Back To Work.

It’s so crazy to think that the last time I was out in the field working my full-time job was back in February. You see, I returned from maternity leave on February 17. After a few days adjusting back to the grind of working, I had to attend the company’s national sales meeting in Dallas, Tx.

It was great because I got to hang out and spend time with my sister De’Ana and get caught up with all things work-related. To be honest, I could not have returned to work at a better time. But then, after a few weeks of working, COVID-19 happened. At first, we were not sure what the company direction was going to be. Then we received an email informing us that we were not to go meet our customers (doctors) until further notice. 

This was on March 16, 2020.

A part of me was relieved because I would get to stay home with my then 3-month-old daughter. But more importantly, the company valued us enough to keep us safe as well as our customers. What we didn’t know was how much our normal routines being a pharmaceutical sales representative would SHIFT everything we knew.

I never thought there would be a day where we would be doing virtual sales calls or meetings. We are now doing virtual educational lunch meetings where we get to talk to our customers and the staff about our products and their patients.

A SHIFT.

One thing that I have learned from being a pharmaceutical sales representative is that you need to be able to pivot – not just in your career but in life as well. Things will happen – that is a fact. But how you handle those situations will make all the difference.

Recently, the company has been talking about us returning to the field. Thing is, they are not telling us that we are “required” to return to our doctor’s offices BUT they are encouraging it. Now, if you have been in the industry as long as I have (15+ years) then you learn how to “read between the lines”.

This makes me a little uncomfortable.

Why? 

Because I know that the cases in my state are rising. Although places are starting to open up, including my doctor’s offices, it just doesn’t seem safe. Yes, we have the company protocols in place when going into the field and interacting with our customers but it can still be very stressful. I don’t want to bring anything home to my family by going out to places.

Don’t get me wrong – I am incredibly thankful and blessed that my company did not lay me off from my job. They are trying to find different ways to keep us employed from online training classes to multiple conference calls and virtual meetings. 

It is different.

I am going to continue to do my best for my situation and my family. Although this is not how I envisioned my life and career would be like this year. It is what it is. I am using the opportunity to advance my skills with virtual meetings and client interactions. This will not only help me in my career but with my TDB clients where I help them to monetize their passion projects.

Even if things seem uncertain and carry, I encourage you to take this time to gain a new skill, take the classes that you have been putting off, or maybe work on your side hustle just in case your job decides to downsize you will have something to fall back on.

Always have a plan of action.

If you are like me and are having to return to work although you are not 100% comfortable, I am thinking of you. At the end of the day, please remember that no job is worth your health or the health of your family.

 

Have you had to return to work in the COVID-19 pandemic? How do you feel about it? Let me know in the comments below!

---

Other Posts You May Like:

7 Tips You Need To Know When Conducting Virtual Meetings

Business: You Should Focus On A Niche In 2020

Life: Distance Learning-Our New Normal

How To Demonstrate To An Potential Employer You Are A Team Player

Job Offer – 5 Things To Consider Before Accepting