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Learning and Career Tips for People in Lockdown

Due to the rapid spread of coronavirus, millions of people across the globe are now stuck in their homes. With a lot of industries shuttered, millions of jobs lost, and uncertainty on when life will revert to normal, you might be wondering, “What should I do with my life?”

You may choose to watch the news on repeat, anxious about the future, or choose to scroll through social media feeds where you only are confronted with coronavirus-related posts and memes. But, there are many other useful things you can do, like sharpening your skills so that you’re more employable during the uncertain times that’ll follow the coronavirus lockdown.

Fortunately, there are tons of useful resources that are just a few clicks away – from online schools and universities to workshops and webinars – you can focus on learning skills that’ll bolster your career. Besides, there are plenty of platforms where you can connect with tutors who’ll help you with your homework. Check out Homework Market if you are looking for homework help.

Here are the 7 learning and career tips you should keep in mind:

1. Chart Your Career Path

Source:thebalancecareers.com

Where do you hope to be or what career goals do you want to attain in 5 years? Start from your projected outcome and work backward. This way, you can know the steps you need to take to attain your goals.

2. Take Online Courses

With a future that seems utterly unpredictable, this is perhaps the perfect time to revive your career by learning completely new skills that’ll boost employability and shield you from future uncertainty. Start with the skills that are most relevant to your career goals. While the pandemic has been devastating, in the future you may not have as much free time as you have now, so learn all you during this period.

Other learning resources like webinars can also help you acquire new skills; all you need is a phone or laptop and internet connection. Webinars are typically led by thought leaders so they offer you an opportunity to interact directly with an expert.

3. Create Predefined Templates for Your Work

This lockdown period may be the apt time to create templates, presentation material, and checklists for your work. You’ve likely had those moments when you’re so swamped with work that you wish you had predefined templates for your regular tasks – now is a wonderful time to craft them.

There are common procedures we follow in our daily tasks, why don’t you create a toolkit that will automate or speed up the process and boost your productivity? Once we return to normalcy, we’ll have to take on work that’s accumulated for months or strive to rebuild shattered businesses, so your productivity-boosting toolkit will come in handy.

4. Structure Your Working Day

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Whether you’re homeschooling or working from home, you need to create structure and schedule your activities. Have a dedicated work desk, preset your working hours, and schedule your kid’s activities. Kids, like adults, thrive in a structured environment.

5. Get Networking

Source:networkworld.com

Many industries have been permanently disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. So this is the time to prepare for a changing job market. Whether it’s making re-introductions, researching your prospective employers, or reaching out to old contacts, this is the right time to widen your network.

Since people are not outdoors, they are spending a lot of time on social media sites. LinkedIn is a great place to start connecting with employers and educators.

6. Work on Research Projects

Pick a subject matter that you’re passionate about, research it and then publish your findings in an appropriate platform. When you immerse yourself on a given subject, you’re likely to make new and profound connections that you may have missed before.

Learning and putting out your findings is not only fulfilling but it also helps you stand out in the job market. Employers go for employees who’re agile, emotionally intelligent, and creative. By cultivating your brand, you’ll be way ahead of the pack.

7. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

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Eat well, stay in touch with your family and friends, and work out regularly. There are a lot of free exercise programs available online – such as strength training, cardio, and yoga. Celebrities and influencers are regularly posting home workout videos. Most of these are follow-along exercise videos so you can work out with your favorite celebrities from the comfort of your home.

It’s also easy to get worked up about the lockdown and isolation. There is also no denying the mental toll of being cooped up inside your home for extended periods. It’s important to understand that the life you are craving for is not the same. For instance, even if you break the rules and go to a movie, all the movie theaters are closed. The world outside is just as boring because most entertainment venues are shut as well.  With that realization, learn to enjoy and embrace the comforts of the indoors, at least till this passes. Binge-watching a Sitcom is a great way to kill time and to keep the mood elevated. Watch guided meditation videos to calm yourself when you are overly stressed out.

Why You Need to Sharpen Your Career Skills

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This lockdown period is the perfect time to learn new skills and update your resume. The Coronavirus pandemic has upended some industries, wiped out millions of jobs, and destroyed many businesses. But, the skills you’ll learn at home during this period can help you gain mastery in what you do – you can emerge from lockdown as a better professional! Acquiring certifications related to these skills can significantly boost your resume’s attractiveness to potential employers. For example, if you’re eyeing a career in finance, earning certifications like the Series 7 can open doors to roles that require a deep understanding of securities and financial regulations. However, preparing for such exams can be demanding. You can take advantage of Series 7 mock exam and guide which will not only equip you with the knowledge needed to ace the exam.

Once normal life resumes, you can use your newly acquired skills to get a raise or a promotion. You can also use your new skills to change course and start a new career. So be proactive and make the best out of this testy period for personal development and career.