Many of us are finding ourselves in a period of transition right now due to COVID-19’ effects on the economy. And while companies are slowly beginning to rehire, this transition might turn into an extended, unintended sabbatical. Keeping a positive mindset and making the most out of this downtime, might be the key to landing that next job with confidence, and learn a new skill or two.

Going through a period of transition myself right now, I reflected upon the last time I was in a similar situation; when life gave me lemons and I turned it into the best lemonade of my life!

When I last lost my job six years ago, I realized that I was given the gift of time. I finally had the opportunity to do what I had always dreamed of…living in Paris!  So I packed my suitcases, left on my journey, and while I fine-tuned my third language, learned a lot about French history, architecture, art, literature and culture. I learned even more about myself.

I realize that not everyone can just clear their schedule for three months to hop on a plane to Paris, especially now when leisure travel is on hold, but there are things anyone who is going through a transition can do, when given the gift of time:

1.   Invest in yourself

Renting an apartment in Paris, paying for private French lessons, taking a few excursions and the cost of living were not inexpensive. I invested financial resources and three months of my time, but the truth is that you do not have to spend any money at all to improve your skills and marketability. There are countless free online classes on any subject you can dream of that will broaden your skillset and increase your value.

2.   Learn a new skill

If you are not learning, you are not evolving. Find something you are fascinated with and study as much about it as you can. For me, this was improving my French, and even though this did not directly land me my next job, the experience was that of a lifetime and it gave me a huge sense of accomplishment, which translates into confidence while interviewing.

3.   The best learning takes place outside of a classroom

My French school,  “La Leçon de français”  had a unique, interactive approach to teaching. The city of Paris was my classroom. Twice a
day, I would hop on the métro to meet one of my ten tutors at museums, parks and cafés scattered across the city. Whatever it is that you are learning, make sure it is interactive and actively partake in your learning experience.

4.    Be bold!

I was on my own in Paris, and navigated all parts of the city alone. I discovered quiet neighborhoods, antique shops and all sorts of little treasures off the beaten path that I would never have found otherwise. Theodore Roosevelt said that nothing worth having comes easy. You have to go after what you truly desire in life and in your career.

5.   Stop and smell the roses (or the croissants)

The longer I was there, the more I truly felt the heartbeat of Paris every moment. I was present. During my downtime, I would take long walks in parks or along the River Seine, enjoy a café-au-lait with a croissant, and just observe the world passing by. This experience awakened all my senses. I felt alive and happy! Work/Life balance is so important, and you need to take time to enjoy what life has to offer. Have your croissant, and eat it, too!

6.   Do not wait!

Living in Paris for three months was a game-changer for me. Whatever that dream is for you, get going! It might put your life on a totally different trajectory. Don’t find excuses and don’t feel guilty. Life is happening now, and as this pandemic has illustrated, tomorrow is not a guarantee. Realizing your dreams is part of your life’s purpose.

7.   Share your experience

Enthusiasm is contagious, and others are going to want to learn from your experience and join you on this journey. I posted hundreds of photos via social media and blogged my lessons and impressions. Check it out
at https://angelathefrenchlesson.blogspot.com/. It makes for great storytelling, another skill that you will need to practice for that next interview.

And now that I have been handed a new bag of lemons once again, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a delicious and unique lemonade of a different kind:  I am studying how to become a professional blogger, a Youtuber, and an executive coach. Soon you will be getting a taste of it, as I start sharing my experience of 25 years in the corporate world, helping others find their paths and fulfill their career dreams. Cheers!

If you are going through a period of transition and believe that you could benefit from one-on-one coaching contact me.