You’re likely not living as you used to.

Maybe you’re not working at all, or maybe with decreased hours, or maybe from home.

Maybe you have kids who are at home while schools and daycares are closed.

Your social life has almost certainly taken a big hit.

Once you’ve mastered the art of making sourdough bread, read that bestseller from a couple years ago, and watched all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, what’s left to do?

Maybe you could find a new show to binge watch . . . or maybe you could build a foundation for success, preparing you for the next chapter once the pandemic winds down and quarantine protocols are lifted. Whether you’re interested in seeking a completely different career path, are aiming for a promotion in your current role, or just want to bolster your skill set with a postsecondary program, this is the perfect time to further your education.

Many schools already offered programs that were 100% online before the health crisis—and with stay-at-home orders currently in place across the country, many campus schools have shifted their in-person programming to a virtual environment.

The opportunity to watch video lectures, attend virtual discussions, complete assignments online, and study from home means that you can set your own schedule and finish your coursework on your own time.

While there’s definitely nothing wrong with taking some time, during this big pause, to rest, take it easy, or relax a little—there’s also a valuable chance here to prepare for the future. Refreshing your skills, learning something new, and adding to your résumé can give you a leading edge when applying for new positions and advancing your career in a post-COVID-19 world.

With unemployment rates spiking in many industries—and the expectation of more job losses before the pandemic is over—there will likely be steep competition for open positions.

Add to that the innovation and restructuring that companies and organizations nationwide are pursuing to keep up with a changing economy, and you can expect a very different job market than the one we’ve been familiar with the last few years. Adding to your skill set and furthering your education could make your application stand out in a crowded market.

This great shift can be a great chance to invest in yourself and in your future. Don’t squander it! Choose to continue your educational journey and prepare for success.

Are you ready to find the right program to support your career goals? The Imagine America Foundation has a robust network of schools that offer a wide variety of programs to help you earn the certificate, diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree you want to pursue.