We asked Get Ahead readers to send their layoff tales and we are getting mails from employees belonging to different sectors of the Indian economy.
In the sixth part of this series, Rakesh Verma from the construction/engineering sector tells how job-hopping between MNCs has left him unemployed.
Name: Rakesh Verma
Age:28
Company/Sector: Construction/Engineering
Educational qualification: BCom (H)/MBA (Operations)
Work experience: 10 years, 8 months
Background:
I was working with a construction company since the year 1998 and completed my MBA in May of 2003.
Then, in 2007, when I had completed nine years in the purchases department with the same organisation, I reached saturation point. So that same year, when the opportunity came my way, I took up a job with better pay and scope at an MNC.
I worked at the new place for a whole year, enjoying the job and the exposure. That is when I got the chance to work abroad with another MNC. I was head of department here, as opposed to the previous job, where I worked as a subordinate.
Glad to have a new job abroad, I decided to increase my loan amount and buy a new flat bigger than the one I owned then.
How I lost my job:
After having worked for six months abroad, I got a call from my previous employer asking if I wanted to join them again. They would also give me a posting abroad, with better remuneration. I agreed and accepted their offer, resigning from my existing organisation.
I came back to India to get my visa approved and a few days down the line, I got a call from the company stating that due to the recession, they had put a freeze on all recruitments. They assured me that within one or two months they would bring me on board, but I am still waiting -- nothing has happened so far.
Liabilities:
My biggest financial burden and my biggest investment is my flat -- I have to shell out a large amount towards paying for it every month.
I also lost a good amount of money in the stock market. Plus, I am married and have a little daughter, so the household expenses are also to be met.
My financial position today is what it was 10 years ago. The only thing that has changed is that earlier I was free to spend and live without stress.
Family support:
My family is really supporting me in this hour of crisis. I know my coming months will be tough, but it becomes easier when I see my 3-year-old daughter -- without speaking to me, her expression says, "I am with you, Papa."
Lessons learnt:
Plan your savings.
Don't be greedy -- be satisfied what you have.
Stay with one company for quite some time before switching jobs.
Spend wisely; try to minimise your extra expenditure.
Realise your potential and be positive -- if you are talented, you will surely get a job.
Trust your instinct.
Try to take care of your family.
In these idle months, I have learned how to live life satisfied with what I have. Believe in destiny and wait for the right time -- and most importantly, in such times of crisis, believe in God.
Illustration: Dominic Xavier
Do you have a layoff tale to tell?
Have you lost your job? Do you know someone who has lost her/his job recently and is trying to come to terms with the situation?
If you, your friends or relatives have a layoff story to tell, to inform readers about the lessons that you have learnt, please write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in. Your name and identity will not be disclosed unless you want it to.
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