Transitioning into the summer of 2020

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Transitioning into the summer of 2020

It’s a time of transition for many and this is the perfect time to think about your summer game plan. Don’t wait until summer has arrived. For the past two months, you’ve been working from home or job searching, perhaps with children at home who are also distance learning. Now it’s time to transition into summer.

Transitioning into summer… are you ready? Take advantage of the next two weeks to plan for the summer ahead. How can you prepare for what’s next, especially when much is unknown?

Today, I’m sharing tips for managing these transitions and making the most of the months ahead in a way that works for you and your family.

Transition #1: If you are furloughed or actively searching, warmer weather can be tempting. Is this a time to pause and enjoy, or accelerate your job search process?

Tip: Summer can be a valuable time to recharge and spend quality time with your family if finances allow. It’s about doing what is right for you and your family. But it’s important to realize the job search process will likely take longer in the current environment.

Don’t pause because you think jobs aren’t out there. The state of the economy is not a reason to abandon your job search. Just know the process is going to take time, and if you take the summer off, the timeframe will extend further.

Transition #2: Now that businesses are starting to reopen, will you be ready to transition back to the office and what does that look like?

Tip:

  • For employers, the first step is figuring out the logistics of reopening and open communication is key. Employers today are scrambling to figure out what the workplace looks like now and in the future. Share what you know when you know it, even if it’s going to change, with your leadership team and employees.
  • For those leading a team, stay in communication with your organization on an ongoing basis to understand and contribute to the logistics of reopening. Regardless, the process of transiting back into the office is likely to be stressful for your employees. They may fear for their well-being or be worried about the unknown. It’s important to let them know they are supported and if possible, offer them the flexibility they may need to navigate this time and transition.
  • For employees transitioning back to the office, anticipate that it’s going to be different. And don’t hesitate to ask questions as you are probably not the only one with those questions. Remember, things will continue to evolve for some time to come.

Transition #3: With the end of the school year approaching and much cancelled, what does the summer ahead look like?

Tip: Before summer officially arrives, it’s time to start thinking about what the summer will look like and make a plan. It’s important to understand your options, even though those options will look different than previous summers. Will your children stay home, participate in programs (if they aren’t cancelled) or even attend a daycare? Use the rest of the month to figure out what is next, instead of waiting until the last day of school. It will be here before you know it.

Summer is often a season of joy. One that we look forward to as a break from both winter, sickness and business as usual. As we navigate a world where everything is different, transitions too require more planning and intention. But by thinking ahead, the days, weeks and months to come can still be the break we seek. Ultimately, how we live, work and socialize will be different for the foreseeable future. Now is the time to start planning, even if those plans might change along the way.

2020-06-25T13:59:12+00:00

About the Author:

Cultivating Careers was founded by Karen Kodzik, a Career Consultant who has worked with individuals in transition for over 13 years. Karen meets professionals at various points on their career path and works with them to gain a clearer sense of where they want to take their careers. Karen Kodzik holds a Masters Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Career Development. Karen couples seasoned counseling skills with a solid business acumen. She has coached and consulted various levels of professionals across industries to successfully reaching that next point in their career.

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