Happiful August 2020

Ask the experts
Belinda Raitt answers your
questions on working during the
pandemic
Read more about Belinda on
lifecoach-directory.org.uk
QI’ve been made
redundant and
am feeling lost.
What are some next
steps I can take?
Redundancy can feel
A hugely unsettling. Any
change in our lives requires
adjustment, and we tend to
attach a lot of meaning to
Q
I’ve realised
during lockdown
that I’m unhappy
in my job, and want to
launch my own business
– but I’m scared to
make the jump. Do you
have any advice?
A
Go for it! Life is too short to
be unhappy in your job. The
Japanese have a concept called
our work. We often use it to
define who we are, so when
we no longer have a job, we
can struggle with a sense of
identity, along with worries
about whether we have enough
savings to keep us going.
These concerns often make
us jump into the first job that
comes along, regardless of
whether it’s the right fit. Treat
ikigai, which roughly translates
as your sense of purpose, and
what gets you out of bed in the
morning. For them, it’s a way of
life, and to not feel a sense of
enjoyment and purpose in your
work is unacceptable.
If you have a chance to do
something that gives you
this sense of purpose, do
it! Change is scary – it’s the
fear of the unknown – but
experience shows that our
this pause as an opportunity
to explore what you really
want and need from your
work (and life!). Be kind to
yourself. We make better
decisions when we’re in a
good place, so take time
to relax and focus on your
health (mental and physical)
so that you stay positive and
focused.
brains imagine scenarios far
worse than reality. Do your
market research, don’t be
afraid to ask for advice from
friends or others in the industry.
Also, trust your instincts. A
business plan helps to work
out cash flow and where
the money will come from.
A business is more likely to
succeed if you can be flexible
enough to adapt to changing
circumstances.
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