Plan C

With layoffs spreading like wildfire, it seems necessary to have a plan B. But the numbers of people struggling to find work right now because they’ve been let go or have just graduated or who’ve lost their retirement incomes are proving that a plan B is not enough. That’s why I’ve been thinking about my plan C.

Plan B of course would be to find another job, but if that doesn’t pan out then I’ll need a plan C. So I’ve considered living in Taiwan for a while teaching English or freelancing, while learning Chinese—one of my life long goals is to be completely fluent in the language. I’ve studied in Taiwan before and really enjoyed it, but I may also consider Singapore, another country I’ve always wanted to visit.

For people who are struggling to find a job right now, I totally understand how they feel. I’ve gone through the agonizing search for a job where you do everything you’re supposed to—send cover letters, resumes and follow up. I even provided a self-addressed, stamped envelope and survey in the hopes of getting a response. I did get them, but often not what I wanted to hear. Some resulted in informational interviews—one of which led me to a temp job, but not at all what I had set out to find. The economy then was also not as bad as it is now. At the time I was living with my parents so I didn’t have to worry about paying rent and bills. Now I don’t have that luxury or time to wait half a year or more to find another job.

Plan C would require a complete change in lifestyle, but so would plan B if it took a long time to find another job and maybe one at a lower salary. I don’t mind having to give up the comforts I’m used to because I’d rather be doing something useful than feeling useless and defeated getting no where with a job search. Plus I’ve gone through the experience of a big change in my life a few times already and I like the adventure.

I feel fortunate that I can even consider a plan C because I don’t have a family with kids, which would make such a move difficult to consider. The other benefit I see in plan C is not only will I be able to accomplish a life long goal of being fluent in Chinese, but it’ll be a good skill to have in this globalized economy. Once the job market picks up again, I’ll have more options either at home or abroad.

If all else fails, then I guess it’ll have to be plan D—move to India and find work as a low-wage, high-skilled laborer—thanks for the suggestion Mom!