Welcome to this week's episode of the Modern Mentor podcast. I'm your host, Rachel Cook,

and today I'll be talking about how to take stock of your career in a moment of unexpected pause.

In recent weeks, I've spoken with countless people in varying states of career uncertainty, whether they've been furloughed or

laid off, had to shut down a small business, or remain employed but can't figure out what

business as usual should even look like right now.

People are wondering what's next for them professionally.

While none of us would have chosen the current moment and all the challenge and ambiguity it brings,

I believe there's an opportunity in it for us should we choose to harness it.

In our LBC, life before coronavirus, many of us were guilty of running on autopilot.

A common response to, how are you, was, I'm so busy. Of course, that technically doesn't even answer the question at hand, but it was our predominant experience. When there's so much to do, our focus is on doing it.

We don't take the time to question whether we're passionate or excited about what we're doing.

So now many of you are in a moment of pause you didn't see coming. Suddenly, there's less to do,

which opens up space for us to breathe,

reflect, take stock of the path we've been on, and even set an intention around how we'll

approach or reconnect with our careers in LAC, life after coronavirus. If you're not sure where

to begin, I've got some thoughts to share.

First, be the editor of your story. Your career is more than just a series of jobs and

deliverables. It's your professional story to tell. And whether you're nearest to the beginning,

middle, or end, this pause represents a wonderful

time to assess the plot thus far, deciding how you want to influence the ending.

So consider the story you'd tell a potential hiring manager today about what you've done,

the impacts and outcomes you've delivered, and what you've learned along the way.

...