How To Make The Most Of Time Spent Social Distancing

If you follow the requests of our government, you read this cocoon in your house under lockout or auto-quarantine. At first it didn't seem so bad. You've had the opportunity to catch up on a few Netflix shows you've been looking forward to. You have been able to read good books all the time and get a little more sleep because you no longer have that boring two-hour commute to work.

It looks like we're going to hibernate in solitary confinement for a while. Our officials say it is only temporary. Most likely, two weeks will turn into two months - or more - depending on how quickly we can contain the epidemic. You now have a critical choice to make: you can either lose the moments that make up a boring day, or use that time to your advantage. 

You can keep watching TV and snacking on snacks or you can start a self-improvement campaign and help others.
If you are concerned about the safety of your work - in light of the current mess we are in - or if you have been reduced, you can start an aggressive job search. Contact all of your contacts as they are also stuck at home and have no excuse to ignore your requests for help. Make a list of the companies you would like to work for. Target internal recruiters and people who appear to be hiring managers and send them InMails and LinkedIn messages. Update your CV, refresh your LinkedIn profile, contact the best recruiters in your area and practice your interview techniques. Interact on social media to develop your brand and get noticed. 

You might as well buy a new wardrobe online for interviews. Since the interviews will be far and rare, it makes sense to do a lot of practice and role play. Telephone and video interviews will be the norm. Video role-playing (if you are not familiar with Zoom, it has become the essential option for video interviews and connection with colleagues if you work at home) and telephone interviews until you feel comfortable with the mediums and have your elevator ground nailed. It may be boring, but you might as well learn everything you can about the career you have chosen. Learn about new developments, summarize industry-specific blogs, newsletters, articles and books. 

These are not just things related to work. Use this time wisely to elevate yourself intellectually. Download and read books that will help you gain more knowledge. If you don't like to read and have little attention, there are a host of great YouTube podcasts and videos that can help you improve, learn new topics, and stay on top of fast-paced events. .
Maximizing your time to improve and help others is a wise decision. Instead of feeling helpless, sorry for yourself and complaining about the current situation, you will take control of your life. 

When it is all over, you will enjoy a great feeling of accomplishment and will appreciate that you have not wasted precious weeks or months of your life.