Okay – so right off the bat, let’s be downright honest: we had high hopes for 2021, no? Most of us, anyway. As a species, humans are inclined towards optimism. That’s a good thing. Of course, for some of us, the Covid pandemic has been a lot more than an annoying upheaval; it’s been searingly, shatteringly tragic. Here at Voice123, our hearts go out to those of you who have lost not only incomes and livelihoods, but loved ones during what can only be described as a scourge.
The New Normal has become the normal.
The overall impression we get is that most folk have at least settled into some kind of normal. We’ve adjusted. Adapted. In fact, we’ve changed. The pandemic has forced on us the need to alter the way we live, the way we interact, the way we look at life and one another. Has our 2020 vision become clearer in 2021?
Like we mentioned above, we’re inclined towards optimism as a species. History shows it’s human nature to rise up from the ashes like a Phoenix and turn adversity into opportunity. Certainly, from conversations with our clients and voice actors over the past several months, we’ve learned some worthwhile lessons. Let’s revisit the most important ones:
Treasure life
One thing the pandemic has made us aware of is our mortality. With more than half-a-million deaths in the United States alone due to COVID-19, we are faced with the shocking realization that death can come knocking at anybody’s door and at any time. That the process of vaccination is chugging along around the world is a relief, but no reason to become complacent. There are no guarantees.
Still, what the pandemic has definitely done is help us appreciate each moment of life. Often, we’re caught up in work, relationships, responsibilities, and all sorts of other things.
Because 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. It is a wonderful life.
Remote is reality
Remote work and working from home is now officially normal. And what benefits remote work and working from home have!
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 bricks-and-mortar and going remote. And it looks like the trend is no only going to stick, it’s picking up momentum around the world.
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. There have certainly been many. We’ve become so much more aware of inequality and income disparity. People are standing up and making themselves heard. Does change always have to be accompanied by upheaval? Will there ever be evolution without violence?
Sadly, there’s not enough space for that discussion here.
On the upside, though, 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 and continue to be 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 one of the best things ever.
We wish everyone of you the very best. Keep well and stay safe!
