Career Choices in Uncertain Times April 15, 2020

Making career choices is hard even in the simplest of times; couple it with the extraordinary situation we find ourselves in and your career decision just got more confusing and challenging. I am sharing a few practical suggestions to help you think through any existing or imminent choices that you might have to make.

• If you are in the middle of exploring a new opportunity, treat this as a minor disruption. Continue with the process. However, be open to a compensation structure that is pegged to performance metrics and more variable in nature.
• If you are beginning your job search, be cautious and selective while evaluating both the role and sector. Companies are rethinking strategies to flourish in the post-Covid world. Wait for the dust to settle and clarity to emerge before taking any steps. Factor in that new roles or opportunities could emerge at your current employer as well.
• Focus on sectors that are expected to be less impacted by the after effects of the lockdown. Depending on your skill sets and risk appetite, you could take an unorthodox approach and explore opportunities in the impacted sectors (hospitality, retail, travel, manufacturing) – these sectors will be looking for talent who come with specific skills in restructuring and cost optimization.
• Remember that skills such as P&L management, revenue enhancement, cost optimization and people management are sector agnostic. Demand for such skills remains even during down times.

We will reach the other end of this tunnel soon. Till then #staysafestaysane !