Okay, this whole pandemic thing is completely horrific and a million miles away from what any of us could have imagined when welcoming in 2020. However, it turns out that you’re ever-evolving; taking in the lessons of whatever life throws at you, and adapting to the world around you.
2020 has been an absolute roller coaster of a ride so far, and it’s not even May! This is an extremely testing time for the travel industry; with many of you wondering “what do we do now?”.
Although it may seem that this is going to be a long and winding road, be sure to remember that you are strong and resilient and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your business will flourish once again and you’ll be rewarded with a deeper insight and understanding of the world around you.
Amidst the madness, you adapt and grow.
The only constant in life is change”
Heraclitus
So with that in mind, we asked the following question on our Facebook page:
What is the most powerful lesson you have learned from the global pandemic so far?
The response has been overwhelming and, as usual, you have shared your incredible insights and personal experiences with humour, honesty, rawness, and grace.
So let’s take a look at some of the lessons you have learned, or are still learning; the good, the bad, and everything in between:
“How adaptable we all are!”
Jess Wales
“That patience is a virtue and surrounding yourself strong support system is more than beneficial. It’s ok to cry and feel emotions and that alcohol makes a great kick start to the day. 🙂” – Kristy Ford
“The media have no idea what we do, and look for any opportunity to bag us.” – Sarah Weaver
“Never take for granted “being busy” or being able to travel.”
Valeria Cohen
“To be present and accessible to my clients and not shut down like a did the first few weeks. Did not know how to deal with the shit storm but now grabbing it by the horns 💪” – Sebastian’s Travel Gossip
“That I have enjoyed the basic things in life. Slow paced, family time and more time to read, garden and relax.” – Jess Amos
“How important it is to check-in on people especially in moments like these. Tried to keep that up with colleagues and teams who have been stood down. There’s some great people out there not working. Definitely thinking of them a lot.”
Jake Hodges
“After being stuck in the Mallacoota fires I didn’t realise how much I needed life to slow down a little. I can finally relax and appreciate friends and family more. Be in peace with myself. It’s also opened my eyes to see I really do work for an incredibly supportive company and team… Oh and I’m surprised that I can actually cook 😅” – Cassandra Muhlhan
“Never to watch A current affair!” – Louise McCarthy
READ: “Ugly Refund Dispute” A Current Affair (ACA) Kicks The Boot Into Agents Again
“Loyal customers including family and friends are extremely quick to turn on you only because of what they heard from the media without even coming to you first to ask for the facts. It really showed me who in my close realm would literally throw me under a bus if there were an apocalypse.”
Haleigh McIntyre
“It’s okay to put a price on the service I provide and to enforce it. I cannot rely on commission alone. It’s important to accept you don’t know everything and that it’s ok to ask for help. It is now essential to have a back up plan.” – Wendy McLaughlin
“People, relationships and connection are absolutely the most important thing in life ❤ and learning to be comfortable with uncertainty is a challenge!!” – Jacki MacWilliams
“It’s all in the delivery….. how you deliver bad news to your clients will make or break you.”
Kerry Bianchi
Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly, perhaps!) alcohol seems to be a great way of getting through this learning curve too!
“Aperol Spritz makes a great start to the morning and is a great accompaniment to a breakfast Mimosa 🤷♀️…whatever gets the job done.” – Lydia Bartschova
“I have learnt that I was a closet alcoholic. Just kidding, but it got a little worrisome there for a bit! 😂 I have truly learnt that a solid team makes a huge difference. Having a team that will support you when then mental load becomes too hard to deal with, is absolutely invaluable- particularly when the media try and do a number on the industry.”
Melani McGregor
“Vodka lime and soda is an acceptable breakfast beverage” – Catherine Miller
“Boozebud has 10% off your first order and free delivery 😆🍹” – Cassie McCarthy
“You can handle more than you think but gin, wine, beer, oh hell any alcoholic beverage, is your friend.”
Kylie Organ
Stay strong, drink responsibly, and remember, we will get through this… Together In Travel