Resilience in the Face of Life Adversity: Self-Coping Mechanisms during Post-Pandemic Recovery of Selected Offshore Employees

The study determined the resilience of selected employees post-pandemic recovery. Specifically, the study sought to answer questions on how the participants dealt with life difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and what are the self-coping mechanisms of selected employees during post-pandemic recovery. To attain the primary data of this study, the researcher utilized the phenomenological method of research through conversations and interviews with open-ended questions. The phenomenological approach helped in describing the lived experiences of an individual and focuses on studying the phenomena that have impacted an individual. This research found that there are positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the various aspects of life of the participants. Not all participants view it negatively, as others look at it as a challenge and a life lesson. Participants have their coping strategies during the pandemic as they have different impacts on the situation. Negative responses stem from the significant changes in their lives before and during the pandemic, including the inability to socialize with others, particularly with friends and coworkers, because of community restrictions on leaving their homes; anxiety about the future and when they can leave; daily news on social media about reported mortality; and the fear of losing their jobs at any time due to low demand for their services and lower revenue for the company. As they spend the majority of their time at home, they have seen positive results from the COVID-19 pandemic as well, including new opportunities, promotions, the experience of working from home and in a hybrid setup, learning more about their hobbies, finding new ideas that have been shared on social media, and more time with their loved ones. Because they have varying effects on the situation at hand, each participant has their coping mechanisms during the pandemic. Coping mechanisms included engaging in hobbies, concentrating on work, identifying opportunities, watching videos, seeking out family support, conversing with others, following online trends, hosting online celebrations, taking time off work, solemnizing through prayer, concentrating on oneself, reading books that inspire motivation, allocating tasks appropriately, and communicating openly and honestly with others.