How to Protect Your Career During COVID-19

9/26/2020

Right now, the position for women in the working world is in serious danger. The pandemic has had a ripple effect through every industry, and women are feeling it harder than their male counterparts. This mainly comes down to childcare - women are more likely than men to take time away to watch children during the day since schools and daycares have closed. But it’s also due to the industries where more women are employed (e.g. travel, hospitality, restaurant).

In a time where it may not exist - and might be dangerous where it does - how do women keep their careers on track? Here’s a look at a few tools you can use to avoid major resume gaps and income loss during this time.

Negotiate Flexibility

If you’re not already full-time remote, talk to your employer about working from home. Older children may not need much supervision during the day, meaning you can still knock out work while they take their classes. Younger children, however, will need a more hands-on approach, and remote work alone might not be a good solution. And as Upwork points out, it’s always important to avoid multitasking whenever possible.

Flexible scheduling and work routines could be the answer you’re looking for. If you have a proven record of results with your company, negotiate a piecemeal schedule that will work for your needs. Many companies will work with an odd schedule, provided the work still gets done. This can be especially simple for those in salaried positions, as you don’t have to worry about logging odd hours.

Create Your Own Business

Sometimes, your current employer can’t (or won’t) work with you on these things. In that case, you may have to work fewer hours or leave the position altogether. However, this kind of gap can have massive long-term repercussions on your career and income.

You can mitigate this by finding ways to work for yourself. There are a ton of options out there for the woman looking to make money for herself, especially online. You can look into freelance writing, dropshipping, selling handmade items online, and more. Focus on finding an opportunity that uses your skills and keeps your resume current.

If you go this route, you have to take digital security seriously. Business owners are common targets of online attacks and fraud attempts. Educate yourself on social engineering, phishing scams, and digital security protocols to keep your personal and professional information safe.

Focus on Marketing

Starting your own business is an exciting and daunting process. One of the best ways to get it off the ground is to focus on your marketing. Digital marketing is an incredibly effective way to reach out to potential clients and customers. Start by making sure you have a functional, easy-to-use website.

Next, spend some time creating social media accounts for your business. This gives you a chance to connect with people and give your business a digital face. Establish your business’s voice, and tailor it to the market you’re trying to reach. For example, a company focused on young adults getting their first apartments should be casual and optimistic. A B2B content writer should be professional and knowledgeable. Keep these things in mind as you craft your marketing plan.

Avoid Money-Making Schemes

Finally, stay savvy and avoid money-making schemes. Out-of-work mothers are often targeted by predatory companies. Multi-level marketing organizations require expensive buy-ins and they don’t work for the vast majority of people who join them. One survey found that only about 25% of MLM employees make a profit, and of those, the majority only made a few thousand dollars. Half of those surveyed reported they lost money working with these organizations.

Here are the big warning signs of this kind of scheme:

Recruitment is done by individual “business owners” who emphasize a huge income potential.
You must spend money to purchase the company’s product before you can begin selling.
The primary method of making income is not selling the product but recruiting other people to become sellers and invest in the initial product load.

Some people make money this way, but the odds are stacked against you. It’s better to invest in yourself via a new business or freelance career than to fall victim to dishonest and predatory practices. Be your own advocate.

We hope these tips help you to keep your career on track through the pandemic. This is a difficult time for working women, but the right techniques can get you through it. Invest in your own skills and focus on ways to keep your resume current and your career moving forward.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Written by Guest Blogger: http://economymom.com