Individual lives echo the global economic crisis

By Nie Ligao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-04-11 21:44

Nowadays, news on the global crisis is ubiquitous. For some, the news affects them little, while others go on with their daily lives. The following are the stories that these common people are affected by this uncommon global crisis.

Pack your bag, leave the crisis behind

Mark Gao, chief editor, recruitment, Beijing

I am a fan of Prison Break, but never imagined I would be in the same position as they [the characters on the show] are in.

At the last month of 2008, the reorganization campaign befell, my third year as an editor. Several departments were totally cut, and half of the personnel in my department were ordered to be reduced.

Tensions lingered at every corner of the company, becoming a virtual prison which everyone wanted to escape from. However, I am not the prodigy Michael Scofield, thus insomnia and a bad temper found me during that period.

I realized that I had to adjust myself. Easing pressure is the first step. Chatting with friends and taking part in sports are another two ways. But most important for me, it's going on a trip. And that's why I spent one week in warm and sunny Hainan province during the Chinese Spring Festival.

My shrinking salary has made me a good cook--that's one of my achievements from this economic snowstorm, because I don't eat out as often. Also, other ordinary spending is tightened and my car purchase plan went bust.

I learned that we should adjust ourselves first when we face setbacks. Because like the famous movie character Forrest Gump says: "You got to put your past behind you before you can move on."

Save for a rainy day

Jack Chang, vice manager, shoes export, Dongguan, Guangdong province

As early as the second half of 2007, Things seem changed overnight, thousands of export plants like ours went bankrupt and people like me lost their jobs here in Dongguan, a hub of the Chinese export-oriented industry.

At the first half of 2008, surprisingly we had a leap in orders relying on our new products. In September of 2008, trend turned around and orders started decreasing.

Our optimism was hit for the first time. Five months later, no survival hope remained as no new orders were received while old clients were on the brink of bankruptcy. We were stuck in the dilemma.

And therefore, one in three blue-collar workers were cut and one of the three product lines was switched off at the end of 2008. A new round of large-scale staff axing is scheduled at the end of this April. The wage is set to be cut down. Until now my bonus for 2008 is still in the air. And I don't know what will happen to me next

Two lessons for me: first, I should widen my global horizon and not just bury my head in specific chores, especially in this export industry. Second, I should improve myself as a compound talent, for example taking some MBA courses so I can be in a better competitive position one day.

Nothing to lose, nothing to gain

Chen Junjie, sales manager, education & training, Beijing

I worked as a salesperson in the property industry before I come into the training and education field for three years. The global economic crisis adds insult to the Chinese property industry's injury.

At the same time more people come back to get trained again at this crucial time. That's the reason that I come across a job that allows me to fulfill my wishes. So to some extent, the depression devil brings me good luck.

Inevitably due to the crisis, I get paid less than before, but I think I find the career I have been looking for to materialize my personal contributions to society. It's my dream to be an entrepreneur who creates jobs and pays taxes for the country. Now my job allows me to help entrepreneurs to do their job better, and in turn, I learn how to be a character like them from my daily work.

As the old saying goes, 'what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts'. I think lots of people will also experience what I have gone through.

Please feel free to write us about your own story in this unprecedented crisis or leave comments below. Let people share your experiences and lessons.

E-mail to: nieligao@chinadaily.com.cn