Why Returning to Work – Sooner Than Later – May Be a Good Idea

By TERRA Staffing Group

Posted on June 11, 2020

Business disruptions due to COVID forced many companies to layoff or furlough workers, causing tens of millions of people to file for unemployment.

Now, as many businesses begin to reopen and more job opportunities are emerging, workers must make an important decision: whether to return to work now or wait a bit longer.

While there are many people who are eager to get back to work, there is still some hesitation.

We understand.

But we also think you deserve to have the full picture presented to you. Because the decision about when to return to work can have consequences beyond today. And there are factors you maybe haven’t considered.

In order to help ensure that you’re equipped with the information to help you make an informed decision, we are highlighting some of the reasons why it might be more beneficial to return to work – or at least start your job search – now.

Reasons to Consider Returning to Work Sooner than Later

Unemployment Benefits Won’t Last Forever

The supplemental income provided by the federal government has no doubt been a tremendous help to many.

It’s also one of the reasons some people may be hesitating to rejoin the workforce.

But the expanded benefit has an expiration date – end of July. After that, unemployment payments fall back to state levels.  And they too won’t last forever.

And while one can argue that a job also doesn’t last forever, you can’t deny what a job can offer:  a sense of purpose, the chance to acquire experience, build your skills, and grow your network.

A job fills your professional toolbox and what you gain, what you learn, you can carry with you wherever you go.

A job is stepping stone that gets you closer to achieving your career ambitions.

At the end of the day, enhanced unemployment checks are a short-term fix, not a long-term solution.  Inevitably you will find yourself needing to work – but there will be more pressure to find a job quickly and more competition for the best jobs.

Now is the time to think about your goals. What you want for your career. Your family. Your future.

Finding a Job is Going to Be More Challenging Than You May Think

The unemployment rate is currently sitting at around 14.7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As businesses begin to reopen and expanded unemployment benefits begin to disappear, we can expect the number of individuals looking for employment to increase.

Hundreds of thousands of people will be looking for their next job opportunity in the coming weeks. And as the job market gets more competitive, finding employment is going to be prove more challenging for job seekers.

But here’s what some people are overlooking: the best and strongest companies are hiring now. These are companies that have found a way to succeed or grow in trying times. These are companies that could provide you with income stability, job security, and career advancement.

There is no better time than now to get your foot in the door with these leading employers.

The more you wait, however, the greater the competition and the fewer employment opportunities there will be with these companies.

Ask yourself:

Do I want to compete with millions of people for the least exciting jobs? Or do I return to work now, and show these top employers that I am someone who is ready and eager to make a contribution?

You’re in a Position to Choose Right Now

The COVID-19 pandemic has made many people feel powerless, lacking in control.

For many people who are currently unemployed, being unemployed was not their choice. It was yet another effect of the coronavirus.

Now, as more states slowly begin efforts to reopen, there is an opportunity to reclaim some of the power you’ve lost: by rejoining the workforce.

How does returning to work give you control?

Well, unlike being laid off or furloughed, you can decide what happens next.

Think about it.

Instead of waiting for your enhanced benefits to run out, and not having any other option but to look for work, the decision of when to go back to work could be yours.

You’ll also have more options of where to work, since the job market has not become competitive – yet. In a way, you’ll have your pick of employer, job, industry.

You even have the chance to find an employer whose company mission and values align with yours. That’s not only empowering, it’s inspiring.

If you’re uncertain, at the very least, consider taking a look at what jobs are currently available. See what companies and industries are thriving.

What happens next in your story is entirely up to you.  The question is: Who do you want to write it? You? Or someone else?

Right now, the pen is in your hands.

We know this is a lot to process. But we want to remind you that you’re not alone. There are resources out there available to help you.

Download our eBook: The Ultimate Guide to Employee Engagement

Company culture and values are growing priorities for employees and job-seekers, and employee engagement is more important than ever. Read our eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to Employee Engagement” for insights on making your organization a more meaningful place to work.

Download the eBook

If you are interested in getting back to work, but have some hesitation, consider partnering with a staffing firm.

With a staffing agency, you can share what type of opportunities you are interested in, as well as your concerns. Communicating with your recruiter can help them find you a job that is not only a good fit, but also an environment that is right for you.

Team Up with TERRA

If you’ve decided to look for work or are curious to learn more about what opportunities may be available to you, contact us.

We work with many reputable companies that are ramping up and continuing to grow. Several of which are also making strong and positive impacts both in their local communities and nationwide: companies manufacturing ventilators to save lives, companies that produce and distribute food products to feed people across the country, non-profit service providers, and many more.

TERRA has offices in many locations, and our expert team of recruiters is eager to be both a partner and a resource in helping you return to work.

We’re here to help.

Categories: Career Tips

Tags: back to work, reasons to return to work, return to work, when to return to work

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