![How to adapt to the pandemic if you [still] want to work](https://glamobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/how-to-adapt-to-the-pandemic-if-you-still-want-to-work-1102x1024.jpg)
Being flexible is a fundamental skill if you want to work in fashion. And having developed it is particularly useful in this period.
The way of working as we knew it before has changed, and not only in this period but probably it will never come back as it was. All the brands and those who work in fashion are considering seriously the idea of ​​a significant change. Learning from this global event is critical. But it is not enough just to be aware of the need for change. We need to act.
Also Giorgio Armani in a letter to WWD, expressed his desire to change the way of doing fashion. We have to stop with unnecessary events, for wanting to apply the fast fashion model to the whole fashion sector, for fashion shows all over the world. We have to readjust the system again and take a step back. Slow down.
Almost everyone has found themselves having to work from home and adapt to new rhythms and new ways of working with the agenda full of Zoom meetings overnight.
Who is continuing to work and want to continue doing it, are those who have reinvented the way they work.
From photographers who have seen all the shots canceled and who have installed a set in their home office in order to survive by working with the brands that send them the products.
To brands like Zara and fashion magazines like Vogue Italia that are sending the products to the models who have to improvise stylists, makeup artists, photographers and shoot the content at home.
To designers who take advantage of the moment when the quality of the connection is at its maximum in order to show the details of the products through a webcam.
This period is challenging anyone, with no exceptions.
The key to survive is to adapt and be proactive and creative.
Developing digital skills now to be able to work remotely and be as productive as when you are in the office is essential.
And for those who are still at the beginning of their career, in the middle of an internship or a first work experience it should be more natural to manage most of the work through the technology since we are talking about the digital native generation that spends 5 hours a day minimum online. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your boss and ask to manage your work from home or to take care of something that was not in your responsibilities but that you know you can manage remotely. If you were working in the production department and the factories are closed now, reinvent yourself and work with someone else in the company, help someone in another team whose job is doable from home.
It is important that anyone tries to find a way to do their job from home. It is a difficult and huge challenge, but if you want to get out of this crisis as least affected, you need to make an effort.
It’s time to reinvent yourself and if necessary, also think about new career opportunities that can be managed remotely.
Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to be able to manage their work from home. Especially for those who work in factories in contact with the products, the production system cannot be replicated at home.
Some may and in some cases need, to add to their work that today cannot be done remotely or that leaves room for free hours during the day, another job manageable from home, such as writing articles, social media consultancy, collaborating with brands born and operating for the most part online and which, compared to those whose turnover depends substantially on retail, are coping better with the crisis.
Just like brands like Zara and Vogue Italia, you have to reinvent yourself, think outside the box and be flexible and creative.
Think about how you can use the examples above and adapt them to your situation. How can you change the way you work? What new opportunities can you explore?
