Recession can be a tough time for your career. This is the time when new job openings are fewer and the threat of being laid off or fired keeps hovering over your shoulders. During such time career advice can be of significant help to you. Following are some career advices to cope with recession.
- Take On Challenges
Recession is not a good time to be ordinary or to be someone doing just enough. The chances of your getting laid of or fired would be much reduced if your performance is above average and you are recognized as an asset to the company. Take on challenges in your job. Show initiative and volunteer for the tasks that are tough. This gives you recognition as well as may provide opportunities for extra training, additional work experience etc.
You may have to work harder but it would be a much better option than getting laid off or fired.
- Backup Career Plans
If you have not made any backup career plans, this would be a good time to start. Have some backup career plans ready and work on your transferable skills that would be useful on other jobs as well. It is always good to have a backup and in time of recession when the risk of loosing your job is increased and the competition for new jobs are fierce this is especially important. Although take care that the preparation for your backup does not cost you your current job.
- Don't Jump Off the Ship unless You Have a Boat Ready
Recession may force career change on you but in general it is a really bad time to be unemployed. Do your best to keep the job you are working on, even if you are not fully satisfied with it. Do not leave your job unless you have a confirmed offer lined up, this is a good advice in general. This is especially apt in time of recession when new jobs are very few and competition for them is fierce.
The same is true for career change as well. Career change usually comes with its associated loses. In case of career change there would be some time before you become good at your new job, in most cases. This puts you at a disadvantage when the jobs are few and the competition is tough.
- Think Outside the Box
If the worst has happened and you have lost your job, during recession, do not panic. Be creative and think of new ways for earning money. Search your resources to look for new opportunities. Think outside the box. Most importantly do not stay idle. This would increase your frustration and can have severe long term impact on your personality and career prospects. There is always some work that needs to be completed. Identify it and choose the one that is most suited to your skills and inclinations.
You may not make as much money as you are used to; in fact you almost certainly won't; but doing something is always better than staying idle.
- People
Recessions are hard time. It's a good idea to keep your network of contacts alive in this period. This can help you identify new threats and opportunities and can be of help in case you lost your job by helping you find a new job or by providing support if you decide to start some new venture or freelance works.
- Utilize Your Time
If you have some financial security, recession can be a very good time to dedicate to your personal projects. If you are unemployed during recession then consider doing some course, learning some new skill, taking some certification exam etc, may be the right time for you.
- Set Goals
Being unemployed during recession can be stressful and it can be hard to keep yourself motivated. You should create and adhere to a daily schedule and set yourself some daily goals. This can help you in your study or any projects that you may be working on and prevent you from letting yourself go as well.
- Stay Positive
It can be frustrating when you are constantly being rejected, from the various jobs you have applied for. Just remember that it is not that uncommon during recession and do not lose hope. It is very easy during such times to get frustrated, and become a jaded and sarcastic person. Guard against it, as this will only harm your chances of getting a job. Keep a positive attitude and learn from your mistakes.
- Be Persistent
Remember there is hope as long as you do not give it up. Be persistent and keep trying for new jobs. Give your best to every opportunity that comes your way and if you do not succeed find out why. Work to improve yourself based on your past experiences.
Recession can be a very tough time but as they say "tough times don't last; tough people do". Keep trying and have a positive attitude and in time the success will be yours.