Better days ahead

It has not been an easy last couple of months. The extent of which the pandemic could affect communications and individuals could not have been imagined at the start in February 2020 when news came in thick and fast about the origins and effect it was having on countries. In India, the fear of our population density and lackadaisical approach was worrisome. But fortunately, we have seen less fatalities that many of the developed economies.

The larger concern however is the economy and that of unemployment with official numbers quoted (Sep 2020) being that of 9.83%, i.e. one in ten people are not able to find a job in urban areas. This will have a catastrophic impact on households, especially single income families for the short term and long term and I fail to see how the country can solve this urgent crisis. On LinkedIn, there are multiple appeals shared every day on the travails of the unemployed which finds many kind connections sharing and furthering the reach, but how many eventually end up getting a job? Unfortunately, such statistics are not readily available. 

Being in the market for a role myself, my sympathies are with the million others like me and I truly hope they find a job at the soonest. With every application and call with a potential recruiter, I learn a new lesson and here are some of them;

1.     A recruiter today has multiple options for every position, even in terms of experience and qualifications. They have a rich choice of pedigree and background which comes into play. For instance, I was told that my part -time MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj was not as desirable as an full time MBA from any other institute. How could I explain that I spent three years to acquire that degree, in the midst of having a demanding full-time job and being married by that time. Dedicating almost 60% of every weekend and 2 to 3 hours of most weekends was not easy. For someone like me who discovered the joy of education late, doing the degree was to pursue the love of studying something I was clearly putting back into practise, but how can one change minds that are closed?

2.     Desired remunerations or locations - Over 85% of the companies in India have had to enforce cost savings in one or the other forms. From salary reductions to forfeiting of bonuses/ increments to curtailing of training programs, depending on the industry, companies have tried to address the impact of the lockdown on their topline or bottomline. In such a situation, however talented and high-potential one might be, there isn’t too much room to negotiate as the recruiting company is spoilt for choice. Sticking to the figure one has in their mind or insisting on choice of location (which would come into effect once the lockdown is fully lifted and offices schedules are normalised) could be detrimental. As a good friend who is also an industry leader in the insurance business said, “it is important to keep oneself occupied and in the know with a regular income at this stage as whether we like it or not, the bias of being unemployed exists in the minds of the recruiters. Whatever the amount or the location, something is better than nothing.” I personally found it hard to argue with that logic. 

3.     Hustle and shake every tree. As one grows in any role and industry, the individual also develops an ego and position they see themselves in. This in one of the many things that prevented me initially to reach out to my connections, telling that I’m seeking a suitable role. In many cases, these connections could have been your former bosses, peers, vendors, suppliers and even juniors that you might have hired and mentored. But this is what the situation demands and the ego is best dropped as you try to find ways and means secure the future of your own family and children. 

While that’s one side of the story, the other side of the story is that recruiters are most likely not willing to accept that after being a leader in companies with teams reporting into you, you are now willing to work in an individual contributor position or worse still, report into someone with lesser years of experience than you. The fear is that you might be a potential threat to the existing ecosystem or when markets reopen, you will leave for a much more suitable position. How can one every ally every unspoken fear or ever truly reinsure that what we need today is someone to trust us and take a chance. This situation has taught us to be patient and value stable jobs more than achieving financial goals. 

4.     Don’t compare yourself to others who are more fortunate at finding new roles/ positions. Within many of your connections, you will find a few posting their updated professional status or a job change, some maybe for the same role you were vying for. It is ok to feel a twinge of jealousy or envy but don’t let that linger. Bitterness will only darken your own life and hold you back from the next opportunity that will come your way. While we know of our own situation, we simply don’t know the circumstances surrounding the other individual. Wish them the very best (if you’re connected and know the individual well enough to comment) and continue with your search. One day, it will be you and you’d like as many blessing as possible to start your new role. 

5.     Help and support those who reach out to you. Just like us, many are trying to do whatever is possible to reach out to a company or an individual whom you know. Be authentic and genuine in helping those who reach out to you. Reply suitable and kindly to mails, proposals and messages coming into your inbox as being nice is its own reward. You will feel good and better and karma does have its own way of finding you. 

6.     Look out of alternatives. With all the local gyms and health clubs being shut down, I know of many trainers from my area how are selling fish, condiments or groceries. It is commendable of how they have figured to keep their home engines running and as white collared professionals, may we can open ourselves to doing part-time gigs, consulting, teaching or starting something on our own. Roy Croc was 52 when he started McDonalds and Col. Sanders was 62 when he franchised an KFC outlet for the first time. Age is only a barrier in our mind

And lastly, the most important lesson. Take care of your mind. That is the most important asset and tool, gifted to us and that we have to keep strong, agile and healthy. Despite all the gloom and doom around us, negativity faced with multiple rejections, frowning glances of family members or words that sting you and people that look down on you - just believe that this day will pass too. There is always a tomorrow when the sun will shine and you will be called upon the perform with your complete mental capability and acumen. If we let any of the bitterness or failures of yesterday or today get to you, it will be of our own doing and that is a choice we have. We can choose to be above circumstances and stop treating ourselves as victims. A newborn child can survive for over a week after it is dumped without food or water. Imagine that. As an experienced professional with enough successes under your belt, I’m confident that each of us can do better and keep our chin up till the sun shines one day on us. Till then, keep running and keep making those opportunities.