When one door closes…

As I sit to reflect on the crazy year that was 2020, much comes to mind about how lucky I am.

Despite the challenges the world faced in 2020, there is much to be grateful for and much to look forward to in 2021.

Firstly, I am fortunate to live in a country where Covid has been relatively well controlled. We know we are not as populous a continent or nation as Europe or the US, and we are lucky to live on an island.

Next, I am fortunate my loved ones are all still alive and well, especially my parents. My mum even left me the glorious (although she would say tedious) task of putting printed photos (yes, actual physical 6x4s) from our 2009 European holiday in an RV into albums. And to sort and file a bunch of brochures from marvellous places such as Youghal, Argenten, Blois and Obidos. But what a beautiful task that turned out to be. I was enabled to reminisce about a time when we could travel freely across international borders, our only care in the world a potential language barrier – which would almost always result in comedic discussion and exaggerated hand gestures.

One of these brochures was the below postcard of a number of colourful doors from Dublin. After reflecting on a rather interesting and semi-successful year, I stopped and stared at this postcard and was reminded that life is really about doors, and making sure we walk through the right ones.

We are always presented with doors and opportunities – job advertisements, party invitations, networking events, and nowadays online parties and gaming. When we go through these doors, we need to capitalise on the gift that is being presented to us.

“The need to stand out is more important now than ever.”

I was given a number of pushes in 2020 and it’s only now while reflecting that I realise they were all universal favours. I am now working in a job I am very satisfied with, and have a renewed focus on my artistic goals, particularly music and writing. The employment market is saturated with candidates who have been made redundant, and people are changing careers if they have had to stop their existing one. One of my gifts is to help people who need it to stand out through their job applications. This is where I will focus my energies in 2021 and beyond – the second edition of 101 HR Hot Tips: Handy Secrets for Success in the Workplace will be released in early 2021 to support school leavers, university graduates and anybody else who wants to stand out. The principles are largely the same but some additions have been made to reflect evolving challenges and how Covid has changed the way we work. Watch this space!

Finally, I am lucky to realise the present is a gift and to be able to pursue things I love. Being an HR professional, I have had ample time to study people and their motivations. So many are missing out on things they love doing and utilising their talents – after the year that was 2020, we have a duty and an obligation to pursue our callings while we can, to make the impact we are supposed to.

“2020 presented so many and varied challenges for people, but these are just the doors we need to walk through.”

Covid has taught us that we are here for a short time, and we need to enjoy it as much as possible. We know we are at our best when we are serving others, so find what it is you can offer and share your great knowledge for the benefit of others. I would love to know what doors were presented to you in 2020 and which you are lucky enough to be walking through for 2021 and beyond.