As the UK approaches the end of furlough later this month, many are facing further uncertainty and ongoing discomfort around what might come next, both professionally and personally.

Even if you weren’t furloughed, the impact of coronavirus on our day to day lives has been significant. Whatever your position, and with further change likely in the months ahead, here are some ideas on what you can do to face the end of furlough with confidence.

Understand the context
While the relentless news and current affairs cycle might be something you want to avoid, its important to know what is happening in the specific sector or industry you work in. Knowledge is power, so try and absorb as much as you can. Learn what’s new and emerging, as well as what might be facing disruption and change. If you know, you can plan.

Know your skills
Map out your knowledge and skills. Highlight the things you are good at; the things people compliment you on; and, the things that you like. Think about these skills as broadly as possible, including how you’ve used them in the past and how they might apply in a different context. You’ll be surprised by the things you can do that have application in a different environment. Your transferable skills might be the path to a new future. If there’s something you haven’t done in a while, that could be revisited, spend some time bringing your skill back up to scratch.

Decide your direction
Think about the end goal. A two, three or five year plan if possible. Even if it feels unrealistic at the moment, having a long-term approach with a target to work towards is a tried and tested method of achieving professional success. To get there, break it down into achievable steps. But remember, even small progress is progress. We often commit to linear growth, going from A to B, or from being a Manager to a Senior Manager, but there is often just as much to gain by a sideways move.  

Align your online presence
Consistency is key. From your CV (see our separate blog posts) through to your online profiles. Think about what represents you, what you believe in and what you stand for. Unfollow those things that don’t serve you, without creating an echo chamber of the things you want to hear. It is important to listen to a variety of sources to help you make decisions.

If you have them, make personal profiles private and think about how you want to portray yourself. Digital profiles have been a reality for some time, but at a time when in-person engagement is more difficult, it is likely that your online presence will do a lot of the talking for you. So make it work to your advantage. Be authentic, but not contrived.

Build your energy reserves 
2020 has shown itself to be one of the most challenging periods in living memory. It has provided more curveballs than many of us ever expected, and it is important to think about how you can maintain sustainable long-term energy. If you’ve been on furlough then the return to work; the start of a new job search; or a decision to pursue a new direction, might feel daunting. Be kind to yourself and kind to others. You should  invest in the things that energise you and keep you grounded. If we've learnt anything this year, it is the lesson that it can all change very quickly, so invest in both the personal and professional sides of your life.

Follow our LinkedIn page and look out for our tips on building your personal employee brand. Need more help? Contact us at info@cygnusb.com 

CygnusB has over two decades of experience providing specialist consulting and strategic counsel in brand, communication and executive talent management and coaching.