2020—Aack! We’d all like a re-do, right?!
I understand. I totally get that in your lifetime, a lot has gone on and you’ve had a lot to deal with emotionally, mentally, socially, physically. Yes, the landscape has certainly changed (albeit temporarily, hopefully). After all, a global pandemic has happened. As a result, you and all those around you have had to make enormous shifts. Virtual classes have required most students to do more school instruction for themselves, for one of many things.
And you know what? It’s okay to be in a space of “ugh” now and then. Just roll with it. Have trust that you are innovative, creative, and resourceful, and stay the course with your career exploration.
Why? Consider the following three quick points:
- Remember that regardless of what’s happening around you, you haven’t changed as a person—and neither should your goals and career aspirations. If you feel your attitude may have shifted negatively, then work on finding solutions. You may have to shift your perspective or mindset to navigate around a few things. But staying the course will open up avenues. It’ll get you where you need to go. It also is a great way to keep busy and focused on a positive future. It’s called being a self-starter (which, by the way, happens to be a great work asset)—and this kind of self-motivation is key to careering too.
- Give yourself grace and space. Everyone is shifting and changing, even adults. And, in the world of experimenting and new opportunities, consider it a great opportunity to exercise your creativity and critical thinking. Know that even if you may not be able to explore your career options the way you did before, you still have the power to accomplish so much. Sure, you may not be accomplishing careering goals the way you may have traditionally expected. For instance, that may hold true whether you’re attending school classes or extracurricular activities virtually or applying for an internship or seasonal job that’s turned remote instead of in-person. Yet, if you think about it, we’re pretty much always in a space of change to varying degrees. The key is to recognize it’s about taking a closer look—exploring, discovering, researching, finding solutions, learning, growing—no matter where you are in the flux. After all, with change comes newness, learning, growth, and, yes, advancement. In short, dynamism can be a very good thing!
- As we all go through this global experience together, look for ways others can support you and vice versa. In other words, use the time to network and to support each other. One suggestion to spark your creativity: Start a virtual careering group with your friends and fellow high-schoolers. Think of it as a study group only focused on career exploration. It’s amazing how validating it is to hear and know that others are sharing experiences similar to yours. It’s also great for sharing insights and helping each other so you can learn from each other’s triumphs as well as mistakes. Another suggestion: Ask around for assistance. In other words, use this time as a perfect opportunity to reach out to adults you know well and trust, such as family members and family friends. Also, think of people you normally wouldn’t be able to reach as easily before so many of us began working remotely. Think of what your needs are, then go from there. For example, you may want to ask people for an informational interview about their particular profession or, perhaps, for internship leads or informational resource advice.
Creativity and being open to “the new” are what career exploration is all about. Here’s the main thing to walk away with: No matter where you happen to be in your space of change, take time to readjust your perspective and mindset as needed . . . and most importantly, stay the course of careering!
