We asked Get Ahead readers to send their happy days are here again tales as we believe that the dark clouds of recession are slowly but surely vanishing and those who were laid off during 2008 and 2009 are getting back their jobs.
In the first part of this series Anuj Patel shared his story of how he was laid off in December 2008 but managed to tide through the difficult period because of his family's support before he got his job in January 2010.
In the second part of this series, Anamika Sahu tells us how the days when she was unemployed tested her patience and how her family stood by her in those dark days. 
Name: Anamika Sahu (name changed on request)
Age: 28
Company sector: BPO/ITES
Educational qualification: Bachelor of Computer Applications.
Work experience: 5 years and 9 months
Background
I lost my job in May 2009 and was sure that I will be able to land another job in a month or two. I was optimistic because of my industry's presence on such a global scale and its manpower requirements. But waiting for almost 7 months till i got another job was indeed painful and tested me for my patience.
I finally got a job in the last week of November 2009 and that too with a 30 percent hike compared to my last drawn salary. I was not expecting such a good hike. I had made up my mind to even accept a job that offered me the same pay package I drew last or even 5 to 10 per cent less than that. All I needed was an entry back into my domain.
How I got a job again
I had registered myself on almost every job portal, including international ones. I applied anywhere and everywhere (in my domain), tried all my references and contacts but none of that helped. I also tried applying for different profiles related to my domain but still could not make it.
In my desperation, I even applied for a job lower than my last designation but it was still not good for me to get a job.
Finally I got e-mail from one of the consultants (which was marked to many other candidates as well). I called them up to fix my interview. I had to go through three rounds of interviews in a span of as many weeks before I could get my offer letter.
When I finally got my offer, my family and I were in tears as I got a job in a very good company, with a very decent hike, even got a level higher than my previous job and last but not the least, I got a job in my own home town!
I am almost two months into my current job now. I still thank God for ending 2009 on a good note.
Family support
I couldn't have asked for more from them. My parents saw to it that I did not get into depression/frustration/loneliness and they always stood by me.
Lessons learnt:
- Never think you are alone, never ever let your depressions, negative thoughts and loneliness prevail over you.
- Be close to your family as they are the ones who will always be there, no matter what happens.
- Try reaching out to anybody and everybody. You don't know who can turn out to be your saviour.
- Do not be egoistic.
- Be patient. The most important tool is patience and you have to be patient with yourself, with your family and the people around you. This will only help you give your best shot during the interview.
Do you have a similar tale to tell?
Did you lose your job and got it back? Do you know someone who lost her/his job, and got it back recently?
If you, your friends or relatives have a similar story to tell, to inform readers about the lessons that you have learnt, please write to us at getahead@rediff.co.in with the subject line 'Happy days are here again!' Your name and identity will not be disclosed unless you want it to.
Image: Happy Days are here again!
Photographs: Dominic Xavier
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