Published on Wednesday, Apr 15, 2009
Enough has been said about today’s turbulent economic times and the accompanying uncertainty. We all know that we are spiralling dizzily into a recession with a dismal depression looming on the horizon.
But what about the predicament on the personal front? With rampant downsizing, layoffs and pay cuts, the depth of our troubles ranges from finding a good job to holding on to the job you have to paying the unending pile of bills. Unhappiness and insecurity are rampant as people’s emotions dangerously seesaw between abject fear, worry, anger, stress and downright cynicism.
Well, it’s true that we have no idea what the future will hold or when the tide will change. It’s also true that our very innate sense of security has flown out of the window and there is no certainty at all. But does this mean that we are destined to be helpless victims, spending our precious time either catastrophising the ‘doomed’ future or even sinking into an utter denial?
My friends, the answer is a categorical NO! In fact, there are various small measures for dealing with the uncertainty – measures which itself will help us to derive a certain sense of certainty once again.
Making the best: The first step is to manage your emotional state and not let the troubled economic times drive you into a state of panic. Remember it’s all in the mind. So strive to maintain your sense of perspective by inculcating positive thinking and a healthy atmosphere. Talk about the difficult situation with people around you, but in a positive manner and not with a spell of doom.
This sense of positivity will definitely stand you in good stead as it is bound to come through in the interview as well as on the job.
Further, taking care of yourself by eating, sleeping and exercising regularly will help you to maintain a healthy mental attitude. When things do get to you, practicing simple deep breathing can calm down your worries to a great extent.
Empower yourself: The other trick up your sleeve is to empower yourself to take charge of the situation instead of being overwhelmed by it. For this, you have to start believing in yourself – you are valuable and competent, not nervous or doubtful. This will beget the confidence to approach problems head on and tackle them in the best possible manner.
Moreover, many forward-thinking companies encourage their employees to come forward and help address the challenges that lie ahead. You have to grasp the opportunity by thinking of useful solutions or alternatives and then expressing them as productive ideas and suggestions. As it has been rightly said, “We are all part of the solution, and in times like these,every challenge is an opportunity.”
For instance, you can explain that the raging uncertainty in the workforce where no one knows what will happen, is harming productivity and results. You can further put forth that involving employees in decisions that concern them or keeping them abreast with developments will foster some much-needed certainty. Such measures will go a long way in building your credibility and even secure your position in the organisation.
So, take the challenge and show how good you are. Learn to enjoy your job despite the uncertainty by focussing on what you can and will accomplish. This will increase your efficiency, thus leaving a lesser risk of being fired!
Also, keep yourself aware of what is happening and try to adapt accordingly. Be creative and look out for new possibilities thrown up by the changing economic trends.
For example, the downturn can actually open up fresh and lucrative domains if you are willing to change careers.
On a more personal level, it makes practical sense to assess your financial situation with a calm and clear mind.
The frugal times demand that you budget your expenses, minimise your debt and strive to build a safety nest for emergencies. This requires careful planning, wise choices and conservative investments – never operate out of fear or haste as it will only lead to poor decisions.
To sum up, it is vitally important that you should be prepared. After all, that is the only certain thing amidst the hysterical uncertainty!
But what about the predicament on the personal front? With rampant downsizing, layoffs and pay cuts, the depth of our troubles ranges from finding a good job to holding on to the job you have to paying the unending pile of bills. Unhappiness and insecurity are rampant as people’s emotions dangerously seesaw between abject fear, worry, anger, stress and downright cynicism.
Well, it’s true that we have no idea what the future will hold or when the tide will change. It’s also true that our very innate sense of security has flown out of the window and there is no certainty at all. But does this mean that we are destined to be helpless victims, spending our precious time either catastrophising the ‘doomed’ future or even sinking into an utter denial?
My friends, the answer is a categorical NO! In fact, there are various small measures for dealing with the uncertainty – measures which itself will help us to derive a certain sense of certainty once again.
Making the best: The first step is to manage your emotional state and not let the troubled economic times drive you into a state of panic. Remember it’s all in the mind. So strive to maintain your sense of perspective by inculcating positive thinking and a healthy atmosphere. Talk about the difficult situation with people around you, but in a positive manner and not with a spell of doom.
This sense of positivity will definitely stand you in good stead as it is bound to come through in the interview as well as on the job.
Further, taking care of yourself by eating, sleeping and exercising regularly will help you to maintain a healthy mental attitude. When things do get to you, practicing simple deep breathing can calm down your worries to a great extent.
Empower yourself: The other trick up your sleeve is to empower yourself to take charge of the situation instead of being overwhelmed by it. For this, you have to start believing in yourself – you are valuable and competent, not nervous or doubtful. This will beget the confidence to approach problems head on and tackle them in the best possible manner.
Moreover, many forward-thinking companies encourage their employees to come forward and help address the challenges that lie ahead. You have to grasp the opportunity by thinking of useful solutions or alternatives and then expressing them as productive ideas and suggestions. As it has been rightly said, “We are all part of the solution, and in times like these,every challenge is an opportunity.”
For instance, you can explain that the raging uncertainty in the workforce where no one knows what will happen, is harming productivity and results. You can further put forth that involving employees in decisions that concern them or keeping them abreast with developments will foster some much-needed certainty. Such measures will go a long way in building your credibility and even secure your position in the organisation.
So, take the challenge and show how good you are. Learn to enjoy your job despite the uncertainty by focussing on what you can and will accomplish. This will increase your efficiency, thus leaving a lesser risk of being fired!
Also, keep yourself aware of what is happening and try to adapt accordingly. Be creative and look out for new possibilities thrown up by the changing economic trends.
For example, the downturn can actually open up fresh and lucrative domains if you are willing to change careers.
On a more personal level, it makes practical sense to assess your financial situation with a calm and clear mind.
The frugal times demand that you budget your expenses, minimise your debt and strive to build a safety nest for emergencies. This requires careful planning, wise choices and conservative investments – never operate out of fear or haste as it will only lead to poor decisions.
To sum up, it is vitally important that you should be prepared. After all, that is the only certain thing amidst the hysterical uncertainty!
PAYAL CHANANIA
Looks like you've been sitting in my head! I've been grappling with pretty much the same issues for myself and my team here - there's been SO MUCH talk about the bad economy that it's now impossible to focus on doing a good job at work and enjoying work. All everyone can think of, is how to keep the job(s) we have.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this - it's still hard to accomplish what you've suggested, but it's good to know there's at least a way there.
That's the spirit Aparna. I know its easier said than done, but as you say there is always a way.....
ReplyDeleteGlad if I could be of any help.
Good going and best of luck!!