Navigating Pandemic Feelings - You Aren't Alone

Recently I had a troubling phone conversation with a young woman who is not a client, but who I think possesses a mindset created by the pandemic that is common among many of us. Here’s some background to provide perspective. This young woman, roughly 30 years old, is married with one child and has her own successful small business. Her husband is employed, and his company was deemed essential, so he has not been furloughed or laid off. I know that they both work hard and seem to have a comfortable lifestyle.

She shared that she was feeling anxious, fearful, and unprepared for her future. She has basically “frozen in place.” She is worried that her child may not be prepared for her next step in education due to schools closing their buildings and learning going online. She is fearful that her business might suffer, although I am not aware that it has. She has an MBA and is a very well-educated, smart young woman, yet she feels completely unprepared for her future. In my estimation, she has all the tools to be highly successful in any economy.

I am sharing her reaction to the pandemic not to single her out, but as recognition that she is not alone in her feelings. You may be able to relate.

Remember, if you are about thirty years old, this is but a short period in a hopefully long and healthy life. There will be other periods that may be more stressful, if you can imagine that, because life has a way of testing us individually and collectively. My hope in writing this is that this will help her and others work through this uncertain and challenging time.

Now for some positive thoughts. We live in the most blessed country on the planet. The United States has been a beacon to the world. As a general rule, we enjoy a high standard of living, have one of the world’s best health systems, and can participate in advanced means of communication and education. Most importantly, Americans are fiercely independent and resilient. It is the American spirit that separates us from the rest of the world.

This isolated stretch of time may have taken away our ability to feel free and in charge of our destiny. It has been a setback for our dreams, aspirations, and plans – but only if we let it. We are still free. We can still choose. Some may choose to wallow in this despair; however, many more Americans are choosing to shake off this gloom and repair their lives. I believe that the American spirit is awakening again. We are starting to see news reports from across the country of individuals who have had enough and are returning to living and rebuilding their lives. This time has been different, no doubt. How we respond now sets us on the course for our future.

What will you choose?

Philip Swann is the Principal and Founder of Well-Planned Financial, LLC, a fee-only financial advisory firm. Philip provides services to young professionals to plan their financial future taking on the role of their financial ally by being an educator, coach, advocate, and accountability partner. Philip has 32 years of small business experience. Schedule a complimentary call with Philip at wellplannedfinancial.net.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.