Many of us are frantic and almost desperate when it comes to employment amid Covid 19. We have become a lagoon of dispensable beings in the eyes of many employers. Social distancing has caused management to opt into work from home platforms, downsizing, and a reduction in salaries. The companies who have been able to hire are cautious to offer permanent employment, or are significantly reducing the pay rate and amount of new hires.
Subsequently, these actions have effected not just earning potential for many workers, but also job security. Specifically the retail and hospitality industry laborers have been hit the hardest. In contrast, the medical sector, e-commerce, delivery services, and the grocery industries have seen a surge in business.
Despite the growing concerns about our professional futures, we should refuse to be cornered into settling for less. I have always prided myself for my tenacity, but after an amiss encounter I began to question my position in the job market. Below is an account of my recent experience that ensued due to my Covid 19 lay off. This is my first hand account on how working in a declining job market and accepting indigent terms can become unrewarding, and literally decompose your spirit!
The dream Job
After being discouraged by the lack of job prospects following my job lay off, I reluctantly accepted an administrative job assignment that I was overqualified for at a semi-profitable financial company on a temporary to permanent basis. The recruiter Kate pitched it as a dream job. She rambled on that I'd be entering a friendly small family business that was obdurately surviving despite recent events. Endless opportunities would be available due to the small basin of talent at the establishment. Kate also insisted that my work day would be full of excitement, perks, and a progressive culture. Her pitch had me dashing to sign on the dotted line!
Good Old Nepotism
A few months at my post and I discovered that the excitement was actually idleness, the perks were reserved for the nepotistic pool. What was guaranteed was that I'd become penalized for stepping on the wrong cousins' toes! Every meeting I attended, every memo received, and every interaction with the people upstairs resulted in a feeling of ineptness, powerlessness, agitation, because my input was discouraged. Stares in the employee lounge, whispers in the community lunch zone, and abrupt responses from management alerted me that my go getter attitude was uninvited. I was to stay in my place and let the big folks stir the pot! Oh and the progressive culture full of opportunities; I soon discovered that I wouldn't be entitled to securing those opportunities unless I was fortunate enough to attract a family member at the establishment to wed.
My New Reality
Consequently my enthusiasm turned to indifference when I realized that I had to keep showing up everyday, and of course my daily 6am alarm clock remined me of my new reality. I started to ponder on how I'd relinquish myself from the trap I walked into.
The Mirage
A turning point occurred one quiet Tuesday morning during the end of my six month tenure on the job, I had an outer body experience:
A mirage opened up aloft my desk. My body began to float amid the opening. I was suspended into air looking down at my cramped desk, glancing at my co-workers whose faces were cemented to their computer screens in a trance like state, then I turned to the cleaning staff whom was methodically dusting desks while simultaneously collecting the trash. A birds eye view allowed me to snoop into an operation manager's office; where I was able to witness a mid-level agent sighing in her seat while she was being reprimanded for her substandard performance.
What each subject in my illusion had in common was a discontent for their routines, because they felt caged in the structure that accommodated hundreds of their peers. Chronic nine to fivers who had become numb, bored, and frustrated. Their ill feelings would one day lead to grievance, resentment, and before long apathy.
Women in the Workforce
By September 2020, 865,000 women exited the workforce for many reasons resulting from the pandemic (Forbes Advisor). In opposition and prior to the outbreak, in 2019 fifty five percent of the female population were gainfully employed (www.statista.com). The robust employment in 2019 was partly due to the establishment of the technology age, which had catapulted women into the workforce.
Notwithstanding our current crisis in order for families to survive and efficiently run their households two incomes are still a necessary component. So the question I asked myself was: Who am I today in the workplace? This question resonated in my mind for some time. I thought to myself: Well outside of the office I am a mom, a daughter, a sister, and a romantic mate. These are the titles that I have become accustomed to. What I really couldn't articulate was who I was in the workplace, which has become a consequence of the post Covid 19 devastation. My identity, like many other women and men has simply become obscure.
Self Discovery
Preceding 2020 I had acted in posts that I sincerely enjoyed. At those posts I wore a plethora of hats and my value permeated amongst my colleagues. Those accolades all came to a standstill abruptly due to the disruption of the plague of 2020.
While at the financial company, It dawned on me that my career would continue to plummet like a whirlpool during a tornado if I didn't do something about it. The consequence of not acting would result in me embodying a zombie like state like my co-workers in the mirage. The solution to my dilemna was to rise above my circumstance and act swiftly. I had to confront myself and find the answer to the question Who am I in the workplace today?
My Homework
My homework consisted of the inception of me defining what I wanted out of a job, considering my skills, experience, natural talents, and than later researching industries that supported my work ethics. The professional characteristics I possess: tech savvy, creative/artistic, goal oriented, diligent, efficient, outgoing, and a team player. The industries whom could use my talents: e-commerce-sales/distribution, pharmaceuticals, medical support, supply chain industry, and e-learning.
Evaluating these qualities against the new job market made me aware that they were all useful attributes. The engines that would fuel my career path! So I set off on my journey. I discovered the answer to WHO I AM was inside of me. Doing my homework allowed me to dig deep enough to see where I belonged in the workplace today, and not to be dismayed. I would no longer accept what others perceived as my DREAM JOB. I was about to embark on my true match!.....End
For my Readers: If you are marooned in a job that you dislike, don't waste another moment being resentful. Get out your notepad and make your list. Be honest about your skill set. Obtain the skills you need to get the type of job you really want. DON'T LET YOUR AGE BE A FACTOR. We are sometimes the best version of ourselves due to our age and wisdom! Good luck on your search!!
P.S. I am currently enrolled in an online course to increase my skill level for better job marketability!!
Aniyah AKA The MommySavior
Appreciate every moment by giving thanks every day!
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