It’s the 8th week of quarantine in New York. A constant adjustment to a new normal. Weeks that are turning into months. Some of us have jobs that are secure, some have lost jobs, and there are too many in the middle. In business we keep going, working with existing clients, pitching new business, and sometimes being met with returned emails from laid off employees.
Recently it was announced that school would be closed for the rest of the year, if we are being honest, we knew this would happen, but I still needed time to process it. We are all on a hamster wheel trying to keep up with work, family, homeschooling and trying to nail down a delivery slot for our groceries or venturing out to the stores.
Short term plans have now become long term, and in some cases permanent. Despite all of this, we all need a moment of silence. A moment of silence for those that have lost their lives, a moment of silence for those that have lost their jobs and are trying to make ends meet, a moment of silence for those that have an essential worker in their household that are at risk every day. For the class of 2020 – the lost proms, middle school dances and team sports. Let’s not forget the countless others that are hungry, have special needs, or are being abused. Even if your burdens are small that does not mean you don’t also need a moment of silence. It’s okay to take a moment to cry, go for a run or just sit and take a breath. We all need it.
After receiving an auto-response email from a prospect that stated they were laid off and gave their personal email for any job opportunities, I realized it was my moment to pause. This is the first time I have ever seen an email like that, where it’s acceptable, and heartbreaking at the same time.
So, let’s pause, take a breath and get back on the hamster wheel with new energy and empathy.
May 6, 2020 – by Kym Insana
