Of all the scenarios my chronic low-grade anxiety created, I‘ve got to say — it did not see this one coming. There is no question that the global impact of COVID-19 will ultimately change society (for better or worse? Only time will tell). Of the many ‘worst-case-scenario’ articles I can’t seem to stop reading, a few have hinted that we may see a potential 30% unemployment rate in the near future (for context, the unemployment rate during the great depression was a little below 25%).
So whether you’re just about to “graduate” college after a Zoom video conference commencement ceremony and enter the work force or if you simply pride yourself on always being prepared, I have re-branded nine skills you may not have even realized you have picked up during quarantine:
Remote Communication Skills
(Calling Your Parents to Cry Every 15 Minutes)
Every time I check social media or the news and see another terrifying statistic, I immediately call my mom to ask when all of this will be over. Unfortunately (like many of us) she does not know the answer to that question and has started sending my calls straight to voicemail.
But—this could absolutely translate to an improvement on my remote communication skills as I now understand how to verbalize my thoughts in a collected manner (and that you can use your phone for things besides looking at memes).
An Ability to Maintain Concentration and Focus
(Running Out of Shows to Watch on Netflix and Actually Doing Productive Work)
Have you ever been so bored that distractions have no influence on you and you actually start being productive? I don’t think any of us found ourselves here pre-quarantine life and now look at us! Getting. Shit. DONE! And by ‘shit’ I mean the bare-minimum. Now go pat yourself on the back because no one else is allowed to do it for you.
Autonomous Self Starter
(Not Lying in Bed All Day)
You did it—you dragged your body from the bed, all the way to your kitchen, and then onto the couch. That is something to be proud of in these trying times and a skill that will surely impress your future employer.
Strong Interpersonal Skills
(Talking to Yourself)
I genuinely enjoy my own company—I’m a delight. But after spending so much time with just myself?? I cannot stand this bitch! I’ve resorted to thinking my thoughts out loud as a way to make it feel like there’s someone else in the room and I must say it has significantly reduced the tension between us. I cannot stress the importance of understanding one another’s (or even all the voices in your head’s) communication styles.
Solution Oriented Problem-Solving Skills
(Using Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism)
I’m no chemist but I’m pretty sure alcohol is literally a solution and I’ve definitely been using it to forget my problems. In fact—many CEOs of large, successful companies have used this as a coping mechanism—so there has to be something to it. Now where’d I put my hard seltzer?
Content Creation Experience
(Shamefully Downloading and Making Videos on TikTok)
In the world of marketing—content is king. And learning how to utilize the newest forms of social media is a very transferable skill. Just, like, probably don’t show people all those saved drafts of you attempting to ‘throw it back.’
Responsible Resource Management Abilities
(Only Using One Perforated Square of Toilet Paper at a Time in Fear of Running Out)
Since greedy-as-hell folks took all the toilet paper when I was actually running low and needed to replenish my stock, I now have to deal with the consequences and significantly monitor my usage. I also have to take the extra step of asking the cute check-out clerk if I can get a pack of toilet paper and now, he knows I actually use the bathroom (humiliating). But not for naught, as through the trauma I have learned the importance of rationing—so thank you.
Self Discipline and Impulse Control
(Not Eating All of Your Quarantine Snacks in One Sitting)
This was definitely a quickly learned and necessary skill once they started making us line up outside of grocery stores. I’ve managed to stretch my Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter supply from one to two whole weeks—and that’s on #PortionControl.
Critical Thinking Skills
(Managing Your Anxious Thoughts as They Play Out All the Possible Ways the Pandemic Will End the World)
Let’s be real—’critical thinking’ is just a fancy way of saying ‘over-thinking.’
All jokes aside—this is a difficult time for everyone. Whether you choose to spend your time watching Tiger King on Netflix or learning new skills (i.e. knitting, speaking Italian, or for some of you nasties—washing your hands), don’t forget to give yourself, your friends, co-workers and family a virtual pat on the back for making it through a global pandemic.
