By Dhanush Nadil
Enter Great Depression 2.0. tumultuous financial markets and the economic slow down are evoking the fears of another 1932. The aftermath has left thousands jobless and has jeopardized a million more. If you are a “laid off employee” wondering how to deal with such a gloomy job market, then read on. Even otherwise, it makes an insightful reading and more importantly will equip you to help your friends – who might find themselves at the wrong end of things.
1. Conquering Oneself: It’s a human tendency to blame oneself for the situation s/he is in. What one should realize is that the causes of the preceding events are entirely extraneous. One should not get into a “complex” or indulge in self pity. If you do so, you might lose your confidence that is extremely essential for your job hunt.
2. Early bird: Do not waste time brooding over the event. You need to look back at things, consider it as a learning experience and plan your next step with a positive frame of mind. Do everything you can to find that job – be it posting your resume on portals or contacting job consultants you know or directly applying to companies that you think would need your services. It pays to be the early bird in a job market that has been overflowing with resumes. Competition is high and any time lost might significantly narrow down the window of opportunity that you have in landing an appropriate job.
3. Broaden your horizon: Do not keep your options limited to your current city or domain/industry. Look out for assignments in other regions as well, both international and domestic. Most people avoid reallocation, but such an assignment might just turn out to be an additional feather in your long term career. A change in domain/industry might also have the same effect.
4. Fulfilling your ambition: This might be a blessing in disguise as it might provide you an opportunity for completing something that you have always dreamt of but never had the time for. Be it a Masters degree or mountaineering expedition or simply an unfinished family matter. But again there is a glitch. This may be suggested for people with enough financial buffers only. Moreover, it might all turn out to be tricky if the market doesn’t fight back when you decide to come back to work. Take the call only if you are very sure.
5. For the would be “Laid offs”: If you are an employee of a company which is toying with an idea of a lay-off, then its time to get your act together. Grab more responsibilities when ever there is an opportunity (That is if you are not doing it already). Volunteer to be a part of critical projects which might be considered by others as too complicated or monotonous. This is not a fool proof idea but might give you the best chance of not being written off the books.
In today’s world of cut throat competition finding someone to guide or mentor you isn’t easy. But mentoring - passing along critical knowledge skills and ways of work, is a grave necessity to the continuity of the business. The advantage that a protégé gains from the mentor is obvious. But the advantages that a mentor gains by interacting with a younger colleague is something that needs to be highlighted to promote the concept of mentorship. 
The Company: World's Top Internet Brand; for its Software Development Center in Bangalore, India
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