If the coronavirus pandemic caught you off guard, you are not alone. The vast majority of Americans felt blindsided by the events that dropped hard starting in March. As such, we have struggled as a society to experience a new normal, and we’ve made changes to the way we live. While some are likely short-lived, others will have permanent effects on our lives.
Cautious and Courteous
One thing that has most certainly changed because of coronavirus is our level of awareness of how germs are spread. Moving forward, people will likely work at home more often, and some schools may switch to a virtual model. As a whole, we are washing our hands, disinfecting surfaces, and utilizing hand sanitizer more than ever.
Something else that has changed is how we work. Whereas just three months ago, marathon board meetings were the norm and handshakes the accepted form of introduction; today, much of our professional interaction has moved online. Discover Magazine points out that new colleagues may even ask if it’s necessary to meet in person, a query which would’ve been considered rude before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Widespread unemployment is another new experience, and unfortunately, it’s one that could stick around for years to come as restaurants and other close-contact businesses struggle to remain open, especially with the new requirements being asked of them. Because of this, many people are turning to self-employment. While this is often a situation of circumstance, being out of a job is a moment you can embrace to channel your energies into a new career. One great example would be to turn a passion for cinema into a career as a videographer. Online job boards, such as Upwork, have seen an influx of new creative freelancers, which are helping other businesses upkeep their image in all areas.
When We Must Adapt
Many of the changes above have come about out of an abundance of precaution. But, like looking for work if you’ve been furloughed or laid off, there are other experiences that can’t wait regardless of how fast the virus is circulating. One of these is moving into a new home if your circumstances have changed (like Shannon & her family did). Fortunately, technology, which is the driving force behind the work-from-home revolution, can also help you manage many of your necessities.
Continuing with moving as an example, there are many services that allow you to video chat and virtually tour a home without having to enter a potentially contaminated structure. Redfin asserts that you might even have the ability to make an offer and close on your home remotely. Talking to our children about social responsibility is another example of a permanent change that we must learn to adapt to. Many parents have already taken to establishing new routines and prioritizing things like video chats with grandparents and physical activity.
The Light Side
Change is difficult, but many people have also learned the importance of self-care, often with humorous results. Funny pictures of DIY haircuts have suddenly become more popular than cat memes, and even celebrities have taken to the internet to share their failed attempts. Many men and women have also turned to online self-help courses (including free ones) to help them get in a mindset to better handle the stress the pandemic has brought. Perhaps the greatest benefit to come out of the coronavirus pandemic is that more and more people are adopting pets, which means that shelters are empty and kids and adults have a new furry friend with whom to shelter in place.
There is no denying that COVID-19, like the Spanish flu before it, will change the way we live. And while many changes are frightening, others have helped us appreciate the perseverance, persistence, and patience of ourselves and our fellow man.
Guest Contributor: Jennifer Scott
Image via Pexels
