Against the backdrop of employment uncertainty and work insecurity, many of us are coming to terms with new ways of doing things – from shopping and eating to exercising and relaxing. Many are satisfying the challenges of home working and home schooling, while others provide essential front-line care and provisions. Grateful that many essential services remain intact or only marginally reduced, and with the surreal experience of social isolation front of mind, it’s time to consider our future.

Right now, we are being bombarded with great advice to get up, get dressed and get moving. Friday’s have already been rebranded as dress-up (instead of dress-down) Fridays. We are being invited to Zoom, to Skype or to shop on-line and to binge watch box sets in the knowledge that, “tomorrow will be a good day” (Colonel Tom Moore). But not all of us are motivated to learn another language, resume singing lessons, or make soup with leftovers (and brag about it on social media channels). That’s fine, we’re all different and for some of you, this may not be the time for my positivity.

I’m advocating the future of normal, rather than back to normal or back to work. I’m suggesting that we need to be forward-thinking although I realise that for many, employment opportunities will have dwindled. That’s why I’m suggesting that we should rebrand the notion of normal and give it a more positive focus. It’s time to take stock – let’s think about our reputation and what we would we like it to be. Let’s consider to what extent our new ways of working and greater flexibility can be sustained.

What could the future hold – are you an entrepreneur or an innovator? I’m celebrating those businesses and individuals who have reinvented themselves in recent weeks. The pubs opening as community stores, the hotels offering accommodation to front-line colleagues who are isolating and other small businesses which are adapting to survive. Again, I’m confident that businesses which remain nimble and offer flexibility will retain the loyalty of their people and customers. Are you ready to be a superstar?

Last Autumn I supported a fabulous and extremely positive group of ex-Thomas Cook employees while they sought new roles, although it’s unlikely that I can satisfy the needs of all those amazing people who have or who will lose their jobs in the coming months. But what I can do is provide encouragement and offer some guiding principles:

• Remember to ask for help, rather than go it alone

• Grab a little “me time” in short, sharp bursts

• Assemble some energy giving props around you, like a cuppa, flowers or a favourite image

• Try to work in a comfortable space and compose your story

• Consider your unique selling points

• Remember to focus on the things you’ve enjoyed (and try to avoid the setbacks)

• Translate your experience, what you’ve achieved and what’s next for your CV

• Write in positive language and focus on achievements, accountability, and ambition

• Prioritise content according to profile, recency, or magnitude

• Celebrate what you’ve done and try not to agonise over disappointments

• Remember to be kind to yourself

These are challenging times and it’s fine to feel “lost” sometimes, although I’m hoping that I’ve spurred you on to think a little differently about your future at work and the future of normal.