As the economic slowdown sweeps the world, career breaks are becoming a reality for thousands. Arriving announced, these tough times are challenging mid career professionals. Family, finance, elders in the family, are all areas of concern for them. Organizations and friends will help, but managing the career break rests with you.

Stay Connected to Your Career

Keep yourself busy during this time by staying connected to you career. Is there a consulting assignment you can land. Or a short term course to further your prospects. “While some companies may want to terminate employment, they may still be open to a time/project -based engagement with you. Others too. So examine the possibility of continuing to remain employed but with a different employment contract,” advises Gurprriet Siingh, Head – Organization Development and Learning at RPG Group. He goes on to add, “Alternatively, work pro-bono. Continue to acquire experience, just don`t charge for it. You might end up working in a different context which will add new value for existing skills. For example, you might be gainfully employed as a finance man in an MNC, and might work pro bono during this period for a start-up or an NGO. This will give you a different insight into your existing skillset and function.”

While some companies may want to terminate employment, they may still be open to a time/project -based engagement with you. Others too. So examine the possibility of continuing to remain employed but with a different employment contract. – Gurprriet Siingh, Head – Organization Development and Learning at RPG Group

What’s the Upside of a Recession?

It’s time for self discovery. One can relook at many small dreams that were put away in a corner for want of time or motivation. Perhaps, now’s the time to activate one of them. It’s not just about pursuing a hobby, doing a course but also about giving back to society. “Nonprofits are are great place to put your skills to use. Money may not be great but the satisfaction you get far outweighs that aspect. Most Nonprofits (NGOs) are very generous with reccomendations too,” says Abhik Biswas, Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer at CommGate Systems India Pvt Ltd & CommGate Inc. There’s a new meaning to your life when you work with a social organization, supporting the needy. Besides, this could be viewed very positively by employers when you get back to work. A friend of mine, who works in a very senior position in the finance industry, recently joined the music class to pursue learning an Indian instrument. This was after his company recently announced a couple of days lay off per week. He seemed happy being able to fulfil a “childhood dream” and keep himself occupied meaningfully. Aaran Secor – a Logistics and Supply Chain Professional, who is currently experiencing a career gap, says “If you are trying to discover yourself and where to go next, pick up a book like “What Color is Your Parachute” and do some self-evaluation. If you just need some work in the meantime, sure pickup a part-time job, but be prepared to experience negativity from the employer when you move on again. Also, in the gap time, keep yourself stimulated with a course at your local community college. Read. Exercise. Stay positive.”

Building a professional network is the most direct way to get a new job and to shorten future employment gaps. Social networks like Linked In allow you to do this very quickly. Strong professional networks should include fellow professionals at hiring decision maker level and industry players who know which companies are about to need help because of business growth, relocations, new management, acquisitions, etc. – John Bates; the Job Guy, Career Advisor and Coach

Do you have Another Skill?

Sounds crazy, right. But the slowdown is also seeing not-so-utilised talent come to the rescue. Do you love teaching? Ever guest lectured in your life, then it’s time to explore jobs at institutes, colleges or even schools. Can you paint, write or consult in a domain that needs you. Why not, something to keep the home fires burning. And maintain your sanity.

Acquire New Experience

It’s possible for middle career employees, who have the experience and knowledge, to acquire new skills or experiences. While it best to choose skills which are in alignment, nonetheless any new skill will add to the resume. Teaching and training are two areas that many consider worthwhile to pursue. Consulting, ofcourse, can be a worthwhile experience.”Teach what you know. There are enough openings even today, in the teaching world. They may not pay much but it`s better than nothing. Teaching will help you revise, revisit and redevelop your existing skills as well as explore a new one,” points our Gurprriet Siingh.

Connect to Family and Friends

When we are disturbed, we need an emotional anchor. Face the family and let them know the pain you’re going through. Perhaps, your grandparents have seen such downturns in their lives and may have something to share. Managing the expectations of family is easier when you are connected. Peers and classmates could help get a resume across to someone in their network. Being connected by itself is a positive force.

Nonprofits are are great place to put your skills to use. Money may not be great but the satisfaction you get far outweighs that aspect. Most Nonprofits (NGOs) are very generous with reccomendations too. – Abhik Biswas, Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer at CommGate Systems India Pvt Ltd

Planning to Switch Careers?

Most often mid career professionals want to pursue another specialization, but don’t get down to executing citing financial insecurity, lack of time and family concerns. A career break is an opportunity to move to another function. Perhaps, from sales to administration, operations to HR, management to teaching or technology to consulting. Time is on hand and with a bit of planning and networking, one may be able to try it during the break. Advises Gurprriet Siingh,”If you had always wished to be in another field (as long as it`s not a complex specialization), start at the bottom of the ladder today. Switch from HR to Marketing or Sales or Customer service or anything else in which you can.”