I woke up at 5 am the other day to the sound of laughter with my 10 year-old son watching TV. Curious as to what was causing cacophony—was it his favourite Disney show? the latest sitcom? No, he was cackling at the final scene from the 1979 Monty Python classic “Life of Brian.”
His laughter turned into melody as he started singing “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.
As hard as it is at the moment, I am also trying to also look at the bright side. Here are a few things that have helped me, that may help you:
- I finally have time to work on the business. All those projects that were put off when I was putting out fires or filling jobs, now are getting attention.
- In many places, the COVID curve is flattening and restrictions are even being lifted.
- There have been faster-than-expected medical developments in vaccines and treatment.
- Some workplaces that resisted “work from home” options will now be more willing to consider hiring candidates remotely or with some work from home.
- Other recruiters are becoming more open to collaborate—understanding what NPAworldwide has been doing for years. More fee splitting will encourage more potential membership and engagement.
- Clients are breaking down the barriers. I have had more meaningful conversations than normal as we are not all rushing. This positions us well for the inevitable snap back.
- Many recruiters I have spoken to have enjoyed the more relaxed pace of life—no commuting, fewer deadlines—it has been like an enforced sabbatical.
Don’t get me wrong, these will be challenging times for our industry and I am frustrated that there is not much we can control. One thing we can control is how we react. Try and stay optimistic, we will get through this and as they say, “Always look on the bright side of life“ (whistle).