By Jennifer McGregor, Contributor
The coronavirus is unlikely to be erased from anyone’s mind for many years. However, many of us are ready to move on with our lives, and that means adjusting to the changes we’ve experienced because of the pandemic.
While every situation is unique, there are some circumstances that are making an almost universal effect. Just a few of these are an uncertain real estate market, widespread job losses, and pet parenthood.
Yet humans are, if nothing else, resilient. Read on as we explore some of the ways COVID-19 has us reframing our lifestyles, courtesy of Eat Healthy Stay Fit For Life.
How the Real Estate Market Has Changed
Real estate has been booming since we emerged from the last recession close to the turn-of-the-century, and that didn’t change as the pandemic progressed. One of the biggest shifts in buying and selling since the coronavirus made its way to North America was the sharp uptick in virtual tours.
These online walkthroughs have been popular for a few years now, but, during the pandemic, for some buyers, this was the only way they’d visit a potential new home. In many areas, the closing process went remote as well, with many title companies hosting online or “drive-through” closings. It’s likely these online moves will remain, at least to some degree, as we emerge from the pandemic’s grips.
Unemployment Led People to Their Talents
High unemployment rates are never a good thing. However, when shelter-in-place orders went into effect across the country and with an increase in unemployment benefits, many people found themselves with a unique opportunity to pursue their passions and discover new employment opportunities.
As Forbes points out, freelancing, for example, is soaring. No longer a fringe employment situation, people can work from home pursuing income options that were not previously available to them. From bookkeeping to consulting to pet care and everything in between, entrepreneurial ventures of various types are cropping up all over.
Many people have also decided to go back to school to learn new skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. And online universities such as WGU allow people from all walks of life to pursue a number of different programs from home.
For example, if you’ve always wanted to get into nursing, you can enroll in bachelor’s and master’s programs that allow you to take courses on your own schedule. This means you can continue working while finding ways to further your education and embark on a brand new career.
We Have All Decided That Pets Are Essential
The pet-human bond is undeniable. If you’ve ever seen a puppy and a child tumble around in the yard on a warm summer afternoon, then you know that pets bring happiness, unconditional love, and stress relief.
The National Institutes of Health notes that some studies indicate pets can reduce feelings of loneliness, which may explain why animal shelters saw more adoptions than perhaps any other time in history.
There are many considerations before adopting an animal, however. Those in the market for a new furry companion should understand that this is not a temporary addition to the family. Cats and dogs alike are a commitment that should not be taken lightly.
First-time pet owners should spend plenty of time making sure their home is ready and taking steps to ensure their future companion is safe, comfortable, and cared for after the pandemic has come to an end.
These are just a very few ways the pandemic has changed life as we know it, and they’re certainly not the only long-term effects of this global event. Hopefully, however, they serve as a reminder that no matter how bleak a situation may be, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.