Okay – so right off the bat, let’s be downright honest: 2020 hasn’t gone the way anyone was expecting. For some of us, it’s also been more than just an annoying upheaval; it’s been searingly tragic.
Here at Voice123, our hearts go out to those of you – especially – who have lost not only incomes and livelihoods, but loved ones.
The New Normal
Whatever the case may be, COVID-19 has rocked our world and forced us to accept a New Normal.
So what’s the new normal to you? Well, maybe 2020 has been your chance to set a clear vision.
You know, like 20-20 vision.
It’s human nature to rise up from the ashes like a Phoenix and turn adversity into opportunity. From conversations with our clients and voice actors, here are 7 great things 2020 has taught us:
Treasure life
One thing the pandemic has made us aware of is our mortality. With over 200,000 deaths in the United States alone due to COVID-19, we are faced with the shocking realization that death could be around the next corner.
You just never know when death will come.
One thing that realization has done for us is help us appreciate each moment of life. Often, we’re caught up in work, relationships, responsibilities, and all sorts of other things.
But now, people around the world are spending more time at home. They’re reconnecting with their social circles (digitally) and spending time doing the things that are important to them. In itself, that’s a wonderful thing.
Remote is reality
Since the pandemic, about 16 million knowledge workers are now working remotely.
A lot of people have started to see the benefits of working from home. You have a freer schedule, more time, and the lack of an authoritative figure pressuring your workflow — what’s not to like?
Voice123 has been enjoying those benefits for over a decade. In an era where the marketplace is shifting to remote work on a global scale, a popular platform like Voice123 is showing that finding a remote marketplace for professional voice actors can be easy and effective. We’ll surely be able to fulfill your every voice over need!
Globally, more and more businesses are ditching the brick-and-mortar and going remote. And it looks like the trend is no only going to stick, it’s picking up momentum.
Social issues matter
When our lives were busy and we had heads buried in routines, it was hard to spare the attention and energy for social issues.
But when we’re cooped up at home and in front of technology every minute, it’s impossible not to hear about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the cries of the Black Lives Matter movement that drew the attention of people all around the world.
We’ve been prompted to: look at inclusivity of workplaces, revamp support systems for marginalized groups, take an active stance on social issues and implement long-lasting changes to make the world a better place.
People are realizing that it’s tough addressing these issues, but it’s imperative, lest they continue. We cannot allow that.
Human connection
Staying 6 feet apart is physically not all that difficult, but being locked away from friends, family, and loved ones for several months? That’s really hard.
Humans are innately social creatures. We love connecting; it’s a part of life and it sustains us. From people singing on balconies to the whole street as an audience, to the intensive use of Zoom and other online meeting platforms, we’ve seen a need for human connection.
How will that affect how we live and work in the near future? It’ll be interesting to see, and it’ll probably be wonderful!
Everyday heroes
Front-line workers are awesome. And during the pandemic, they’ve been true heroes.
The services that front-line workers provide have always been important. But we don’t always think about them. COVID-19 reminds us to appreciate them. They’re amazing people who risk their lives to help us. When this is all over, the heroes will still be helping, and we ought to appreciate that.
A perpetual round of applause is in order.
We have to save our planet
It can’t wait. Although fires rage across the states, the polar ice caps melt, we have seen some benefits from the lockdown imposed on the planet.
With fewer people commuting, consuming, and using Earth’s resources, people in places like Beijing have noted in absolute astonishment the rare sight of clear skies.
We can’t stop here, we have to change how we’re affecting the planet, or it’s only going to get worse.
Life is changing
Who would’ve guessed that life could turn into a dystopian-fiction novel, where the world shuts down and people have to figure out how to survive?
Humans are remarkable. They adapt. They change, and they survive.
Work, social issues, relationships, and most importantly the relationships we have with ourselves, are changing. And that’s ok.
It’s a mess now, but once we start to sort everything out, it’s going to be for the better. Nothing will be the same, but it will be better.
And that really is a great thing.
We wish everyone of you the very best!