As far as I can tell, the work world’s split itself two ways, between the extra-busy and the unceremoniously let go.
Most people I’m in daily contact with are in the first category: academics who have to move all classwork online, healthcare workers who are wrestling with new routines, and IT folks who are trying to set up a thousand clients to work-from-home.
Let’s not forget the parents out there! School-day routines — hectic as they are — have gone out the window. On top of maintaining an air of professionalism, many of you are now doing double-duty as tutors and peacemakers for your antsy broods.
But then there’s the rest of you guys – the folks that are already running on tight margins, those of you depend on foot-traffic and fun times to keep your customers coming in and your co-workers on the clock. I’ve been there, and during the last big downturn I realized just how quickly my business can dry up too. When clients are looking to make cutbacks, freelancers are often the first to go. When budgets are trimmed, new marketing campaigns and website enhancements start looking less important, start looking less essential.
That’s the magic phrase these days — Essential Businesses and Services — and I can’t seem to find a good definition of it. It seems to be pretty much “whatever it is you like or think you need.” Liquor stores? Gun shops? In some places they count, in others they don’t.
How about Fast Food? Quick access to burgers and burritos seems to be understood as a fundamental right these days, even though I was raised to think of such things as an occasional treat, not a staple, as a luxury, not a need. (Don’t worry. I’ve loosened up a bit.)
So here’s my advice to you: Stay Essential!
Now’s the time to get in-the-loop, now’s the time to remind clients through consistent action that you’re on top of it, that you’re reliable, that you’ve got the answers. In other words, that you’re essential. Be prepared, anticipate questions, do your homework. Now’s the time to work a little harder, to remind a stressed client that having you on the payroll makes life better and easier for everyone.
That’s my plan while projects are still rolling. Wish me luck! If this only keeps up for another month or so, it’ll all be no big deal, and I’ll see you at a concert or three later this summer. But the resume-life-as-normal date keeps getting pushed back, so I’m planning ahead.
If “Essential” is in the eye of the beholder, let’s be sure to look the part while the chaos continues. At least from the waist up. Let’s be honest… it’s just a Zoom meeting after all.
— Grant Wentzel, at your service.
