The Recession a Blessing?

chillibreeze writer — Roopa Raveendran

There is no need to harp about the pitfalls of recession time – we all know enough already. However, besides carping about the sluggish market and its slowly receding opportunities, have we ever stopped to look at recession in a different light? Have we ever delved into the multitude of hidden opportunities this lean phase has thrown open? In order to understand this oxymoronic possibility, we need to sit up and take notice of those individuals who have undauntedly used the recession as a stepping stone to hone their creativity, give vent to their self expression and take the path not trodden. Marching forward in their badge of new found inspiration and courage, these are the true offspring of recession .

Meet Ajay Uthaman, a Mumbai-based advertising professional who has chosen to start his own entrepreneurial venture during this dull patch. Says Ajay candidly, “This was not a sudden decision; the moment I learnt that my job was in jeopardy, I mentally decided not to look for another job. I just pulled myself together, tapped all my resources and decided to start my own venture.” When queried about the risk factor, he says, “Yes, there is a lot of risk involved, but I was prepared to take it as I was gaining a lot of exposure and experience from this decision and who knows maybe entrepreneurship was what I was really cut out for and recession was just a blessing in disguise!”

But the story is a little different for Bijoy Venugopal. Writing has always been this Bangalorean’s first love so when the recession came along and devoured his job, he decided to stay at home and take up writing as a full time profession. Balking at the traditional gender roles our society metes out to us, he says, “Yes, I am a house husband who sits at home and writes on a full time basis. I don’t subscribe to these gender constricted roles outlined by society. Today I am happy and content as I am pursuing my avocation as my vocation and also making money out of it.” Bijoy Venugopal is currently working as an independent content consultant and he is successfully running a newsletter complete with illustrations on wordpress.

The recession may have opened doors of creativity for many but for some it has also spawned a moolah-making phase. In order to believe this, take the case of secondhand car dealer Keith Fernandes who lives in the US. This Rhode Island resident has an online car dealership where people from all over the US, Canada, Russia and Africa place bids on the cars and buy them from him. So, with the recession hitting the markets around the world, people have shied away from buying new cars, giving Keith a dream run. Says he, “Ironically the recession time has undoubtedly been the best phase in my business – I have not been busier. The main reason being that people are hesitant to invest in brand new cars when they can get second hand cars in top notch condition at a much better rate.”

So if you are one of the many who are bearing the brunt of recession in the form of a job loss or budget constraints, don’t lose heart. Instead of buckling under pressure, look around you for there are a host of opportunities waiting to be scooped up…who knows the end of a solid, steady phase could well be the beginning of a fulfilling, creative chapter in your life.

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Roopa writes for chillibreeze.

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