JOB SPECIAL ....How to deal with job loss - WHAT TO DO BETWEEN JOBS

How to deal with job loss - WHAT TO DO BETWEEN JOBS



Stay updated with your industry's needs or chalk a new path for yourself

Whether you've been asked to leave as part of a mass layoff or are just taking a sabbatical between jobs, it's crucial to know how to use your time well.“Instead of trying to get back into the same role, you should take a step back and use this as an opportunity to explore other paradigms,“ says Digital Transformation Coach Abhijit Bhaduri. If you are between jobs, or are planning to take a break, here are a few options you could consider.

Assess and upgrade your skills

With the recent spate of layoffs across the IT sector, many techies are looking to upgrade their skills to stay industry-relevant. However, this doesn't apply only to the IT industry. Professionals across the board need to keep up to speed with the developments within their industry. “It is always worthwhile to take time out for skilling, reskilling and upskilling yourself,“ says Neeti Sharma, Senior Vice-President, TeamLease Services. Use your break to assess your skills, do your research and educate yourself, or enrol in a course to upskill according to your industry's needs.

Take up a teaching job

If you're not opposed to the idea of facing a classroom full of students and sharing your expertise, you can consider taking up a temporary teaching gig. Your alma mater is a great place to start looking. You can even ask you professors for a few contacts you can use. Colleges or training institutes might be willing to hire you on a part-time or fulltime basis to teach a class about your area of expertise, depending on your experience. At the very least, you will be invited to give a guest lecture or two, which is still good experience to have.

Volunteer at industry events

What this kind of work lacks in pay, it makes up for in opportunity. It will allow you to rub shoulders with the bigwigs of your industry and connect with other professionals who are still in the game. Not only would you gain some hands-on experience in organising an event according to your industry standards, you will also gain a host of contacts that you can tap for work opportunities later.

Freelance or find online work

You can take to the Internet to leverage your expertise to continue earning, besides adding experience to your resume. Whether creating content is your strong suit, or you are an expert at Web design, or even a financial planner or investment adviser, the Internet has various avenues for making money.You can either choose to work remotely with a client or sign up on one of the many online job portals by posting your profile and start soliciting assignments.

Work as an agent

To become an agent, you just need to have good communication skills, a persuasive manner and be comfortable using the Internet and basic applications. LIC and other insurance companies are always on the lookout for agents. Although this kind of work does not call for too much expertise, it does involve a certain amount of training before you can start. Once you do get started, however, there's no cap on how much you can earn. It depends entirely on your abilities.

Nilanjana Chakraborty



ETW14AUG17