Our careers and COVID-19

Ranjan K Baruah *

All those who are reading this are worried about the current situation. Our students and recent graduates are more worried about careers and jobs.

COVID 19 has bought many challenges in front of us as we are locked down inside our homes. It has been again extended for two more weeks’ means the worry continues.

There is no shadow of doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented health and economic impacts on people and countries across the world.

This pandemic has impacted entire world. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the lockdown measures to date approximately affected almost 2.7 billion workers, representing 81% of the world’s workforce .

The ILO estimates that 1.25 billion workers, representing almost 38% of the global workforce, are employed in sectors that are now facing a severe decline in output a high risk of workforce displacement. Key sectors include retail trade, accommodation and food services, and manufacturing.

According to a survey conducted by Confederation of Indian Industries with Chief Executive Officers of different corporate tells us a lot about the jobs in the country. Out of the total respondent (200 CEOs) one-third expected job losses of 15-30 per cent in their respective sectors.

Another 47 per cent felt the figures might be slightly less than 15 per cent. The Indian tourism and hospitality industry is staring at a potential job loss of around 38 million, which is 70 per cent of the total workforce due to COVID-19.

People working in the corporate would know what has happened with them. There is uncertainty about jobs , many are on leave without pay , less salary are some of the common things happened all over India with more or less different sectors .

Apart from people working in corporate or other companies there are many working as labours in different parts of the country and these migrant workers working in different states have faced problems like no cash or shortage of food.

We have seen the sectors which have been affected severely due to coronavirus. A bulk of the 136 million jobs in segments with casual workers and unwritten contracts, and self-employed areas are at extreme risk.

Self employed entrepreneurs are also at risk these days as most are confused what to do next. All these bring more questions in front of us. When many experienced people are uncertain about future then what would happen to entry level professional or aspirants.

I have been receiving many emails, calls related to jobs these days as many individuals are seeking guidance.

Well, there may not be a clear solution at present as this is new for all of us. As it has bought challenges this should also bring opportunity for which we must be positive and remain committed. With time we can plan what best we can do as our career.

Apart from strategic career planning we must think of innovation. We must enhance entrepreneurial spirit amongst us. Let there be problem but we must be committed to overcome it positively.

Till lock down is lifted let us engage ourselves in more reading and collecting information. Many people are already taking different online courses. One must chose the online courses according to their interest and it uses.

Aspirants may seek regular guidance from experienced counsellors but remember this is new for all of us and we must make plan accordingly.

Let us not panic with surveys and studies and utilise the inputs to make our future for our sustainability.