Hello,
I'm Swagato Ghose, 32, from Kolkata. During the pandemic and because of lockdown, I lost my job. I'm a marketing professional and worked for a print and packaging company based in Hyderabad.
The situation is very difficult because, even after trying hard for the past two to three months, nothing positive is materialising.
No organisations revert after the interview process and the salary offered during the interview time is negligible when compared to what I was getting before this lockdown happened.
It's getting unbearable and I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown as the future seems absolutely uncertain.
I'm badly looking for a decent opportunity, but there seems to be very little hope in these tough times as it looks like the recruitment has frozen in most of the good companies.
I am really worried about the future and don't know how my professional career is going to shape up.
How do I survive this phase?
Thanks and regards,
Swagato Ghose

Hi Mohit.

You are a qualified engineer, yet you are applying for sales and marketing roles. That’s like a footballer wanting to get into the Ranji team.

Please focus on your core area of expertise and look for opportunities in the engineering field. In order to do so, you may have to supplement your skills with additional certificate programmes.

With global markets opening up, do keep your options open for international roles.

A master's degree in electrical engineering could also be a good option for you.

If sales is your area of interest, then focus on engineering product/services companies to make use of your educational background.

Hi Shivaram.

Let me address your points one at a time.

1. If you have the right skill sets, most of the companies in India would be open to providing you job opportunities.

2. Spending levels in the market are bouncing back to normal and soon your apparel business will pick up. Hold on to that and do not exit in a hurry and make losses.

3. COVID has impacted most of us so please don't take out your frustration in arguments with your loved ones.

It’s good to know that you are focusing on your health. Continue doing that and take care of your family. Shower them with your love.

Dear Nagaraju.

I appreciate your zeal and enthusiasm to continue to work even after a long career and the fact that your children are also working. Apart from what you have been doing, I would recommend these specific steps:

1. Reach out to your managers and colleagues who you have worked in the past as references are still the best way to get a job.

2. Since you have an accounting background, you can also consider working as a freelancer as there are many opportunities for part time gig workers.

3. Explore academics as a career option.

4. Giving back to the society is also very enriching, so do take up some charity or volunteer work.

Hi Himanshu.

I would suggest two possible career paths for you.

First, since COVID has now receded, you can get back to your family business.

You can increase your understanding and knowledge in this sphere by doing an online course on managing family businesses.

The second option is sales; since you have done so well in your own business, I am certain you will be a successful sales professional. Take up a course in sales management and look for opportunities in sales or even customer relations.