Shape Your Career In A Slowing Economy

By Author: Preksha Vyas
Total Articles: 1
Comment this article

Let’s analyse the situation first
Ever so often, the economy takes a dive. A dive where markets fail, financial institutions capitulate to immense pressure of the money lenders, currencies sinks and inflation skyrockets. Suddenly, your outrageously expensive degree is rendered futile, your experience does not matter. This “evil” is not a product of necromancy, but rather a widely accepted, modest concept of “BUSINESS CYCLES”. And this dark period is called the Depression, and its more common than you think. There have been around 50 cases of economic crises around the world in the last 100 years.
So, you ask, why haven’t the world ventured into doom?
Because most of the damage is reversible. Various countries and economic organizations aid the affected nation/nations. Unilateral grants, loans and bonds by international institutions pick up the economy and over a period of time the dust gets settled.
And hence, you ask, what’s the predicament?
The JOBS!
Perhaps the greatest collateral damage is the loss of jobs. Employment takes a gigantic hit. Finding and sustaining a job in ...
... such a market itself isn’t a walk in the park.
Here are some tips to keep your professional life alive and kicking until you voluntarily retire:
1- Find “the right” job for you
OBVIOUSLY!
This goes without saying, but what still astonishes me, is the sheer number of people who get it terribly wrong.
Two words, “SWOT ANALYSIS”.
Amongst the seven billion of us, no one is superwoman. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and it is paramount to know yours.
Career planning is difficult. It takes patience. It is not about taking advice from everyone. It requires research, analysis and future prospects of that profession amongst various other things.
If you’re not utterly sure of what you want to do or become, I highly recommend career counsellor & career guiding tests (eg www.samcara.in). These tests are built to know yourself and find you the best career path. The counselling guides you to your ultimate purpose. A list of opportunities where you are likely to excel and enjoy a great life.
2- Keep your resume fresh
At no time in your career , except when you’re ready to retire, should your resume not be current. Without question, in times of uncertainty, there is no excuse not to have an up-to-date resume.
Remember, too, that there is no longer any such thing as one resume. What you really need is a current framework for your resume, which you can then modify to fit any situation, or employer. Your resume showcases your career capital and potential.
3- Have a robust network
Networking is one of the fundamentals of life. Networking never stops and it never should. Many people think that it is only necessary to proliferate their network when they are looking for jobs. However, it does not work out that way.
The whole point of having a strong network is sharing information- not looking towards other avenues when you are laid off. Opportunities present themselves when you are in the company of right people.
Final thoughts on recession proofing your career
Following these suggestions will help you have a strong foundation in times of economic uncertainty. But these same guidelines will also make you a marketable brand. You need to make yourself so valuable to your employer that there is no way the company could consider firing you. Highlight your strengths, take a stand when required and never trust the economy, always stay on your feet.
Godspeed!