This time is very worrying for people across the world as job security is threatened and financial hard times are afoot. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused worldwide mayhem and distruption in a number of ways.

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The most significant issue that has arisen is the financial stability of many homes and families. Furthermore uncertainty has flourished and created a wave of worry across all households both here in the United Kingdom and abroad.

As a young adult still living at home, I am one of the lucky ones. When I lost my job it had less impact on my financial stability than others. I know many people living alone who are currently struggling to pay their rent or are simply moving back in with their folks.

However, the lack of work has had a profound and unexpected effect on my daily life! The lack of socialization and routine are just a few of the reasons I want to get back to work as soon as safely possible.

We all dread the moment our bosses say they can no longer pay our wages. Our anxiety hits the roof and we are left with a lot of “what if’s”.

But what if this is a sign?

A symbollic kick up the a** to go after the job you really wanted or maybe to escape the dead-end at your recent employment. Although I wouldn’t recommend taking a year off to travel! (at least not yet!)

As with all disasters there is opportunity to be seized, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we can still salvage some positivity from this otherwise devastating time.

Sibel Hassan started her own business after she was left without work due to the current circumstances. She is a successful example of how determination and a hard work ethic have been used to do what makes her happy and improve not only her mental health but also physically.

Sibel Hassan - Instagram; @kira.b.x

Below is a summary in her own words of how she turned her life around despite many challenges;

“You dont really expect the whole world to go on pause but for January 2020, the minute our champagne glasses clinked it was game over.

When the pandemic hit, a lot of people including myself were out of work. It was pretty stressful seeing as that meant no money and so on. Personally it didnt only take a toll on my financial situation but my mental health too. And not having any therapeutic walks wasnt my idea of fun.

Some time into lockdown an old school friend was selling some sort of plant based product, at the time I was very much piling on the pounds, due to all of the comfort eating I was busy doing. She ended up messaging me offering me the chance to join her in creating my own franchise. I thougt ‘I’m definitely not the healthy type and I couldn’t run a business’. She reassured me that I’d be trained and guided so I did it! I mean what did I really have to lose?

It’s been well over 3 months now and I couldn’t be happier. I was able to have a plan B which was unaffected by Covid AND I could work on my own health. It was perfect because the business allowed me to become a mental health advocate along with it, so it felt liberating.

I never knew this time in lockdown would change me for the better and it was all because I took a chance, that leap of faith pulled me out from my misery and I’ve made something of myself. It’s made me realise you can make the best of any situation, no matter how dire it may be.”

Sibel Hassan (Contact @kira.b.x)

So what should we do now?

The answer is simple; whatever you want! Whatever is best for you socially, mentally and financially. Work wise you could follow in Sibel’s footsteps and take a leap into working for yourself, or you could find a new job in the career of your dreams.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you consider the following - 

It is unfortunate that you lost your previous employment, but as one door closes, and you wade through the fog of 2020, several others open. You just have to be willing to find them.

So in short, you should appreciate what is important, and remember that there are many less fortunate than yourself.

As always, thank you for reading and remember to be careful and most importantly stay safe!

Article written and sourced by Siobhan Lansdowne