20-Somethings, businesses, students, and startups socially distance at HAYVN Coworking in Darien, CT
The coronavirus. No one was prepared for the world in which we now live. Plans for the future for jobs, business ideas, and startups are disrupted. Hanging out at home has been the safest option for 20-Somethings. But is it time to get out of your comfort zone (and comfy pajamas)? “What are my options?” many ask. In our experience here at HAYVN, it helps to think like a startup.
For many recent college graduates and 20-Somethings just getting their footing in the job market, things may seem all too overwhelming.
- Were you let go a year into your dream job?
- Did you just graduate into a global pandemic?
- Are you on the lookout for job opportunities, or do you have a startup idea?
No matter your situation, remember that life happens. If you’re thinking “It’s time to get to work!” then coworking in a safe, professional environment that may be right for you.
Coworking spaces offer a unique place for a fresh start. Most people discover coworking offers many hidden benefits. Here are some practical tips to get out of the house and move in the right direction through a string of small wins in these challenging and uncertain times.
There are many things you can do to build your career; a side hustle, or a startup business just might be the fresh start you need. Some time to get out of the apartment or your parents’ house may be a positive step.
Start small and connect
You can begin attending regular social membership events or meetups run by a community center or at the nearest safe coworking facility that organizes virtual or socially-distanced small in-person events.
This is the perfect opportunity for 20-Somethings to connect with a diverse group of people that may inspire you or spark an interest in the field you are trying to enter.
Focus on polishing your future career goals and action plans
Mapping out a career path or thinking of a business idea may sound like too much. Take the next small step. Start a conversation or reach out by email with someone you met at a recent community event or the next meeting room.
Talk to people who work in the field you’re interested in. Position yourself for achieving both short and long term goals.
Update your resume
Enjoy a complimentary day pass at a coworking space. Take advantage of the powerful WiFi connection and the productive and collaborative setting that simply makes you want to work. Imagine this as your office, no rigid cubicles and harsh dividers (other than the social distancing measures and masks, of course).
Make a list of contacts from different coworking events and start reaching out to them for possible job opportunities that match your skills.
Be organized, proactive, and confident about what you can offer as a 20-Something. This gives you an edge. If you have a knack for organizing, you can consider virtual assistant jobs. If you are a natural at design, you can offer graphic design services.
Your resume is your ammunition. Be open and flexible. Get real-world exposure and experience at the same time. You can consider working on:
- temporary projects
- part-time, short-term
- freelancing
Interact and engage with other people
Social distancing measures shouldn’t keep you from connecting. Introduce yourself to the person in the next room.
Observe proper safety measures.
If you rent a hot desk and meet new people, you can carry on the conversation virtually, because, well, why not?
Things are different now, but networking remains the best practice for any career-oriented person to engage in. Especially if you’re looking for a job.
Observe and listen
Coworking spaces are teeming with innovative thinkers and ideas. Startup teams create a high-energy working environment. Watch how they work and collaborate. It may spark an idea or simply motivate you to action.
If you think you have the skills, offer to help. Get exposure to real-world challenges.
Consider this your internship or on-the-job training period. You might even end up with your own big idea! When you are surrounded by self-starters, it is impossible not to get inspired by their creativity.
Look for possible mentors
Seek out a mentor or coach in the coworking office space. Find someone who will be willing to help you get started on your business idea. Mentors can guide you forward on your path. They can help identify job or business opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
Make the most out of what’s available to you
It’s time to ease your way back into a goal-oriented mentality. After a long period at home, this can be daunting. The forced hiatus has done its job. Now it is time to get out of the house and find out how you can find yours.
Find a workspace outside of the house that is affordable and flexible enough to fit your needs. One such place is HAYVN Coworking with professional and networking programs and mentoring to help members make vital connections.
Build on small business ideas that can steer you closer to your dreams. As a 20-something, it is never too early to make the most out of what is available.
Here’s some parting thoughts:
- Think like a startup.
- You are your own boss and business owner.
- It’s a crazy, challenging, and scary time to be starting out in your career.
- You have to do what you can to get back out there.
- Your career is now your business model.
- You will need to pivot along with the times.
- Take it step-by-step. One day at a time.
- It helps to know you are not alone.
Related topic: 5 Things That People Discover When They Start Coworking.
HAYVN Coworking
Founded in 2018, HAYVN is a flexible workspace for enterprising women (and men) to connect, create and grow. Along with a vibrant & engaged coworking community of entrepreneurs and business professionals, HAYVN is a business HUB, offering short- and long-term office space leases, meeting rooms rentals, and events to support local businesses. HAYVN is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™ and a CTNext partner. We believe in using the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy and have met the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. HAYVN’s workshops and signature programs encourage women of all colors and ages and acts as an incubator for developing skills and pursuing funding. HAYVN Launch incubator is a 2021 winner of the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC), and the only 2021 winner in Connecticut.
Visit our beautiful safe ‘HAYVN’ in Fairfield County, CT at 320 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT, 06820. Arrange a private tour today, or to learn more about our health and safety response, read through our detailed guidelines here.
