I am from Pune, but for the past 3-4 months I have been living in my hometown along with my family(wife,2 kids and parents). Currently I am working from home but for the past 2-3 weeks I am feeling unmotivated to do any work. I have been thinking of quitting my job for the past several years but not able to do it because I am the sole earner in the family. The last couple of projects I worked on did not turn out to be successful and a lot of the responsibility of the failure was on me as I have lost focus on my work. I don't know the reason for that but I feel my unwillingness to work in my current field, along with this lockdown period has added to my stress. I feel like quitting my job today and start looking for a new job but the fear of not getting a job at all stops me from doing so. I have some savings on which I can survive for a few months. I have also discussed this with my wife, she is willing to support me in every decision I make. Lot of negative thoughts come to my mind these days. Can you help me make the right decision?
Ans: Dear M, Many people are in a space that you are in currently.
The pandemic has created newer challenges that are unfamiliar to most of us.
It is imperative that we adapt to the best of our knowledge and make the best of what is right now.
Having said this, what I can suggest is work on your mind. It isn’t supporting you and what you feed it regularly is the way it will serve you.
So, the decision will be taken by you as you know your skills, knowledge, industry and your finances to arrive at that decision that will take you out from where you are now. But, what I can share is how you can strengthen your mind to make that decision.
1. Start where you are now without harping on what you could have done or should have done. The past is a learning. Learn from it.
2. Write down the pros and cons of staying in the current job, taking a new job and starting a new business. Factor the element of the Pandemic in all the three scenarios
3. Once you know which one is the best for now, begin with telling yourself that you are doing this for a reason.
What is the reason? Managing your home, paying loans etc. Make these responsibilities not an enemy but a friend as it’s not just you but possibly many others who are doing the same
4. Motivation can be from outside or from within you. Tap into both as it comes in handy when a friend keeps you on the right path or you visualize the happiness and comfort that you are seeing yourself and your family in with the decision taken. Meditate for calming the mind if you can.
5. Lastly and most importantly, be grateful for having a job, no matter what it is as there are many who are losing jobs and this is actually a reward for you having one
Life has changing phases and nothing is permanent, so even this phase will give rise to a new and better one. Till then, make the best of this.
Happy Navigating! Have a good life!