Layoff Woes-How To Manage A Laid Off Partner
September 25, 2008
Everyone dreams big-success, recognition, money and happiness. A slight misbalance can disrupt the whole planning. Layoff is a global issue. With the turmoil in the world market, people in every continent are affected by it and so are their families.
Layoffs seem to happen suddenly but the one who keeps an eye on the economy and the world market knows how to prepare themselves for the worst.
Managing Your Career Before and After A Layoff
1) Always be updated on the global economic news and reviews.
2) Find out what your company’s stand in the marketplace.
3) Organize and update your bio-data. Keep a list handy of all your recommendations, appraisals and performance records.
4) List the projects that you have undertaken over the years with its success rate. Note your role and how you reached the goal, working in tandem with others. This will help you analyze your strengths and weaknesses. It will also direct you to other possible avenues in the job market.
5) Make use of the benefits and perks that comes in your remuneration.
6) If you have been assigned a spending account then turn in all the outstanding claims to avoid forfeiting any balances.
7) Keep a note of your sick leaves and vacations.
8) Spread your wings and be well networked. It pays rich dividends to know the right people.
9) Keep an eye on the classifieds and be updated on the employment opportunities on various websites. You can also forward your CV with head hunters.
10) When you are hit with the news of a sell-off, a takeover or re-structuring of your company don’t take sides. Be objective and review the policies. Don’t jump to conclusions or sign anything just because others are doing it.
How To Manage A Layoff Partner:
1) Be supportive.
2) Don’t bombard him with questions about what happened at the office.
3) Give him time and space to open up and share the news with you.
4) Avoid comparing him with his colleagues or neighbors who have been laid off.
5) Don’t remind him of the daily expenses, the loans and mortgages that need to be paid.
6) Support and encourage him.
7) Avoid making remarks on how you have to cut down on the budget henceforth. If you feel that you need to curb your expenses then do so on your own.
8) Stop blaming him or his capabilities.
9) Take up a part time job until he decides his next step.
10) Be by his side so that he doesn’t have to go through this setback alone. These are stressful times and being understanding can help him overcome his depression or lack of self esteem.
There is no easy solution to layoffs but one needs to understand, compromise and act wisely.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Energy Drink-A Friend Or Foe Of The Body
September 22, 2008
Energy drinks are very tempting. The shape of the bottle, the drink’s color, the ads on television and magazines already create an image in our mind. To add to that, if it is promoted by any celebrity or sports star then the impact is even higher.
Most energy drinks claim to improve performance, boost strength and increase concentration. They also seem to affect the metabolism. But what we are unaware is that they are highly caffeinated, contain loads of sugar and directly affect the overall functioning of the body.
Numerous researches are carried out each year and they are aimed at gullible consumers so that they can wake up and understand some of the health hazards. Some drinks do warn that the product is not meant for pregnant or nursing women, individuals younger than 18, or those suffering from heart disease and high blood pressure. But the list of warnings on the bottles is very rare.
Most of the energy drinks are consumed by young adults so that they can stay awake for hours to finish their assignments or to study. A cup of brewed coffee has between 80 and 135 milligrams of caffeine while some energy drinks contain 2-3 times that amount in addition to 5 or more teaspoons of sugar.
Experts say that these energy drinks can lead to sleep disturbances, obesity, tooth decay and dehydration. The lack of calcium intake and early obesity can lead to osteoporosis. So the next time you decide to try out an energy drink because your favorite sports star is promoting it, remember that it is all gimmick.
Consult your doctor to really understand which health drink is best suited for your age and overall development. Water is the ultimate power drink that one can consume while working out. Make sure you drink it as often as possible.
Be wise and stay healthy.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Ganapatipule
September 19, 2008
Ganapatipule magnetizes Lord Ganesh’s devotees because he beckons us amidst serenity.
Located in the state of Maharashtra, Ganapatipule derives its name from the Lord and the word Pule denotes sand dunes. This place is accessible by road and Konkan railways. Direct buses are available from Mumbai and Pune. This haunt is best enjoyed by a lazy drive through. The swaying coconut groves, pristine beaches and an ethnic backdrop are bound to mesmerize any city dweller.
The main attraction is the Lord’s four hundred year old temple. This Swayambhu or naturally formed idol takes your breath away if you are lucky enough to get the darshan at dawn. When the first rays of the sun directly fall on the idol, it leaves every mortal in awe. This view can also be witnessed in the evenings before sunset but the dawn casts a special spell. To add to this, percussion instruments or chaughadas and nagaras are played which resonate with the prayers, creating a glorifying state of mind.
The Pradakshina path is one kilometer which is shaped in the Lord’s form. There are six festivals around the year when this placid town becomes a major hotspot. From the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, (August-September) various festivities begin. A Shobha Yatra is organized where a smaller idol of the Lord is bejeweled, placed on a decorated palanquin and taken around the area. Devotees throng in large numbers to carry this divine palanquin and feel blessed to be a part of these rituals.
There are many avenues to enjoy the local flavors. One can stay with the villagers at a nominal price or choose the facilities from a wide array of resorts and beach hotels. For leisure activities, there are row boats available and many exploration grounds like Malgund, Pawas and Jaigard Fort. Further away from here is the city of Ratnagiri and around 170 km ahead is Velneshwar. This quaint village is known for water sports and the famous temple Velneshwar of Lord Shiva.
Ganapatipule is an ideal getaway for those who need to get in with divinity and nature.
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
