COVID-19 taught me that we have the power to take ownership of our work and professional development.
When I was teaching in school during the early stages of the pandemic, I witnessed how fellow teachers were swift and passionate in picking up new skills to engage students remotely during home-based learning. We ensured that students continued to enjoy key student development experiences with safe management measures in place.
With more e-learning offerings at my workplace and externally, I feel motivated to take charge of my professional development using platforms such as the Ministry of Education’s OPAL 2.0 and NTUC Learning Hub. Learning anytime, anywhere has helped me integrate professional development into my life. I was amazed to see even my parents picking up new tech tools to be more efficient in their work.
Having started a stint at the Academy of Singapore Teachers, I appreciate how the hybrid work arrangement allows us to take more pride, joy, and ownership of our work. This has dispelled my preconception that quality work can only take place in a structured work environment. I appreciate the time I can spend with my parents who are getting older – catching up with them over lunch and helping out with household chores after work – as I can save time not commuting on the days I work from home.
Jason Seng, MOE
Life used to be easily compartmentalised into “work mode” in the office, and “relaxation mode” at home. With COVID-19, work-life balance became harder to maintain. I had more chores to do and family members would abruptly ask for me during working hours. Work meetings also got longer as it took more time to hear everyone out and finalise on a decision.
I had to set clear boundaries for myself to maintain the balance I needed, something I previously never thought of doing. I would shut myself in my room, and mute work chats and log off immediately when work ended.
COVID also made me treasure the companionship that being in the office gave me: the random chats when you bumped into a colleague or at lunch meetings, or simply spending time working together in the office. It formed a camaraderie that I really missed once it was taken away from me. I guess COVID taught me to treasure what truly matters in life.
Sarah Constance Wu, Sport SG
COVID-19 hit as I was on a university exchange in Switzerland at the end of my penultimate year. As it dragged on, the uncertainty and fragility of life – and that of the economy and social fabric – hit me like a truck. I used to crave a life of success defined by how much money I would earn: a sedentary office life spent clicking on the keyboard, poring over Excel sheets and financial statements, slogging my life away for the increasing figures in my bank statement.
The arrival of COVID-19 made me realise that there was more to success than money, and there was so much more meaning to life. It redefined what success means to me, and I resolve to engineer a life of meaning that would allow me to continuously grow, learn and get closer to understanding humanity.
I want to leave a legacy and have a positive impact on the lives of people. COVID has broadened my perspectives, and definitely changed my view about my choice of career.
Kaylee Chung, CNB