11 answers
Orla
Student
Hong Kong
1
Question
Asked
951 views
In the context of COVID-19, how do you plan for a future that seems so uncertain?
Because of #COVID-19 I don't know what will happen to my plans of getting a job or furthering my studies in the summer. As an International student, my Visa also expires this year and my flight ticket back home is August.
I have contemplated about how this is going to affect my plan of working in the summer to get a good money to take home before resuming my studies in December probably.
How do I plan for these things when everything is so uncertain right now?
#college #job-search #job #internship #international
Login to comment
11 answers
Jake Gavio
Director of Sales and Operations
6
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Jake’s Answer
I will give a bit of a broader response. You have to learn to be adaptable now. There will always be another change looming around the corner. Or a lifestyle changing event that could potentially happen.
The more you learn to adapt with change now, the better you will be in life.
I know this is easier said than done, but hear me out.
- Instead of looking at the negatives of change, what can you embrace that is positive?
- What does the change bring you after it has settled?
If this messes up your plans for a summer job, well be adaptable and see what else is out there. Maybe it won't be as prestigious as what you planned out before, but maybe it will give you an experience that you never could have imagined.
I'll give you an example. I started my career in sales early on. I was making great money and thought that is what I wanted to do. I was laid-off and had a hard time finding a new sales job. To pay the bills, I took an opportunity to detail cars. It was the only thing available. I did this job for about 3 months until I found a sales job. While this job was tough, I have a few things that have stuck with me because of it.
- I know how things can be covered up on used cars (Handy skill when purchasing a used vehicle)
- Met someone who is still my friend to this day (20 years later)
- Found an incredible Italian deli that makes great sandwiches that nobody knows about (Still there)
- Learned how to detail/buff a car
While these are not milestone learning moments, it was an opportunity in time to learn something new. Something that I would have never learned when I was on my prior trajectory.
So, in a long-winded way - take this moment of uncertainty to embrace whatever comes your way. Look for an opportunity to get uncomfortable.
You will build a skill that is necessary as you move through life.
The more you learn to adapt with change now, the better you will be in life.
I know this is easier said than done, but hear me out.
- Instead of looking at the negatives of change, what can you embrace that is positive?
- What does the change bring you after it has settled?
If this messes up your plans for a summer job, well be adaptable and see what else is out there. Maybe it won't be as prestigious as what you planned out before, but maybe it will give you an experience that you never could have imagined.
I'll give you an example. I started my career in sales early on. I was making great money and thought that is what I wanted to do. I was laid-off and had a hard time finding a new sales job. To pay the bills, I took an opportunity to detail cars. It was the only thing available. I did this job for about 3 months until I found a sales job. While this job was tough, I have a few things that have stuck with me because of it.
- I know how things can be covered up on used cars (Handy skill when purchasing a used vehicle)
- Met someone who is still my friend to this day (20 years later)
- Found an incredible Italian deli that makes great sandwiches that nobody knows about (Still there)
- Learned how to detail/buff a car
While these are not milestone learning moments, it was an opportunity in time to learn something new. Something that I would have never learned when I was on my prior trajectory.
So, in a long-winded way - take this moment of uncertainty to embrace whatever comes your way. Look for an opportunity to get uncomfortable.
You will build a skill that is necessary as you move through life.
I'm really grateful for this response.
Seun
Gabriel Hennsssey
Financial Aid Administrator
69
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
Greetings, Orla! I offer this with a genuine and kind heart, but also seventeen years of working in higher education. Douglas Adams wrote a book titled "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". While satirical, the cover of the tome carried the phrase "DON'T PANIC". Short version - that is the best advice I can give you right now. You're asking questions...that's brilliant!!! I know many who aren't asking and are just going along with the status quo.
I'm sorry that everything seems uncertain to you...please believe me...my seven year old's school system just announced that she won't go back until mid-April. So...best advice I can give...make sure everything is good with your I-9, first and foremost. As much as people in higher education enjoy "educating"...they are still businesses. And they want your business. (Especially from international students as they don't need to wait for reimbursement from the state or federal government.) I understand things are uncertain...but we survived SARS, H1N1, and most embarrassingly...Y2K. (Not to mention Star Wars prequels...). My co-workers would normally never peg me as an optimist...but we will get through this. And life will go on. I know things are changing on a daily basis in the news - but try to go with the flow. (It is not in my nature, but my wife forces me to do so.)
Not sure what your program of study is, but you can always switch to accounting. :-)
I hope I helped a little. First Q I ever responded to here but your question just hit a nerve. If I can help in any way, please let me know.
I'm sorry that everything seems uncertain to you...please believe me...my seven year old's school system just announced that she won't go back until mid-April. So...best advice I can give...make sure everything is good with your I-9, first and foremost. As much as people in higher education enjoy "educating"...they are still businesses. And they want your business. (Especially from international students as they don't need to wait for reimbursement from the state or federal government.) I understand things are uncertain...but we survived SARS, H1N1, and most embarrassingly...Y2K. (Not to mention Star Wars prequels...). My co-workers would normally never peg me as an optimist...but we will get through this. And life will go on. I know things are changing on a daily basis in the news - but try to go with the flow. (It is not in my nature, but my wife forces me to do so.)
Not sure what your program of study is, but you can always switch to accounting. :-)
I hope I helped a little. First Q I ever responded to here but your question just hit a nerve. If I can help in any way, please let me know.
Thanks so much for your response. I will really reflect on this answer.
Seun
Bruce Allen
Career Coach and Personal Branding, Resume and Bio Writing Thought Leader
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
Hi Orla,
No doubt, your question resonates with many people. After all, uncertainty of this magnitude can indeed introduce too many variables for anyone to plan with even a scintilla of confidence. And there may be several of these variables that you have no control over whatsoever. Instead, consider focusing on what you can control. While our ability to plan may be temporarily compromised, one thing we can control is our ability to prepare. This includes mapping out potential options. And having options is empowering.
You may not be as alone as you may think you are. Seek out others in similar circumstances to yours and exchange ideas, resources, and support systems.
I wish you well.
Bruce
No doubt, your question resonates with many people. After all, uncertainty of this magnitude can indeed introduce too many variables for anyone to plan with even a scintilla of confidence. And there may be several of these variables that you have no control over whatsoever. Instead, consider focusing on what you can control. While our ability to plan may be temporarily compromised, one thing we can control is our ability to prepare. This includes mapping out potential options. And having options is empowering.
You may not be as alone as you may think you are. Seek out others in similar circumstances to yours and exchange ideas, resources, and support systems.
I wish you well.
Bruce
Thanks so much for suggesting various ways of getting things done. I'm really grateful.
Seun
John McCarthy
U.S. Military
92
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
John’s Answer
Orla,
First, if you intention is to request an extension of stay on your visa, make sure you are submitting the request as early as 60-45 days out. COVID has put quite a workload in USCIS's queue. I would highly recommend getting any and all documents ready and available if that is the case.
With COVID being the newest and most recent global hurdle, we will have to learn to adapt to this new way of life for the time being. As most people have seen in the past, we have experienced things like this in the past and have grown and thrived after it.
Always have a plan and a back up plan. We flexible enough to be able to adapt to the demands of the world and have honest conversations with yourself about what you have to offer the world given the changes.
First, if you intention is to request an extension of stay on your visa, make sure you are submitting the request as early as 60-45 days out. COVID has put quite a workload in USCIS's queue. I would highly recommend getting any and all documents ready and available if that is the case.
With COVID being the newest and most recent global hurdle, we will have to learn to adapt to this new way of life for the time being. As most people have seen in the past, we have experienced things like this in the past and have grown and thrived after it.
Always have a plan and a back up plan. We flexible enough to be able to adapt to the demands of the world and have honest conversations with yourself about what you have to offer the world given the changes.
Morgan ☁ Lucas
@ runtcpip.com
18
Answers
Panama City, Florida
Updated
Morgan ☁’s Answer
Simple answer is: You don't.
Every body has a plan until they get punched in the mouth / are thrown into a world with a worldwide pandemic. You made the plan, and something beyond your control threw it out; You didn't do anything wrong.
It sounds like you're interested in making money because you may not be able to go back to school before December.
If you're determined to make money and don't care how, local grocery stores are looking for workers.
You can also do things online, which may be easier. If you can offer your services online, set up a Paypal, you can make money there.
Every body has a plan until they get punched in the mouth / are thrown into a world with a worldwide pandemic. You made the plan, and something beyond your control threw it out; You didn't do anything wrong.
It sounds like you're interested in making money because you may not be able to go back to school before December.
If you're determined to make money and don't care how, local grocery stores are looking for workers.
You can also do things online, which may be easier. If you can offer your services online, set up a Paypal, you can make money there.
Well... you're correct , but making money here is mainly to implement some plans which without the funds he might not see the dream come true.
All the same thanks for your response.
Seun
Aaditya Deodhar
Network Consultant
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aaditya’s Answer
During the lockdown period try learn a few of those things that you always wanted to learn but were not getting time to do. For a few days stop thinking or planning for the future because we may be in lockdown for more time.
Research online about your hobbies/interest to see what other people have done in those fields, you can really go deep into it and find out that this hobby or interest is more fulfilling than what you were pursuing currently.
Then once all of this ends eventually you will be a richer person in terms of a new skill, which might also pay your bills if you use it smartly.
Research online about your hobbies/interest to see what other people have done in those fields, you can really go deep into it and find out that this hobby or interest is more fulfilling than what you were pursuing currently.
Then once all of this ends eventually you will be a richer person in terms of a new skill, which might also pay your bills if you use it smartly.
Kevin Bernstein
Global Business Operations
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
It is very important that you remain optimistic and strategic in how you begin to think through next steps. To Shruti's answer above, if making money is the important step, then think through if you need quick access to cash now, or if it would be best to pursue a long-term career (or internship).
If unable to find the right role, or be able to make enough money, there is nothing wrong with pausing your academic studies until December. However, it is critical to continue your learning until then. Are there Khan Academy resources, Masterclass', reading or test prep that can help in your continued development?
Keep your eye on the prize, and develop a step by step plan and you will get there!
If unable to find the right role, or be able to make enough money, there is nothing wrong with pausing your academic studies until December. However, it is critical to continue your learning until then. Are there Khan Academy resources, Masterclass', reading or test prep that can help in your continued development?
Keep your eye on the prize, and develop a step by step plan and you will get there!
Sendil Kumar
Technical support
49
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sendil’s Answer
Future was never certain at any stage, with covid 19 situation it seem hard to plan the future. However, If your Student, you need to develop your skill sets according to your interest and this is the best time to improve and readiness is important once this situation is sorted.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I would focus on digitizing your skill set as much as possible. Deal more with softwares and use sites like SkillShare to develop your digital acumen. The more you diversify both the jobs/positions you're considering and your own skill set, the better able you'll be in staving off unknown risks.
Shruti Bangad
Data Engineer
30
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Shruti’s Answer
Its time to get creative and solve this problem. Figure what your major hurdle is - seems like it is money. If you need money then I am sure there are ways you can make it happen. You might have to get out of your comfort zone and also work hard. You still got a lot of time until August. Common, you got this!
Tero Angeria
Sales Director
4
Answers
Heiloo, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Tero’s Answer
Even the most certain times have uncertainty built in it, so try not overly worry. Living through these times will equip you to face any future challenge thrown your way - I know this sounds maybe cheesy, but it very true.