertainty and stress. Granted, we cannot control external circumstances, but we can try and help the way we frame it in our own minds. Just because there is no opportunity today, does not mean there won’t be tomorrow. Take each day as it comes and know that there will be something out there. 

Above all, if you’re struggling, please don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to your City Girls for support, we’re all in this together. 

Stay safe!

Written by Em Hope

Instagram/ Twitter: @eminemmz