We asked Get Ahead readers to send their Happy days... tales as we believe that the dark clouds of recession are slowly but surely vanishing and those who were laid off during 2008 and 2009 are getting back their jobs.
In the fourth part of this series US resident Maria Joseph recounts the story of how she was jobless for seven months before she got a new job and the lessons she has learnt from her ordeal.
Name: Maria Joseph
Age: 36
Company/sector: Information Technology
Educational qualification: Masters in Computer Applications
Work experience: 12 years
Background check
Born and raised in a religious family, I have always trusted the Almighty God for my needs. I was laid off in March 2009 from an software giant in Silicon Valley due to job market recession. I went jobless for the next 7 months but today I am happy to say that I have a job (got a new job in October 2009) that I absolutely love.
Every day of those 7 months was a test by itself but I was able to go through it holding on to the beliefs and ethics taught by my parents, the love of my husband and son and the uplifting words from my loved ones around the globe.
How I got a job again
Losing my job that I had held for the past 12 years made me realise the importance of 'keeping up with the Joneses' in the context of my industry.
That is the first thing I did when I was without a job. I enhanced my skill sets based on the needs of the industry. I did some research of the latest trends and the skills needed in the industry I was in and never gave in to thoughts like why am I spending money on these skill enhancements when I am not earning. To help pay for my expenses, I did change my lifestyle a bit so I could stay within my means.
I spent quality time on the Internet applying for jobs that suited my skill sets. I also looked for some good resume formats and took the advise of some good consultants in the industry. Changing the format of my resume to highlight my strengths was a big help in getting me some very good interviews.
Click NEXT to read the lessons Maria learnt
Do you have a similar tale to tell?
Did you lose your job and have now got a new one? Do you know someone who lost her/ his job, and got it back recently?
If you, your friends or relatives have a similar story to tell, to inform readers about the lessons that you have learnt, please write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in with the subject line 'Happy days are here again!' Your name and identity will not be disclosed unless you want it to.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
Jobs: 'There's always a rainbow after the rains'
I never even looked for any jobs that would force me to change the contents my resume! I also called people in the consulting firms regularly regarding my placement and made sure that I was not forgotten. I sent them e-mail reminders regularly.
I also tried very hard to keep a positive attitude and not to let depression take over. Everyday I would remind myself that there is always a rainbow after the rains. I forcibly involved myself in the things that I love to do like listen to music, go to the gym, watch movies, talk to friends who respect you for who you are and are there for you when you need them.
Finally, for all my efforts I succeeded in getting a good job in another software MNC based out of Houston, Texas.
Even now I have down times when I remember that jobless 7-month nightmare, but I am very glad and thankful that 'Happy days are here again!' in my life and in the lives of the people who love me dearly.
Lessons learnt:
- It was a hard 7-month haul with lots of tear-filled down times and lots of lessons learnt but it was all good. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason as long as you believe it is for your good
- Believe in the policy of 'one day at a time'. It really helps in shaking off nervousness
- Do not let the nightmares of the future pull you down
- Look at the down period as something that really helps you to find your inner strength to fight adversity
- Change the format of your resume to highlight your strengths
- Change your lifestyle so that managing expenses don not burden you too much
- Never commit the mistake of taking life's blessings for granted, realise that your family is the best blessing you can have in your life. Cherish and hold tight to the friendships that are truthful to you in your adverse times
Do you have a similar tale to tell?
Did you lose your job and have now got a new one? Do you know someone who lost her/his job, and got it back recently?
If you, your friends or relatives have a similar story to tell, to inform readers about the lessons that you have learnt, please write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in with the subject line 'Happy days are here again!' Your name and identity will not be disclosed unless you want it to.
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