CAREER MANAGEMENT CHRISTIAN YAO
Managing a career through COVID-19 Dr Christian Yao, from Victoria University of Wellington, reflects on how much has changed in the career landscape over the past few months and looks at how we can keep our careers on track and thriving.
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nly six months ago, I was teaching a class of students about technological disruption on careers and how this may reshape individuals, organisations and societies. Today, as a result of COVID-19, these scenarios need to be revisited as we experience a global wipe-out of jobs, incomes, livelihoods and future endeavours. The effects have begun. Pilots who spent years training and flying now face the harsh reality of losing their jobs. Café and restaurant owners who have put all their money and energy into their businesses have faced months of minimal revenue. Tour operators who have previously enjoyed the international tourist influx have seen visitor numbers reduce to zero. These are just some of the examples of how the global pandemic has affected people. According to the International Labour Organization, the disruption to 44
HUMAN RESOURCES
SPRING 2020
the world’s economies caused by the pandemic is expected to wipe out 6.7 per cent of working hours globally in the second quarter of this year – the equivalent of 195 million jobs worldwide. The speed is fast, the scale is vast and the effect is cascading. So far, lots of attention has been given to the impact on jobs and incomes but less so on careers.
It is the government’s role to save jobs but, individually, it is our job to rethink and be more strategic about our careers. So, what are the differences between careers and jobs, and how should we view and protect our careers through the pandemic? • A job is something you do to earn money and to pay the bills while a career is a series of connected employment and business opportunities to achieve personal goals. • A job can be short term, yet a career needs a plan with a focus on long-term achievements. • A job is a reactive approach to the changing context. A career requires a proactive attitude and careful craftsmanship.
• You can lose a job in the blink of an eye. Careers can stay with you even when you experience temporary shocks. It is the government’s role to save jobs but, individually, it is our job to rethink and be more strategic about our careers.
Protect the basics: Finances
First and foremost, we need to take care of our personal finances. Do a budget and think about ways of reducing expenses and be prepared for potential job loss. Get in touch with your bank and discuss ways they can support you through the shortterm pressure. Gather information from the government to see what support you may get.
The disruption to the world’s economies caused by the pandemic is expected to wipe out the equivalent of 195 million jobs worldwide. Differentiate between a job and a career
If you’ve lost a job or are about to, it is important to be pragmatic about the differences between a job and a career. Get a job that will help pay the bills but also spend time thinking
