This is our new normal as we adapt to rapidly changing life

So this is the new normal. It seemed to arrive shockingly quickly. From today I’m going to be working from home, like tens of thousands of others.

And we’re the lucky ones; many people don’t have jobs where that is an option. Many, many others don’t even have a job anymore, or are grappling with the reality that their jobs, their incomes, and their financial future are on the brink. We’re all scared; and not just for the health of ourselves or our loved ones.

Fear of the financial unknown has probably overtaken fear of coronavirus itself. It seems like everyone I know has had their world rocked by the havoc wreaked by this virus. A builder I know lost two big building jobs from a major building franchise overnight; personal trainer friends lost clients as the domino effect of fear of gyms and money worries started to bite; friends and neighbours who rely on Airbnb income were flooded with cancellations; my sister, a flight attendant with Qantas in Brisbane, was stood down along with most of the airline’s workforce.

Stories like this are being replicated in every household, and every street. Nothing feels certain or safe any more.

So where to from here? The likelihood is that things will get worse before they get better. The number of cases keeps growing daily, and as the virus spreads, even tougher controls will be imposed. It’s necessary, but comes at a huge cost.

There will one day be an end to this, though – and in the meantime we should also try to celebrate the Kiwis who are innovating and trying new things rather than let themselves be overwhelmed. Some of them have already emailed me about their efforts to change with the times – including a couple of young 20-somethings who I met at a business lunch and who have told me what they’re doing to adapt. I hope we can bring you their story and others next week.

And in the meantime here’s some good news; my sister hit the internet after being stood down by Qantas and was soon offered another job doing something she had always wanted to do. I almost cried when she told me; I’m a sucker for good news stories.

So if you’ve got one to share with us, get in touch.