The coronavirus pandemic has caused the unemployment rate to reach an all-time high since the Great Depression. Companies are starting to lay off workers, businesses are filing bankruptcy, and the stock market is taking a blow. All these signs point towards one thing: there's another recession heading our way.
Like most jobs, web developers have their fair share of ups and downs. But of course, nobody wants to stay down below forever. Here's how you can survive as a web developer during a recession.
Learn to manage your time and money efficiently
If you're starting to run out of cash, it's time to focus on being efficient.
If you're an employee, time wasted means poor output, which leads to your value losing its luster to your employer. If you're working as a consultant, inefficiency means fewer clients and, therefore, less income.
So you see, if you're efficient with time and energy, the more likely you can save for the rainy days. Try using an accounting tool if you're having a hard time managing your budget and expenses. You can also use a time tracker to keep a record of the hours you spend working on a daily basis.
Widen your skillset
Most of the time, it's best to be a specialist than a generalist, especially if you're a web developer. If you're more adept at something than most professionals, your value is doubled, and your income will see a boost.
But while focusing on a particular skill, do not forget everything you've learned either. Understand that a lot of businesses have to rely on team members these days, the kind of people who can act as jacks of all trades. This means that the more you're diversified, the more valuable you become during a recession.
Establish your presence
Most web developers are not keen on attending meetings. But in a time like this, it's best to attend a lot of meetings and make yourself available to bosses, so they know you're active and available.
A lot of us work from home now, so we feel pretty invisible most of the time. But that doesn't mean you can't participate or engage. You can turn off your invisibility cloak by simply showing up on Slack or in Zoom meetings.
You should tattoo yourself in the minds of those who might need your expertise -- you never know when someone might need your skillset. When the time comes, make sure you're at the top of their list.
