How to Survive in a Crisis

Ok, this is a rallying cry. This is time to take control of the crazy world in front of you. The coronavirus is impacting.

Let’s start with a quote:

“Everyone wants to be a Frogman on a sunny day.”

That’s a line that is more compatible with Navy Seals than bankers. In fact, I got the line from a former Navy Seal. After all, their whole ethos is about putting their bodies on the line as an elite fighting group.

But in this environment, anyone, in any role has to think about how this saying resonates with their career plans. The world has changed for so much and so many. Job hunting won’t be easy for everyone.

So, what happens when all hell breaks loose and you can’t see a clear path to career advancement? What if a crisis hits the world of financial services hard?

Well, you could shut down. That’s what a lot of people will do it this current state of the world. It’s only natural. And we all have a sense that things will get worse before they get better. When fear takes hold, it’s very hard to shake off.

It’s also when true leaders emerge and find ways to succeed, no matter how difficult the circumstances.  This isn’t just about heads of businesses, team leaders, managing directors and all manner of high-flying roles. It’s about standing up to be counted in the place you currently are. It’s about looking at where you are within financial services and evaluate. Maybe that means a career pivot.

No, it’s not easy. If it was, everyone would be doing it. It’s about fighting for what you want and what you believe in.

Will you fail? Possibly. In fact, many will. But that’s beside the point.

You have to put yourself out there to ride the wave of uncertainty. It’s time to stand for something. You’ve got to step into the space to have any chance of protecting your future. This may sound overly dramatic. Look back to what happened to the banking job market during the global financial crisis, then multiply that across career lines, sectors, and geographies.

This is a critical mindset if you want to move beyond fear and be someone who not only can survive in a crisis but also thrive through our current global challenges. There’s a crazy amount of chaos out there, including within the financial services industry in Asia.

There’s so much you will not ever be in a position to control. But mastering yourself and how you engage in this world could well be the most valuable skill in this new world. Think about future roles in the industry, new business opportunities, side hustles, and so on. At the very least, sort out your resume. Read widely.

If you are able to do that, this time of crisis could provide you with the opportunities you would never have found otherwise.

So time to step up! Don’t get left behind. Find ways in which to survive in a crisis. Get your finances in order.

Ok, now that I’ve got all of that off my chest, time for a cup of tea.