My family was very fortunate to make it through the post-pandemic world relatively unscathed. However, the economic and financial impacts of covid have finally reached our household. Although I have been steadily employed for the last decade, I now find myself back among the job seekers. Due to client cutbacks and reduced hours, it’s time to take a step back and create a new game plan. While it has put more constraints on our budget, there is a silver lining of having reduced hours.
What is the Silver Lining of Reduced Hours?
1. It presents an opportunity to reassess your skills.
If you have been in the same position for years, it’s easy to get used to the same work routine day after day. While you become more efficient in your role, you may not always realize what new skills or knowledge you have gained.
So when you are seeking new employment, the first step is to revisit your resume. As I updated my information, it forced me to reassess my skills and take stock of my appeal to potential employers. Not only did this help me realize my value as an employee, but it also built my confidence in my abilities going into the interview process.
2. Working fewer hours provides more time for self-improvement.
Although I’ve been working in the same field for many years, advancements in technology and AI have created new concerns. For example, there is less job security as AI is applied in new ways and replaces human labor. However, it also helped me recognize that I could improve my candidacy by learning new skills.
One silver lining of having reduced hours is that you have more time to pursue additional training or take classes to do this. Depending on what you choose, it could lead to a new certification, a salary increase, or put you in a new candidate pool altogether.
3. Living on a budget reinforces important financial lessons.
No matter who you are or how much you make, it’s always uncomfortable when you have to tighten the purse strings. But with reduced hours and income, it’s important to revisit the monthly budget.
My husband and I discovered that this was a good exercise to help us brush up on budgeting. And, it was a great opportunity to review our spending habits. As we adapt to the new circumstances, we will continue to make adjustments where necessary, find ways to save, and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
Turning Misfortune Into Opportunity
There is no denying that times are tough. But, you can’t lose yourself in despair. Instead, I am choosing to turn my misfortune into an opportunity to find something even better. Although I am fully committed to the job search, I am also working to make myself an outstanding candidate.
The facts are that the world and employment process has changed. Even if I was a stellar candidate a decade ago, I expect to face rejection. But, I also know that anything worth having won’t come easy. It takes effort, fortitude, and persistence to make things happen.
Read More
- How Can You Secure Your Job in Uncertain Times?
- Things Jobseekers Will Want to Know About HR
- How To Restructure Your Budget for Unexpected Expenses
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.