I had this vision in my head of a public announcement in which we could run outside, throw our masks in the air, and celebrate the end of a truly devastating pandemic. That scenario appears to be a bit unlikely based on a variety of reasons that are too aggravating to address without me utilizing many swear words. However, many of us have chosen to get vaccinated and the numbers are starting to look better. The end (or at least a better view) of COVID is in sight and yet, everyone I talk to seems to really be struggling emotionally.
I’ve done my own little questioning with friends, colleagues, and peers as to why this might be and the answer is almost always the same. “I don’t want to go back to the way things were.” Or, “I’m already burnt out and exhausted and now I’m afraid that more will be expected of me.” It appears, based on my somewhat limited sample size, that Americans are tired, worn out, overworked, and seeking more joy and fulfillment in their lives. They are worried that the end of COVID will actually put them further away from those desires.
Defining and Building A Better Post-COVID Life
COVID brought most of us more family time, more time at home, and more time to explore our inner thoughts and feelings. We spent more time looking for the big answers in life versus the minutia of our daily lives. Why are we here? How long are we here? What do we want to do with the time that we are here? It seems many of us want meaning, connection, health, and to feel like we are contributing to a kinder, more Zen world than the one we came from.
A number of articles have come out suggesting that the American worker is ready to quit their job if their organization isn’t on board with a more balanced, meaningful work experience. COVID has helped us see that work is obviously essential, and yet why can’t work also bring us joy and meaning, as well as a good paycheck? I’m a firm believer that happiness is an inside job, but having a career we love and fabulous people around us certainly makes that inner job an easier one.
Building a better post-COVID life means being clear about not just what we DON'T want, but what we DO want for our professional and personal life. #covid #goals #lifestyle #happiness Click To TweetSo how do we manage a post-COVID life that scares us? First, we will want to be perfectly clear about how we want that life to look. Many people tell me what they don’t want in life, but not what they do want. Make a list of wants for your personal and professional lives and then start coming up with a plan on how to get that. Have you talked to your boss or the leaders of your organization about appropriate work hours and turning off each evening and weekend? Have you asked for what you want at work? If not, that’s a good place to start.
A post-COVID world can only be different if we make it so. Our fear of going back to our old ways is actually understandable, but not very helpful. Make a list of non-negotiables for your post-COVID life and then live that life. COVID certainly showed us that life is short and fragile so this is our chance to make the most of the rest of it. Let me know how you do.
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC