Experienced loss of employment during Covid? Here are some tips to help you make the best of it.

Hello, I am Ms Soh Kiam Chye and I have been jobless for a year. Yes, I lost my job during this Covid-19 pandemic.

Even though I expected it since we could no longer bring tour groups to other countries, I was hoping it wouldn’t happen to me. I went through an emotional rollercoaster from telling myself it is a good time to take a break after working for so many years to worrying whether I can find another job.

The first few weeks after I stopped work, it was actually good! No work stress and I could spend my days however, doing whatever I felt like. But once the weeks passed, I started to get anxious because suddenly, my days turned to weeks, I lost track of time and didn’t really have anything meaningful to do.

I was desperate to find a new job and sent out countless applications. I even applied for different jobs like administrative clerk and customer service. Sadly, it wasn't easy and I received rejection after rejection. There were days I felt really depressed… I even avoided my friends because I just didn't feel like being sociable…

Then an ex-colleague told me that they need people to work as safe distancing ambassadors so I went to try! I mean, still making sure they follow instructions like when I have to handle them on tours but never take a coloured flag or umbrella only mah! And it was quite interesting getting to meet other people and I even made new friends. I also found out that I could take courses I was interested in but never bothered to find out or try out.

So I went to take an online class on knitting and started making personalised masks for my family and friends. They liked them so much and encouraged me to start selling online. My niece helped me to set up my IG account and I learnt how to post my handmade masks. At first, I was scared because I didn’t think I could become digitally savvy. But slowly I learnt by following other accounts, and learning how to take good photos and write interesting posts. I was so happy when I started having followers and getting orders even from overseas! I never thought I could do something so different and enjoy it so much. although I hope to be able to be a tour guide again, now I feel more positive about myself and my future. 😊

If you are also experiencing something similar, I thought I could share some advice and tips I picked up from my personal experience:

1. Losing your job doesn't mean you are not good enough. Covid-19 happened and a lot of businesses struggled. Losing your job was just an unfortunate consequence of the impact businesses suffered. It does not mean you were incompetent. So don't start doubting your own abilities.

2. Be realistic. Covid-19 has changed everything from how we live and the kind of jobs available. You may not be able to find the same kind of work or the same salary you used to bring home. So manage your expectations when you are looking for work or talking to prospective employers.

3. Stay connected. It is very tempting to disengage from everyone and hide at home to binge-watch Netflix. It is not healthy. Make an effort to continue to keep in touch with friends and people in your industry. Not only is it good for your mental well-being it'd be easier to find new opportunities too.

4. Learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. Stop focusing on the fact that you are jobless, and find something to do that can occupy your time meaningfully. There are plenty of courses available online. Just try them out. Even if you don't like them, at least you have learnt something.

5. Keep active. Even though you have heard of it so many times, it is still true – exercise if good for you. It releases endorphins and you sleep better too. So get moving, whether it is walking around the neighbourhood or cycling. Exercise also helps you stay in shape for the working clothes you haven't had a chance to wear for a while.

6. This is the best time to spend time with your loved ones, whether they are your children or your aged parents. If you have always been too busy with your work, now you can make up for list time. Go and do things with them, even just a simple meal or a game on Nintendo Switch.

7. Finally, stay positive. You are your own biggest enemy, especially the thought you entertain. I had to force myself to snap out of it many times when my mind started to entertain negative thoughts about myself, about life, and about the future. So do watch out! Anytime you start to feel anxious or depressed, text someone or do something else – just stop the train of thought in your head.

Just remember, nothing lasts forever, not even tough times. Stay strong.