Insta-Glory - Don't Let Social Media Affect You

When we started seeing reports of the coronavirus outbreak over in China, I don’t think any of us imagined what was coming. If you would have told me a year ago that most work would come to a halt, businesses would stop trading, families and friends were being kept apart and there was a risk of catching a deadly virus, I would have told you that you had a fantastic idea for a film. 

We’re now in July, which is nearly 4 months since we entered lockdown. We’re seeing businesses pick back up, facilities starting to open and small gatherings starting to occur. 

In terms of personal experiences, not much has happened since March. I’ve spent time with my family, done lots of reading, made some music which has always been an ambition amongst other things. I’ve kept my presence known on LinkedIn and have my own personal Instagram and Twitter accounts. 

One of the things I’ve always believed is that social media, in particular Instagram, has the biggest effect on peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. I truly believe that the rise in mental health cases has been since social media was introduced. Year on year growth in mental health cases shows a correlation with year on year growth of social media users and I believe the reason for this are people’s posts. How many times do you see a person post a picture of their house in a mess? How many times do you see when somebodies partner didn’t get them what they wanted for Christmas or birthdays? How many times do you see the child crying because they didn’t get the puppy they wanted? 

I feel it’s really important, particularly if you suffer with any form of mental health condition, to remember that people will only post what they want you to see. They won’t want you to see their toxic relationship, their negative bank balance, the cracks in the paint on their bathroom wall. 

It’s important to recognise that other people aren’t as perfect as they seem on social media. They all have issues too, albeit they may be different to yours. 

The last 4 months have been REALLY difficult for me. Not difficult in the sense of feeling low or anxious, which is what I have felt in the past and luckily seem to be controlling this. But difficult in the sense of not knowing what is going to happen going forward. I started my business in February 2019 and the first year has been fantastic. I have developed relationships with some fantastic clients and placed 50% more people into jobs than I anticipated I would in my first year. In February this year, I was looking at office space and working out budgets for growth which is something I’ve wanted to do since start up. Running a business on your own is bloody lonely. I work from home at present so I can always pop to the house for a coffee with the wife and have a chat but it’s not the same. Not having people who understand your work culture and lifestyle around you is hard. Having nobody to bounce ideas off or share best practise is really difficult. 

So when Covid-19 hit, my plans were put on hold. I didn’t know how long for but I was confident I’d just wait. Then every single one of my 14 vacancies I was working on was put on hold, which left me in a strange position. What do I do? Do I continue to work? Is there any point? 

Then information about grants and furlough money was introduced, for me to learn that actually I wasn’t entitled to anything apart from 80% of my salary. Now, because I’m a director of a limited company, my salary wasn’t high as I would take dividends based on the companies’ performance for the year. So I was being given a very small amount every month which has meant all the money I made and saved last year was being eaten to ensure me and my family could continue as normal. I still pay tax – corporation and personal tax. Why shouldn’t I be entitled to more? 

Therefore, growth plans are now gone for the foreseeable. 

My return to work has been even more difficult. All the clients I was working with still aren’t recruiting, which means I have had to do more business development with clients who I’m not sure are even recruiting! I didn’t want to cold-call because I didn’t think it was fair to do so, particularly with so many people working from home. Also, you just don’t know who you’re going to call looking for business and their family member could have been severely ill with Coronavirus. I didn’t want to be THAT person. 

For me, building Educated Appointments has been a great insight into business. I am so proud of where it’s come, and I have put so much effort into getting it where it is. To be put completely out in March was really difficult for me and I feel guilty saying that because I’m lucky enough to have my family and health. But it did cut deep. To work so hard for something you’re so close to achieving for it to be taken away with NOTHING you can do about it is heart-breaking.

Things have picked up and it’s starting to get busier again. I now have a few vacancies I’m working on and some new clients who are fantastic. But it’s important for me to share this story. Because everybody is going through some struggle. And it’s important to share the negative stuff so people understand they’re not the only person who APPEARS to be going through a bad time. 

If you’ve been or are going through a rough time and want to talk, I’m always available. Please don’t ever feel like you’re alone.

Thank you.