Despite new variants of coronavirus keeping health officials on their toes, the worst of the pandemic is behind us. As such a slow but steady return to normalcy lies ahead. It’s excellent news for the myriad of professionals across California who saw their earnings plummet during the lockdown.
The return to normal means California’s working professionals are busier than they’ve been in months. Many are struggling to keep up with demand. The rest of us need to keep this in mind in the weeks and months ahead. The following are five professionals most likely to be busy for the remainder of 2021:
Much of the California legal system remained functional thanks to video conferencing. However, lawyers across the state saw demand dry up as everyone was home and subsequently out of trouble. As bars and restaurants reopen and Californians venture back out into society, the chances of legal trouble go up. Lawyers who went months without work now see several new clients signing up every week.
2020 was the year of the wonky haircut. With everyone letting their hair grow wild and free at home, stylists had no choice but to hang up their scissors and sit on their hands. Now that the worst is over, people are making hair appointments in record numbers. It’s not unusual for salons to be booked for an entire month or longer. Those eager to freshen up their locks may need to buy a hat while they wait.
With the exception of lifesaving procedures, most surgeries scheduled for the past 18 months were put on hold. This means people started looking into at home solutions for things. From therapy, exercise, to even getting an at-home STD test to avoid a doctor’s office. From back surgeries to cosmetic procedures, thousands of scheduled operations remain pending as surgeons across California pick up where they left off. Those waiting patiently to undergo vertebral augmentation or hernia repair will need to wait a little longer. But, those with more pressing surgical needs will likely be seen within the next few months. Soon enough, std test clinics, walk-in doctors, and other health needs will reopen.
From bar mitzvahs to retirement parties and weddings, countless events across California were on hold due to COVID-19. With the state reopen for business, all these events are finally able to take place. This has virtually every event coordinator in California scrambling to reschedule and rebook at the same time. Those who waited to commend planning are getting turned away due to the prioritization of existing clientele.
Few businesses underwent pandemic-related challenges quite like bars, clubs, and restaurants. Many restaurateurs in major counties like LA and even smaller beach communities such as Monterey and La Jolla had no choice but to redesign their business models. Most did so by optimizing their carryout and delivery options. Then offering outdoor seating, and opening new locations in various markets. With the state reopening, many restaurant owners find themselves at a crossroads. Do they remain the way they are, revert to the way they were, or formulate a new model? Increasing pressure from local governments about permitting and temporary structures on sidewalks only increases the stress on these small businesses owners.
Most organizations across the world were caught entirely off guard by the pandemic. Many are turning to consultants as a way to better prepare for potential disruptions down the road. While there’s no shortage of self-described consultants, the number of qualified consultants is few and far between. That means they have their hands full helping clients make sense of the countless lessons learned over the last year or so.
Given the struggles of established professionals to keep up with post-pandemic demand, those trying to earn a name for themselves can swoop in and find clients and customers. For instance, it’s a good time for a hairstylist to sink some capital into advertising since so many people require a fresh haircut.
While the pandemic is far from over, the worst stretch is in the rearview mirror. The result is millions of people seeking the services of a select number of experts. However, all within the same span of time. For those reading who plan on having work done, hiring a lawyer, getting a haircut, planning events, eating at restaurants, or listening to consultants, we have one piece of advice: be patient!
