3 lessons I learned from making a big career change during the pandemic

We have to get out of the cocoon of a normal, expected job profile.

There are new opportunities emerging due to the pandemic, at the unlikeliest of places. One may be the right fit for a new kind of industry with a new kind of role.

Zoom interviews and virtual meetings are not ideal and do feel awkward when compared to normal, face-to-face interactions, but the basics like developing relationships, listening well, maintaining eye contact and slowing down when speaking are still as rock-solid as before.

Apart from employees, even the organizations are being forced to rethink and update their own mindset according to the new reality of the world.

With the offices and factories working on less than optimal levels, and people being unable to commute, there is no reason for employers to pressure new joiners to relocate or to report to duty in person.

Working remotely, once a privilege of the few, is now a reality for most white-collar workers.

It has also led to recruiting a more diverse set of candidates, as being ‘local’ or having a short commute to the office is no longer an important criterion.