As the vaccination programme continues at pace and the UK begins to ease out of lockdown, most people will be using the next few weeks and months to take stock of their lives. Many on furlough will be hoping that their employers have managed to ride out the economic and public health crisis and that their jobs remain intact. Some may not be lucky.
With the furlough scheme due to be wound down in July before closing in September, the New Economics Foundation estimates that 850,000 jobs could be at risk of redundancy, loss of hours or loss of pay when the scheme comes to an end. Other employment experts forecast that as many as 400,000 over 50s could be facing redundancy and an uphill battle to re-enter the workplace.
As life-shattering as losing a job can be, it is worth noting that there are strategies available to everyone – from those of working age to the retired – to help allay their fears for the future.
Firstly, there is support to help individuals develop the skills they need to pursue their career goals. There is the Level 3 Adult Offer which enables people aged 19 plus to achieve their first Level 3 qualification via free access to over 300 courses. A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to two A levels, an advanced technical certificate or diploma.
Then, there is the Skills Toolkit, where people can take courses to improve their digital, literacy, numeracy and a range of other skills. These, too, are free. And, don't forget, there's the donation-only Exploring What Matters course to help everyone discover their life's purpose and Yale University's free Science of Wellbeing course which aims to help students develop the resilience and confidence they need to navigate challenges and live a happy, fulfilled life.
Focusing on personal growth and wellbeing when things don't go to plan can feel like a frivolous pastime, especially when there are bills to pay and you don't feel like leaving your bed. But it is worth noting that abandoning personal and professional goals in the face of setbacks can exact a price of its own.
